China Chamber of Commerce to open a chemical bureau in Helsinki

After coming into force in June, the REACH regulatory framework has already had a major impact on enterprises that import chemicals to EU member states. This is why CCCMC – China Chamber of Commerce of Metals Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters – has decided to open a representative office in Helsinki, Finland in January 2008.

“The European Union’s REACH regulation has a significant impact on Chinese enterprises. It is extremely important for us to keep a close eye on how the requirements on chemicals evolve and how the registration of chemicals progresses and therefore to ensure that Chinese enterprises have a future on the European market. We need a centralised EU representative to drive the interests of the entire industrial sector in Europe. It is only natural that we chose to set up our representation in the same city as where the European Chemical Agency is situated – to be as close as possible to where the decisions are made. Helsinki is also an excellent choice for its infrastructure and pull,” says Madame Li, Vice Chairperson of CCCMC.

“Now that the REACH regulation is in force, organisations such as industrial enterprises and national authorities are being encouraged to join forces and form unions to share information on testing and using different chemicals, and also to minimise costs. Being the first organisation from outside the EU to set up a branch for this purpose, CCCMC’s fast reaction speaks volumes of China’s commitment to the objectives of the REACH process and promoting chemical safety”, says Riku Rinta-Jouppi, Programme Manager at Helsinki REACH Centre.

GreaterHelsinkias the Chemical Capital ofEurope

The European Chemical Agency was set up in Helsinki in June 2007, when the REACH regulation took effect. As a result, Helsinki and the whole of Finland’s capital region have begun to evolve into an important meeting place for chemical organisations in Europe. The new branch of CCCMC strengthens this development.

Helsinki REACH Centre (HRC) is a project launched with the aim of promoting the networking of organisations governed by the REACH regulation and providers of REACH-related services. The goal is to attract organisations from outside the EU to Helsinki and to help the enterprises that they represent to meet the REACH obligations. HRC was founded in the autumn of 2006 through the collaboration of industrial organisations, research institutions, service providers and representatives of government agencies.

“In just one year, HRC has already managed to bring established and up-and-coming REACH organisations together. We are celebrating our 1st anniversary by launching a web portal which will hopefully serve as a forum for organisations involved in importing chemicals”, says Riku Rinta-Jouppi from HRC.

For more information, please contact:

Riku Rinta-Jouppi, Programme Manager

Helsinki REACH Centre

tel: +358 (0)40 534 7514

HelsinkiREACH Centre

Helsinki REACH Centre (HRC) is a project launched with the aim of promoting the networking of organisations governed by the REACH regulation and providers of REACH-related services. The goal is to entice organisations from outside the EU to set up in Helsinki and to help the enterprises that they represent to meet their REACH obligations. HRC was founded in the autumn of 2006 through the collaboration of industrial organisations, research institutions, service providers and representatives of government agencies. HRC is due to organise an international conference called the Helsinki International Congress on Chemical Safety to address the responsibilities of importers regarding REACH in May 2008. www.helsinkireachcentre.eu

CCCMC

China Chamber of Commerce of Metals Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (CCCMC) represents the interests of over 4,000 Chinese enterprises operating in the metal, mineral and chemical sectors. The organisation was founded in 1988 and its services include advice, guidance and help with customs declarations. CCCMC also organises seminars and publishes various trade publications. www.cccmc.org.cn

REACH

The European Union’s REACH regulation stipulates the adoption of a harmonised practice for the registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals. Manufacturers and importers operating within the EU are now obliged to assess the risks associated with their chemicals. The goal is to emphasise and promote the safe use of chemicals and to formulate a thorough authorisation practice for the most dangerous substances.

European Chemical Agency

The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) governs the use of chemicals within the EU. The agency keeps a database of chemical use according to reports submitted by industrial enterprises and inspected by the agency. The agency is responsible for assessing substances that can potentially cause damage to health and the environment together with the national authorities of EU member states. It also acts as an expert in charge of prohibiting or restricting the use of chemicals and governing the permit procedure associated with the most dangerous substances. The European Chemical Agency also produces instructions for the member states and strives to ensure the consistency of assessments.