Exporters - Aims and requirements of the EC Regulation 689/2008
Aims of the EC Regulation 689/2008
- To implement the Rotterdam Convention in the European Union.
- To promote shared responsibility and co-operation in the international trade of dangerous chemicals.
- To protect human health and the environment by providing developing countries with information on how to store, transport, use and dispose of dangerous chemicals safely.
The requirements of the regulation depend on which chemicals you export. You may need to notify your exports to the importing country or notify them and receive their consent for you to export. The chemicals with specific export controls are listed in Annexes I and V of the regulation. Annex V lists chemicals that are subject to export ban (these chemicals cannot be exported unless an exemption applies). Annex I has three parts and chemicals listed in Parts 2 or 3 are also listed in Part 1 (unless they are Part 3 chemicals listed in Annex V).
- All chemicals intended for export must comply with the general export requirements. These include the EU requirements for packaging, labelling and safety data sheet (SDS) provision. Information on the label and SDS shall be given in the principal languages of the destination country as far as is practicable.
- Some chemicals that are banned or severely restricted in the EU are:
- Chemicals that are banned or severely restricted under the Rotterdam Convention for industrial chemical or pesticide use are
- Some chemicals are subject to export ban - these are listed in Annex V.
You should identify which of your exports are subject to which requirements of the regulation.
Guidance on Safety Data Sheets
Rotterdam Convention