International activities related to chemicals
The chemicals industry is truly globalised. European companies sell a large share of their production on the international markets and they have invested and created subsidiaries in a number of countries outside the EU.
They also buy most of the raw materials they need, such as oil, gas and renewable materials, from abroad. For these reasons it is necessary to ensure free trade on international markets, fair competition, access to raw material at world prices and adequate logistics.
Global markets mean also global competitors and the industry faces unprecedented challenges from fast growing countries, such as China and India: this is a great market opportunity, but also a serious challenge.
DG Enterprise follows some of the international activities related to chemical safety and trade:
- Global Harmonisation of Chemical Classification and Labelling Systems (GHS)
- Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
- International Rubber Study Group (IRSG)
- Tariffs and non-tariff barriers
For other topics related to chemical safety, refer to the European Commission Internet site, DG Environment.
