In response to new European Union (EU) regulations on chemicals
which may take effect in 2007 China launched a website on
Thursday.
The website, reach.tbt-sps.gov.cn, was opened by the State
Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine
and was designed to provide first-hand information to enterprises
and offer them consultations and services, said an official with
the body.
The administration was also making efforts to discuss and
consult with the EU regarding the so-called REACH regulation
(registration, evaluation and authorization of chemicals) which
would oblige companies to register all chemicals they use, provide
information about them and identify any potential hazards.
The European Parliament on Tuesday started the final phase of
approving the controversial new rules after three years of heated
debate.
The regulations are designed to protect the public from the
adverse effects of chemicals found in a wide range of products such
as paint, detergents, cars and computers.
(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2006)