ANSI collaborates to establish chemical regulation network.

Press Release Summary:




The ANSI and NAM have teamed up to establish a new Manufacturers Network on Chemical Regulation to assist companies with compliance and encourage more cooperation within U.S. industry. The network will link manufacturers and trade associations in a range of industries affected by chemical regulations. Its immediate priority is to help companies comply with the EU's new REACH chemical registration program and the various RoHS requirements in the EU, China, and elsewhere.



Original Press Release:



ANSI and NAM Establish Manufacturers Network on Chemical Regulation



New York, September 4, 2007

Responding to business concerns about the impact of REACH and other foreign chemical controls, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) have teamed up to establish a new Manufacturers Network on Chemical Regulation to assist companies with compliance and encourage more cooperation within U.S. industry.

The network emerged from discussions at the recent ANSI conference, Action and Reaction: Developing a sustainable approach to emerging chemical issues, which was held in Baltimore on August 9-10, 2007. Many participants expressed interest in a dedicated forum for goods manufacturers that could address their specific needs and better prepare for future foreign chemical regulation.

The Manufacturers Network will link manufacturers and trade associations in a broad range of industries affected by chemical regulations (e.g., automotive, plastics, aerospace, machinery and consumer products). An immediate priority is to help companies comply with the EU's new REACH chemical registration program and the various Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) requirements in the EU, China, and elsewhere. In the long term, the network will seek to promote the more effective integration of science and technology analysis into new chemical regulations and ensure that these regulations impose as few trade restrictions as possible.

Among other functions, the network will:

Disseminate information on existing and proposed chemical regulations

Identify issues of concern and issues requiring clarification

Share best practices on compliance

Explore training needs and resources

Leverage resources of industry and government in addressing concerns

Where practicable, create common processes and reporting for U.S. supply chain companies to use in complying with chemical regulations

Identify existing and needed standards and compliance programs

Promote migration from a "list based" approach to "risk based" approach to life cycle assessment

Encourage better tactical and strategic use of voluntary standards and compliance programs as solutions to regulatory controls

"ANSI is pleased to be working with NAM to address the impact of chemical controls and regulations on U.S. industry," said Brian Meincke, director of membership development at ANSI. "The new Manufacturers Network builds upon the success of ANSI's monthly teleconferences on chemical issues, and these calls will now incorporate updates on the Network's activities. We look forward to extending these discussions and welcome the participation of new stakeholders."

Companies or organizations affected by REACH and other foreign chemical regulations are strongly urged to join the network. ANSI will serve as the overall network coordinator with NAM support. More information will be provided in the coming weeks.

An experts meeting on REACH implementation will be held on October 17 during the U.S. Celebration of World Standards Week in Washington, DC. For more information about the experts meeting or to join the Manufacturers Network, please contact Brian Meincke (212.642.4940).

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