• India has proposed a new chemical policy that would create a REACH-style law governing the use of chemicals. The proposed policy would also consolidate existing laws regulation chemical manufacturing and use and create a National Chemical Center to implement. The Draft National Chemical Policy contains provisions relating to registration of substances, preparation of a chemical inventory, chemical restrictions and classifications, creation of technology and innovation funds, and the promotion of sustainability and green chemistry. The draft policy can be found at http://chemicals.nic.in/DNCP_2012.pdf.
  • Taiwan is reopening its inventory of existing chemicals for three months, beginning on June 1. From 1993 through 2010, nearly 65,000 substances were included on Taiwan’s inventory, which reflects chemicals that can be manufactured, imported, handled, used or sold in Taiwan. Information submitted during the three month window will be reviewed before being officially added to Taiwan’s inventory.  
  • Japan has recently amended legislation to more closely harmonize its safety data sheet regulations for toxic chemicals with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. This change will result in increased disclosure of toxicity information, response procedures and measures to prevent exposure.