The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) global initiative on High Production Volume (HPV) chemicals seeks to demonstrate to regulators and the general public that risk assessments for its products can and will be carried out in a timely manner.
With this commitment, the chemical industry has agreed to provide intrinsic hazard data and initial hazard assessments for approximately 1000 HPV substances by the end of 2004. This information, captured in the so-called Screening Initial Data Set Dossier (SIDS Dossier - Glossary), SIDS Initial Assessment Report (SIAR - Glossary) and SIDS Initial Assessment Profile (SIAP - Glossary), will be submitted to the OECD as part of its refocused HPV Chemicals Programme. The cost of generating data and the work to draft the assessments is shared, whenever possible, by ICCA member companies in international consortia.
Within Europe, concern regarding the potential risks of chemicals has been a policy priority since the late 1980s. In 1993 the EU adopted Council Regulation (EEC) 793/93 or the Existing Substances Regulation, thereby introducing a comprehensive framework for the evaluation and control of "existing" chemical substances. The Regulation was intended to complement the already existing rules governed by Council Directive 67/548/EEC for "new" chemical substances. But this product evaluation process turned out to be complex and slower than anticipated. Therefore, ICCA has initiated a faster track, broad project to accelerate the process.
The main features and benefits of the ICCA HPV Chemicals Initiative are:
Voluntary action on a global basis by the chemical industry to speed up an otherwise slow process under existing programmes with a clear target date.
Globally harmonised, internationally agreed data sets and initial hazard assessments under the refocused HPV Chemicals Programme of the OECD.
Eliminate duplication of efforts.
Restore public confidence in chemicals and foster the reputation of the chemical industry on a global basis.
Produce a sound scientific basis for any global, regional and/or national risk assessment, subsequent voluntary industry action or legislation.
Minimise the cost for industry and reduce the number of animals for testing.
