Jana Zoriry – EMTV Online
The National Department of Health (NHOD) has call for tougher chemical requirements on chemical imports.
NDOH’s Manager for Conservation and Health, Joel Kolam has called for tougher laws on chemical imports to improve regulatory management and safe use of chemical products by authorised government and industry representatives in Papua New Guinea.
“PNG needs to be strict because most chemicals coming into the country are not properly managed and used.
“We need to tighten up on our laws and policies to manage this issue,” says Mr Kolam.
Speaking during the recent APEC Chemical Dialogue (CD) Forum, Mr Kolam also highlighted the need for PNG to build capacity to facilitate the adoption of best practices for chemical regulation with guidelines in improving safety and environment protection.
The Chemical Dialogue serves as a forum for regulatory officials and industry representatives to find solutions to challenges faced by chemical industries in the Asia-Pacific Region.
The Forum’s focus was on the 2018/2019 Work Plan with the following objectives;
- Facilitation of Risk Reduction and Management of Chemicals across the APEC Region, as part of APEC’s contribution to the United Nation’s (UN) Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM);
- Dissemination of Information and Knowledge on Chemicals Management in the APEC Region;
- Increasing Direct involvement of Regulators;
- Bridge Principles and Practice – via sharing of tools and experience with best practices;
- Plan Opportunities for Collaboration to Address Common Concerns; and
- Discuss the Relationship between Chemicals Management and Competitiveness (including for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises – MSMEs), with a view to facilitate trade while protecting Human Health and Environment.
Source: APEC News Release
Image: Source
