Any US-based company
wanting to do business in Europe that desires to be successful needs to
understand the ways in which the European Union regulates substances within its
jurisdiction.
Unlike the US, the evaluation of chemical substances is largely managed by
non-governmental organizations hence both government and non-government entities
are tightly interwoven thus creating the foundation for risk-based regulation
and management of chemicals in Europe. The Sapphire Group, with an office
located in the United Kingdom, easily negotiates the playing field for its
clients providing strong proactive recommendations and guidance.
European Union
The fifteen countries that make up the European Union are governed by a
series of directives, such as:
- Biocidal Products
- Plant Protection Products
- Existing Substances
- New Substances
- Drinking Water
Water Framework
These directives are implemented through the member states in a complex and
comprehensive fashion thus the establishment of a manufacturing plant or
importation of a new product entails an assortment of negotiations to ensure
their safe and satisfactory use.
As professionals, our knowledge and grasp of these substantive processes as
well as the subtleties of the review, evaluation and approval of products and
processes can be vital to obtaining expedient recognition and approval for our
clients’ products.
Non-Governmental Organization
Central to and imperative to understanding the hazards and risks of chemicals
in the environment are organizations including the World Health Organization
(WHO), International Agency for Research on Cancer and the United Nations
Environmental Program. These non-governmental organizations, (NGO’s) provide the
scientific foundation on which risk-based decisions are made and provide the
added value of having consensus due to representation of multiple nationalities.
Our professional have first hand experience with the workings of these
organizations in part because they are often called upon to participate on
committees which review and track the process. This enables The Sapphire Group
the opportunity to obtain pertinent information at the earliest time possible.
