Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM)

Adopted by the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) on 6 February 2006 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) is a policy framework to foster the sound management of chemicals.

SAICM was developed by a multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral Preparatory Committee and supports the achievement of the goal agreed at the 2002 Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development of ensuring that, by the year 2020, chemicals are produced and used in ways that minimize significant adverse impacts on the environment and human health. More

In line with the synergies omnibus decisions taken in 2013, the Secretariat is taking steps to enhance cooperation and coordination with SAICM to contribute to meeting the 2020 goal on the sound management of chemicals throughout their lifecycle; and of hazardous wastes.

Areas of cooperation between the Secretariat and SAICM are, among others:
  • The emerging issues identified by ICCM. The Secretariat provides inputs, as appropriate, on the emerging issues related to the lifecycle of electrical and electronic products, chemicals in products, and perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) and the transition to safer alternatives;
  • Other issues, e.g. technical assistance/capacity-building and clearing-house mechanism.

Other areas of collaboration with SAICM can be found on the Synergies website.