In the face of rapid globalization and demand for products, increased trade, expansion of manufacturing into Developing Countries and Countries with Economies in Transition (CEIT), new chemicals, uses, or products, along with an increased awareness of real or potential negative impacts of chemicals, the last two decades has also seen the rapid implementation of a number of regional and international agreements regarding chemicals management, which have focused concerns on the need for a globally effective and sustainable chemicals management process. One particular chemicals management response of note, is the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), which pays particular attention to chemicals, products, uses, releases, or wastes that are currently not under consideration or taken up by existing Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). Apart from the potential of human health and environmental effects from chemicals, other aspects such as increased transboundary movement of chemicals through trade or environmental release have also come to the fore. As various MEAs wade in to manage and regulate some discreet categories of chemical, there are increased concerns and awareness about those that are not covered, or only partially covered or recognized by regulation. These are commonly and collectively termed Emerging Chemical Management Issues (ECMIs). This document seeks to attempt definition of the ECMI, and to identify, evaluate and prioritize ECMIs in relation to the likely chemical management needs of Developing Countries and CEIT. In doing so, it is hoped that it will help with the allocation of additional resources and support from the GEF within its mandate to anticipate, prevent, reduce and/or minimize adverse impacts of chemicals on human health and the environment.
