In spring 1997, a regional workshop on chemicals control was held in Tallinn. Capacity Building with regard to the implementation of classification and labelling requirements and developing a strategy on how to obtain information on chemicals on the national market were identified as a priority need in the Baltic States. The project started in August 1998 and was finalised in February 2000. It was meant to develop skills of experts in trade, industry, customs and governmental authorities to implement EC requirements for classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals and to identify a strategy how to establish an information basis on types, volumes and use patterns of chemicals on national markets. The project was sponsored by Swedish KEMI, Finnish Ministry of the Environment as well as Nordic Council of Ministers.
Chemicals control is an issue that has raised more attention in recent years.
The observed vital discussion needs of all stakeholders result in many participants at the BEF events. The BEF s workshops on Chemical issues were very popular and got a good feedback. Chemicals Control is a policy field that does traditionally not belong to the environmental administration in the Baltic States, but responsibilities are divided between relevant authorities or interest groups. This makes the core stakeholders group to be involved in the legislation development quite large and diverse. Their co-operation needs improvement to avoid overlapping on one side and gaps on the other side.