In partnership for global chemical safety

A unique, over-arching mechanism to develop and promote strategies and partnerships among national governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

IFCS provides an open, transparent and inclusive forum for discussing issues of common interest and also new and emerging issues in the area of sound management of chemicals. IFCS plays a unique multi-faceted role as a flexible, open and transparent brainstorming and bridge-building forum for Governments, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations including from the private sector. This role has facilitated consensus building on issues and actions addressing the sound management of chemicals. By its efforts it contributes to the implementation of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) and the work of other chemicals-related international organizations and institutions.

Purpose

  • Provide policy guidance
  • Develop strategies in a coordinated and integrated manner
  • Foster understanding of issues
  • Promote the required policy support

Chemical safety is the prevention of the adverse effects, both short- and long-term, to humans and the environment from the production, storage, transportation, use and disposal of chemicals.

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FORUM VI

The Sixth Session of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety will be held from Monday 15 to Friday 19 September 2008 hosted by the Government of Senegal in Dakar

FORUM V

The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (Forum V) was hosted by the Government of Hungary from 25 - 29 September 2006.







Bahia Declaration
Bahia Declaration

Bahia Declaration

The Bahia Declaration, adopted by acclamation, is a statement reaffirming IFCS participants commitment to the Rio Declaration and to strengthen efforts and build partnerships to accomplish specific targets during the next decade. The Declaration recognizes the importance of providing technical and financial assistance and technology transfer to enable accomplishment of IFCS priorities and recommits to challenges set out in Chapter 19, Agenda 21.

Priorities for Action Beyond 2000
Priorities for Action Beyond 2000

Priorities for Action Beyond 2000

realistic measurable targets set for defined time-frames
The Priorities are targeted at governments, international organizations and other stakeholders. Emphasis is on the efficient coordination of endeavours by all sectors, the participation of employers and workers, and the strengthening of the community "right to know".

Other sections


Future of IFCS

Proposal to integrate IFCS into ICCM as an advisory body

Post Forum VI

Dakar, Senegal

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Past Events

More information

Forum V, Budapest, Hungary, from 25 to 29 September 2006

Case Studies and Tools:

  • Substitution and Alternatives
    A list of case studies, examples and tools prepared by the FSC Working Group, intended to provide information and guidance on risk reduction

MEDIA CORNER

IFCS Information Circulars

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IFCS videos

Access video

Chemical Safety in a Vulnerable World.
IFCS Forum IV video

Children and POPs

- Protecting our most precious resources.
Documentary in Spanish with subtitles in English

LINKS OF INTEREST

Chemicals Management Officials in National Governments

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Strategic Aproach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM)

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Indicator of Progress: National Focal Point Annual Survey

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IFCS Award of Merit

Awards of Merit

The prize recognizes a person/organzation for outstanding contributions to activities in chemical safety.

Special Recognition Awards

Recognizes those contributing in an exceptional way on a special chemical topic or activity more information