Global Framework on Chemicals

The Global Framework on Chemicals, adopted by the 5th International Conference on Chemicals Management in Bonn in 2023, provides a vision for a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste, for a safe, healthy and sustainable future – where industry and private sectors are strategic actors to foster innovation, move towards sustainable business models and drive change. The framework instrument replaced the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) adopted by the First International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM1) on 6 February 2006 in Dubai.

The new Global Framework on Chemicals, adopted by the 5th International Conference on Chemicals Management in Bonn in 2023, provides a vision for a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste, for a safe, healthy and sustainable future – where industry and private sectors are strategic actors to foster innovation, move towards sustainable business models and drive change. It is backed up by a High-Level Declaration that provides the political drive for its fast implementation and reminds stakeholders commitment to actively promote and support transitions to circular economies.

The Global Framework presents a comprehensive plan with 5 strategic objectives and 28 targets to guide countries and stakeholders in jointly addressing the lifecycle of chemicals, including products and waste. It is multi-stakeholder and multisectoral in nature and it encompasses the involvement of relevant stakeholders across the life cycle of chemicals at the local, national, regional, and global levels. It emphasizes the collaboration of governments, international technical agencies, civil society, and the private sector in areas such as phasing out harmful chemicals, enhancing capacity building, and establishing better connections across various sectors like health, safety, trade, agriculture, energy, and transport.

The Global Framework advocates for preventing the illegal trade of chemicals and waste, implementing national legal frameworks, and discontinuing highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) in agriculture by 2035. It also encourages the transition to safer chemical alternatives, responsible management in sectors like industry, agriculture, and healthcare, and improved transparency and access to information about chemicals and associated risks.
ICCM5 introduced a Global Alliance on Highly Hazardous Pesticides and initiated a process to create implementation programs for the new Framework. These programs aim to establish sector-focused initiatives involving major users of chemicals, including the textile and construction sectors.