Chemicals Act (2015)

The Act regulates chemicals, hazardous chemicals and products containing chemicals, and sets out the scope of application and definitions related to the handling of chemicals. It establishes the rules governing activities such as manufacture, processing, packaging, storage, transport and making available of chemicals, and determines the applicability of related legislation where relevant.
The Act provides for the determination of the hazardousness of chemicals based on their intrinsic properties and lays down requirements for the conduct of studies concerning their effects on health and the environment. It regulates the application of good laboratory practices, including requirements for the functioning, assessment and certification of laboratories and the responsibilities of the authority supervising compliance.
The Act sets conditions for the handling of chemicals, including requirements to ensure safe handling, maintain records of hazardous chemicals and notify competent authorities of accidents. It regulates the placing of certain products on the market and establishes restrictions and specific requirements for substances, including explosives precursors, ammonium nitrate and gaseous fuels.
The Act lays down rules applicable to dangerous enterprises and enterprises with a major hazard, including requirements concerning risk analyses, safety documentation, emergency plans and authorisation procedures. It defines the roles and functions of competent authorities, provides for state supervision over compliance with the Act and establishes liability and penalties for violations of its provisions.