Chemicals Act (No. 744 of 1989).

The Act aims at prevention of harm to man and the environment caused by chemicals. “Chemicals” are defined in section 10 as “chemical element compounds as they occur naturally or as produced industrially (substances) and mixtures of two or more substances”. The Act provides rules relative to security in manufacture, importation, storage, distribution, etc. of chemicals but it does not apply to transport of chemicals by road, air, sea or mail and transit of chemicals through Finland (sect. 2). Section 3 defines the relation to other legislation such as the Water Act, Air Pollution Control Act, the Waste Management Act and the Prevention of Marine Pollution Act. Sections 4 to 8 appoint central and local Supervisory Authorities. Section 11 defines dangerous chemicals. Sections 15 to 19 outline general duties of any party that produces or handles chemicals. Sections 20 to 24 concern notification of a new substance to be placed on the market. Sections 25 to 30 provide for advance approval of chemical preservatives for wood and water. Sections 31 to 42 provide rules for the industrial handling of dangerous chemicals. Section 33a provides for an EIA to be presented. Sections 43 to 46 contain prohibitions and restrictions relative to handling of chemicals. Remaining provisions of this Act concern supervision, enforcement measures and procedures, testing and prescribe offences and penalties. A Chemicals Register shall be kept in accordance with section 58. (70 sections divided into 13 Chapters)