The Nordic region aspires to be the most integrated and sustainable region in the world by 2030 (Nordic Vision 2030). Co-operation in the chemicals sector among Nordic authorities has enabled the Nordic region to influence the development of chemicals regulations in Europe and globally towards safer and more sustainable management. NKE-funded work and projects have contributed to the goals and priorities of Nordic co-operation by promoting chemical safety, generating new knowledge on existing and emerging hazards, and minimising risks from use of hazardous chemicals through continuous development of chemical regulation under several chemical legislations.
Even though the programme for co-operation 2019–2024 is coming to an end, these goals remain relevant. The progress and processes to improve chemical safety are slow and new hazards emerge as we learn more about the chemicals already in use. Therefore, the work for improved chemicals management and chemical safety must continue. New initiatives from the EU (especially the EU Green Deal and the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability) and initiatives in the global arena (especially the Global Framework on Chemicals) require close Nordic co-operation also in the future. The initiatives such as the REACH PFAS-restriction under development, the upcoming REACH revision, the new hazard classes in the CLP regulation, including new criteria for endocrine disrupting chemicals as well as initiatives on test method development require ongoing Nordic effort and attention.
The paradigm shift in chemicals safety- and risk assessment and the development of new approach methodologies, eventually replacing traditional animal tests, creates a need for a parallel shift and development of the chemical regulations. The new paradigm must reflect the increasing knowledge of intertwined challenges from chemicals pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss. These complex challenges need integrated and cross-sectional co-operation to develop solutions and best practices. The upcoming UNEA Science-Policy Panel for chemical pollution and waste as well as the EU wide initiative One Substance One Assessment urge to view the use and management of chemicals in a holistic manner. Nordic co-operation has the potential to continue being a driving force for ambition in future chemical safety.