Given that the use of chemicals is crucial in all spheres of human activity; with a view to govern chemical and hazardous waste management and handling in the country, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate (“Ministry”) has published a Handbook on Chemicals and Hazardous Waste Management and Handling in India (“Handbook”).
The Handbook provides a broad overview of the legislative and regulatory framework governing the chemical sector in India and has been designed as a ready reckoner for stakeholders working in the field of chemicals and hazardous waste while outlining the core objectives of the different Acts, Rules and Regulations that regulate different aspects of chemicals and hazardous waste.
Key Highlights:
The Handbook provides:
• detailed analysis of the Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, the Hazardous and Other Waste (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016, the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 and the Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001;
• an overview of chemicals and delineates the physical, chemical and hazardous properties of chemical substances and hazardous waste, which aids in their identification;
• insights on the interventions of the international and regional organisation in the field of chemical and hazardous waste management;
• a brief summary of five international instruments on chemical and hazardous waste, namely the Basel Convention on the on the Control of Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their disposal;
• an overview of chemical sector in India along with regulatory framework governing production and consumption of major chemicals, chemical waste disposal and treatment facilities;
• a summary of law on emergency, remedial and penal action in relation to hazards caused by chemicals and hazardous waste.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
