European Observatory for Nanomaterials

Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) is a policy framework to promote sound chemical management at a global level. It is closely linked to the goals agreed by the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg in 2002.

One of these goals addresses chemicals directly. It states: ‘by 2020, all chemicals should be produced and used in a manner that significantly reduces their negative impact on humans and the environment’.

Under SAICM, an agreement has been reached on a ’Global Plan of Action’ to provide a strategy to meet the WSSD goals. This plan also contains actions on nanomaterials as well as, for example, lead in paint, endocrine disruptors and pesticides.

Nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials have been identified by SAICM as an emerging policy issue.