The Russian system of chemicals management - Bef-de.org

MPC is assigned, but the substance is not registered and/or no human health related
MPC assigned. Hopefully the situation is improved in the near future as the methodology
to set the fishery water MPC, including its test methods, was legally (re-)enforced in
September 2009.
It is worthwhile to mention that if test results and product assessments indicate high
risks, a temporary registration for two years is given and manufacturing or use of the
substance is not prohibited, unless competent institutions have refused to assign MPCs.
For extremely hazardous substances, belonging to hormones, cytostatic substances,
allergens, and certain groups of antibiotics, for which discharge to water bodies is prohibited,
also no MPC is established. The issue could be considered as a basis to ban
substances regarded as too dangerous for the Russian market. But this decision is not
formalised and depends on the opinion of the assessor of the substance.
If there is economic pressure to use the substance, it is assessed if it is possible to assign
MPC by express methods or to assign a temporary norm.
Regarding classification, the current situation is quite complicated — each legal framework
related to certain aspects of chemicals management has its own classification system
of chemicals, i.e. no common classification system and respective criteria currently
exist in Russia. The GHS classification system for substances and mixtures will come
into force 24 months after the official publication of the new ‘technical reglament’, i.e. as
currently expected, not earlier than 2nd half of 2012.
In 2007, the national standard GOST 31340-2007 was adopted, which enforced common
product labelling according to the GHS system as of 1 January, 2009
The requirement to provide a safety passport (i.e safety data sheet) for chemical products
has been in place since 1993 in the Russian Federation. Since 1 January, .2009 the
content of SDS provided in Russia should be in full accordance with GHS and REACH.
Before producers or importers distribute an SDS, it shall be registered by the competent
organization. It is intended by the adoption of the new ‘technical reglament’ that the SDS
will be used as a basis for notification of chemical products actually handled in the Russian
Federation.
Regarding prioritization of substances according to the hazardous properties and amount
released, it is not defined in the legislation. There are some regional attempts to establish
priority lists.
In general, the legal framework applied in the Russian Federation is not setting priorities
according to amounts released. Due to missing legislative demands and the historical
background, where chemicals safety equals protection of human health only, there is a
lack of awareness among professional stakeholders and the public regarding hazardous
substances for the aquatic environment.
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