The Vietnamese government has published the final version of its biocides decree, which will introduce new requirements for labelling, packaging, product registration, storage and transport of disinfectants and insecticides.
The decree, Management of Chemicals and Preparations Intended as Household Insecticides and Disinfectants, takes effect on 1 July 2018.
The final version differs from the draft in several ways. It no longer includes labelling rules, according to the UN's Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of classification and labelling of chemicals. Instead, labels must include general information on the product, such as name, composition and function, as well as:
- instructions for storage;
- warning statements regarding harmful effect to human health and the environment;
- first-aid instructions when in direct contact with the product;
- name and address of the registrant; and
- the product's registration number.
Products must be registered with Vietnam's Ministry of Health (MoH) if they contain active ingredients that are manufactured in, or imported into, Vietnam for the first time. By contrast, the draft version had covered all product substances in the registration requirements.
Biocide importers can register their products themselves, or assign a Vietnamese representative to do so.
Registrations must include any available data obtained from international entities, and copies of testing results submitted to other jurisdictions.
Formulation changes also need to be notified. And products licensed under a previous legal framework can be put forward for a registration renewal, when their licences run out.
The decree bans the use of biocidal actives that are:
- classified as category 1A or 1B under the World Health Organization's recommended classification of pesticides by hazard;
- classified as category I or II in accordance with the GHS; or
- on the list of prohibited active ingredients issued by the MoH.
Consultancy 3E advised companies that manufacture or import biocides products to keep an eye out for any further amendments to the decree. The MoH, or the Ministry of Industry and Technology, may also issue guidance on how to comply with the law, 3E told CW+BiocidesHub.
Law to take effect from 1 July 2018
Source : https://chemicalwatch.com
Key words : Vietnam, issues, final version, of biocides decree.
