The Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC)

ICCA is a long-standing contributor to global chemicals governance and actively supports the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC). The GFC provides a shared platform for advancing the sound management of chemicals across their lifecycle. Adopted in 2023 by the fifth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5), the GFC is a voluntary multisectoral and multistakeholder framework that brings together governments, industry, international organisations and civil society.

The Framework provides a vision for a ‘Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste’, supported by five strategic objectives and 28 timebound targets to guide action by stakeholders, such as governments and industry, while also measuring progress toward 2030.

ICCA is actively engaged in GFC implementation, demonstrating the chemical industry’s commitment to science‑ and risk‑based approaches and to delivering tangible progress, including in countries with limited regulatory or institutional capacity.

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How does ICCA support the Global Framework on Chemicals?

ICCA’s engagement is anchored in three ambitions: transparency, capacity building and sustainability, which align directly with Framework’s objectives and reflect the global chemical industry’s commitment to science‑ and risk‑based approaches. Through the GFC, as well as its other initiatives like Responsible Care® (include anchor to RC section) and the Long-range Research Initiative (LRI) (include anchor to LRI subsection), ICCA demonstrates industry leadership and supports global progress toward safer, more sustainable chemicals management.

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Transparency ambition: By 2030 we have provided access to available data on the safety and sustainability of our products  

ICCA works to strengthen transparency and trust by improving how chemical safety information is generated, shared, and used. This includes reviewing the role of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) as a core tool for communicating risk‑based information about chemical products and contributing to the GFC intersessional work on transparency and traceability (IP2).  

These efforts are closely linked to Responsible Care® and the 30×30 capacity‑building ambition and are complemented by practical initiatives such as the ICCA’s Plastics Additives Database. The Additives Database, a comprehensive platform containing data on plastic-related chemicals, will leverage the extensive information and resources from existing regulatory frameworks, bolster that material with data from additives manufacturers, and publicly share the contents in a user-friendly format.  

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Capacity building ambition: By 2030 we have supported 30 countries in their implementation of effective chemical management systems

Building on its long-standing capacity building activities, ICCA is contributing to the development and implementation of effective chemical management systems in developing economies. 

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Supporting the implementation the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) in four African countries 

Prior to the GFC adoption, ICCA had been supporting capacity-building activities contributing to the implementation of systems for the sound management of chemicals. The GHS is a UN-led initiative aiming at harmonizing the classification, labeling, and communication of chemical hazards worldwide.  

Through a pilot project co-financed by the European Commission and ICCA, GHS implementation is supported in four African countries – Kenya, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria – helping to improve the management of chemicals and improve access to hazard and toxicity information during the handling, transport and use of chemicals.  

ICCA has a history of supporting regulatory cooperation and capacity‑building programmes, including through the Latin America Regulatory Cooperation Forum (LARCF) and the ASEAN Regulatory Cooperation Project (ARCP), as well as through Responsible Care®. ICCA supports governments and local industry partners to develop legislation, strengthen institutional capacity, and enhance technical capabilities on the ground. Read more about ICCA’s capacity building activities. 

Contributions to the GFC Fund 

ICCA supports the GFC Fund to deliver practical, country led projects that advance GFC objectives and achieve measurable progress. ICCA has so far donated €1.5 million to the Fund, making it the only non-governmental contributor to date and the second largest donor overall. 

To further support GFC implementation, ICCA has launched the 30 x 30 initiative, a global commitment to help 30 countries establish effective chemical management systems by 2030. The 30 x 30 initiative provides targeted support to governments in collaboration with local industry associations and intergovernmental organizations. To find out more about the funding opportunities, please contact the ICCA 30 x 30 project team. 

Sustainability: By 2030 we will guide product portfolios, including processes, toward sustainable solutions 

The Responsible Care Global Charter outlines this unified commitment. CEOs from nearly 700 global chemical manufacturing companies.

ICCA’s Responsible Care Leadership Group (RCLG) oversees the global Responsible Care initiative and includes representatives from national associations and chemical manufacturing companies around the world.

Responsible Care is a global initiative, and national chemical associations work with member companies to implement the program in their respective regions. The RCLG has developed a set of implementation milestones for national associations to track progress. Based on the Eight Fundamental Features of Responsible Care, these implementation milestones are intended to guide national associations as they work to build and grow Responsible Care in their region.

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ICCA’s collaboration with intergovernmental organisations on chemicals management

ICCA works closely with intergovernmental organisations to strengthen global chemicals management and implement science- and risk-based policies worldwide. This includes partnerships such as a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and cooperation with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). 

Through these collaborations, ICCA contributes with scientific expertise, promotes capacity-building and supports the development of harmonised, risk and science-based approaches that protect people and the environment while enabling innovation and sustainable growth in the global chemical sector. 

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