Chemical safety and biosafety
The OECD assists countries in developing and implementing policies and instruments that make their systems for managing chemicals as efficient and robust as possible, while protecting human health and the environment.
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Keeping a close watch on chemicals
By collaborating on chemicals testing through a common OECD system and standards, countries are able to better protect citizens, animals and the environment, while saving costs.
Safety of foods and feeds derived from transgenic crops
This volume compiles the composition of four important crops for agriculture and food consumption worldwide: common bean, rice, cowpea and apple.
OECD work on chemical safety and biosafety
This brochure highlights the work undertaken by the OECD in the field of chemicals, nanomaterials, pesticides, biocides, and products of modern biotechnology.
Latest news
Progress report: Catch up on our latest work
Compendium: Common bean, rice, cowpea and apple compositional considerations
Report: Guidance principles for establishing a weight of evidence
Consensus Document on the biology of apple (Malus domestica)
Webinar: video recording on OECD alternatives to in vivo eye irritation testing
Webinar: video recording on finding alternatives to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances of concern
Key areas of work
- Test guidelines
- Good laboratory practices
- Mutual acceptance of data
- Hazard assessment
- Exposure assessment
- Risk management of chemicals
- Safety of manufactured nanomaterials
- Agricultural pesticides
- Biocides
- Chemical accident prevention, preparedness and response
- Pollutant release and transfer register
- Best available techniques to prevent and control industrial pollution
- Safety of products derived from modern biotechnology
- Development co-operation and sound management of chemicals
Wider international context
The OECD co-operates closely with various international organisations, through the Inter-organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) towards the implementation of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) which bring together governments from more than 150 countries and various stakeholders.
OECD Legal instruments
A number of OECD Council acts in force are dedicated to chemical safety and cover areas as diverse as chemical accidents, exchange of confi dential data on chemicals or the Polluter-Pays Principle: 11 legally-binding OECD Council Decisions, 15 Council Recommendations and 3 other Legal Instruments.
Webinars
The OECD organises free webinars bringing world experts together to share best practices for regulatory authorities and the scientific community. Register for an upcoming webinar or watch the video recordings of the past webinars on:
Videos
Savings costs in chemicals management
Combating industrial pollution with Best Available Techniques
Common policies for safer chemicals
Key publications
About us
Learn more about our work on Chemical Safety and Biosafety, and read our progress report.
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Contact us
Learn more about the work of the OECD Environment Directorate, and contact us with your questions.