The European Union’s new REACH chemicals Regulation came into force in June 2007, and at the same time the European Chemicals Agency started its operations in Helsinki. Exactly one year after the Regulation came into force, the actual obligations placed upon companies began on 1 June 2008 with the pre-registration of chemicals. For Finns and for Finland REACH and the Chemicals Agency are a unique opportunity that we have actively grasped.

Helsinki is becoming the chemicals capital of Europe and a centre of expertise in chemicals safety. This is given a solid background by the traditions of unforced environmental, health and safety work of the chemicals industry in Finland. The Responsible Care programme has been put into effect for 16 successful years. Expertise has been built up and the Finnish model has even become an export product. For example, the Russian chemicals industry has just been admitted to the international programme with the support of Finns.

As a modern, technologically sophisticated society with a high level of networking, Finland is creating an excellent framework for effective operations at the Chemicals Agency. This has been noticed by numerous producers of the services needed for the practical implementation of the chemicals Regulation. International consultancy agencies have set up a large number of units in Helsinki. At the same time countries outside the European Union are setting up their only representatives in Helsinki for the purpose of importing into the EU.

Finland and Helsinki in particular are investing heavily in the chemicals capital. A good example of this is the Helsinki Reach Center, which as a network gives support in particular to importers from countries outside the European Union. Finnish service providers are taking their own position, offering top-level consultation, training and IT solutions.

The Helsinki International Congress on Chemical Safety, HICCS 2008, which was held in May, was one indication of the networking skills. The occasion brought together about 600 participants from around the world. The congress showed that there is plenty to do for real experts in implementing REACH. An even bigger number of top-level decision-makers will be expected at the Helsinki Chemicals Forum, a high-level event that will be held in spring 2009.

Our first year has made a good start. We are hoping for and planning an even better future in the chemicals capital of Europe.