Why is SAICM Relevant to API?
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) is the main global forum to address chemical management issues. Petroleum and petroleum products—including but not limited to fuels—are chemical products. Many other petrochemical products are derived from petroleum substances. Thus, API’s members are important participants in the global chemical supply chain—as producers, refiners, processors, distributors and users of chemicals.
API supports SAICM’s central aim that chemicals should be manufactured, used and managed safely at the international level in an efficient and cost-effective manner. API is contributing to the dialogue by developing industry positions on selective SAICM initiatives, coordinating with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and others (including the chemical industry), and contributing directly in the SAICM process as an important stakeholder in global chemical management.
API and its members have deep expertise on chemical lifecycle issues. We are a unique industry trade association in the scope and variety of global activities our members undertake—from drilling crude oil, to refining it into various petroleum products, to the distribution and sale of our products. The international nature of the trade and commerce of petroleum makes SAICM an important issue for API and our members. We have a long history understanding and addressing the various chemical management issues which are inherent in our fundamental business activities. API remains supportive of the SAICM process, and we hope our knowledge and experience have and will continue to make a valuable contribution to the Strategic Approach.