The Sri Lanka government recently announced that it will regulate and monitor the use of hazardous chemicals. Sri Lanka imports many extremely toxic and hazardous materials that are used as base chemicals in Sri Lankan industries. These chemicals are classified as "Scheduled Chemicals" but private companies are often able to import them without the Sri Lankan government's recommendation or clearance.

Because such chemicals could be used to manufacture chemical weapons, Sri Lanka believes it is essential to monitor the activities of the industries dealing in such chemicals. Government officials made clear that the purpose of the legislation is not to impose any restrictions on import, export or use of any chemical but only to facilitate greater transparency on the use of scheduled chemicals within the country.

Sri Lanka hopes that implementing the new regulations will help it achieve a global compliance standard for chemical imports/exports that will spur more international investment in the country's chemical sector. It is an important step for the security of Sri Lanka and international community - as regulating the use and sale of hazardous chemicals is essential to ensuring that those chemicals do not fall into the wrong hands.

This year we have seen increased global interest in enhancing chemical security, including initiatives in Australia, Canada, and with the World Customs Organization (WCO). It is promising to see that the international community recognizes the risks associated with hazardous chemicals and that it is working to keep those chemicals secure.

By guest blogger Michelle Goebel - Director, Marketing/Petrochemical & Energy at ADT Security Services

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