Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170) - Zimbabwe (Ratification: 1998)

Article 6(1) of the Convention. Classification systems. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, in addition to sections 72, 74(b)–(c) and 75 of the Environment Management Act (Chapter 20:27), to which it referred in its previous report and which provides for the classification and labelling of chemicals, section 3 of the Environmental Management (Hazardous Substances, Pesticides and other Toxic Substances) Regulation, SI 12 of 2007 (hereinafter “SI 12”), stipulates further labelling requirements for hazardous substances. However, the Committee once again notes that the Government did not provide any further information on the specific criteria for the classification of all chemicals and for assessing the relevance of the information required to determine whether a chemical is hazardous. The Committee therefore once again requests the Government to provide additional information on specific criteria for the classification of all chemicals and on procedures of labelling, in law and in practice. It also asks the Government to communicate a copy of SI 12.

Application of the Convention in practice. With reference to the observations of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) submitted in 2009, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) monitor and enforce the legislative provisions relative to the registration and labelling of chemicals and impose penalties when violations are uncovered. The Committee notes that the Government’s report indicates that in 2012, 117 cases caused by chemical stress factors were reported. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the number of inspections conducted in this regard, the number and nature of contraventions reported, and the number and nature of penalties imposed. In relation to the 117 cases, the Committee requests further detailed information on the nature of the chemical stress factors reported, the sector in which these were detected and the measures that the Government has taken in relation thereto.