CIA publishes revised code

The Chemical Industries Association (CIA) in the UK has issued a revised Code of Conduct on chemicals subject to trade controls or voluntary requirements. The Code, which was first introduced in 1995, is designed to help prevent the diversion - and control the delivery - of chemicals that also have legitimate applications into the illicit production of drugs and chemical weapons.

In particular it has been developed to facilitate a common system of practice to aid cooperation with the UK government and law-enforcement agencies in their efforts to control and prosecute those involved in the trade or production of illicit drugs and weapons.

'The UK chemical industry takes security and safety extremely seriously, not just in terms of its own employees and operations, but also in terms of society's protection,' said Steve Elliot, CIA director - trade & competitiveness. 'This revised Code of Conduct underlines our long-standing commitment to prevent the illegal and potentially dangerous use of chemicals that otherwise have quite legitimate applications. The Code will also bring an additional benefit in the promotion of environmentally sound management of chemicals in international trade.'