This Federal Act, consisting of 79 articles, divided into seven sections, aims at protecting human life, health and the environment from direct and indirect harmful effect resulting from the manufacturing, marketing, using or waste treatment of certain chemical substances. In order to achieve these goals, manufacturers, importers and other registrants have to comply with the current European and international law related to chemicals. The Federal Act gives definition of relevant terms, including: substances, mixtures and preparations, finished goods, placing on the market, pesticides, detergent (washing and cleaning agents), biocidal product and materials for explosives. The Act also specifies the hazard classes of substances and mixtures and provides for the implementation and application of European law related to chemicals. The Act identifies responsible authorities according to the European Regulations and empowers them to adopt safety measures, restrictions, prohibitions necessary to avoid dangers to the life, health and environment. Furthermore, the Act provides for special provisions on the environmental compatibility of high-consumption products, such as washing and cleaning agents, and on trade in poisonous substances. It also establishes laboratories for ecotoxicological and toxicological tests of substances, special procedural rules concerning sequestration, penalties and criminal sanctions.
Autriche · 1997-05-15