While it's essential that chemical manufacturers keep up with all relevant labeling laws, the process isn't easy.
After all, the regulations in this field are always changing.
Getting things right is non-negotiable for organizations that want to keep their customers safe and informed, as well as avoid the threat of fines and other penalties for noncompliance.
Staying in line with U.S. and international rules would be an important challenge to meet even if the rules stayed consistent for years at a time. In reality, however, adherence is even more demanding.
Bloomberg BNA recently reported that the situation in Washington is unsettled at the moment, with numerous industry and government bodies working on implementation of the latest regulations.
“New federal regulations may supersede the inconsistent state-by-state systems.”
Bloomberg BNA pointed out that the comment period is currently open for 17 different topics related to labeling and disclosure. They would modify the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, a revision of the Toxic Substances Control Act, that passed in June 2016.
Chemical label requirements are set to change once these questions are settled, which could actually help companies. New federal regulations may supersede the inconsistent state-by-state systems currently in place.
As for the situation in the states, the National Law Review reported that there are 51 bills related to chemical restrictions or regulations on state dockets this year. The profusion of proposed rules could force manufacturers to alter their labeling practices yet again. NLR pointed out that some of the latest bills concern comprehensive chemical management based on the TSCA.
Organizations in the chemical supply chain may feel hard-pressed to keep up with the labeling regulations they face. Flexible and powerful chemical labeling software could be the backbone of an improved internal system. Companies that operate across national borders will have to contend with even more regulations than those described above, further underlining the importance of the right back-end technology.