China Chemical Substance Inventory Information

The Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances in China (IECSC) covers substances that were in commerce before October 2003. Substances listed in the inventory enjoy streamlined regulatory processes, while those not listed are treated as new and must undergo rigorous registration, including environmental risk assessment and hazard classification. 

The IECSC contains approximately 46,000 substances (public listing). Managed by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the IECSC requires registration of all new chemicals, with a specific emphasis on hazard classification and risk assessment for unlisted substances. Confidentiality provisions exist, but transparency is encouraged to support international trade. 

• Listed Substances: Simplified regulatory processes; risk assessments may be required for specific circumstances, such as changes in use or quantities of use. 

• Unlisted Substances: Classified as new chemicals and require registration, including hazard and environmental risk assessments. 

• Alignment with International Standards: The IECSC ensures compliance with international standards and transparency for global trade. 

• Confidential Substances: The confidential section of the inventory consists of 3,270 substances, which require formal consultation with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment's Solid Waste and Chemicals Management Center, at a cost of RMB 3000. 

The IECSC provides a public listing of chemicals alongside a confidential section where sensitive data such as trade names or detailed formulations can be protected. Registrants must apply for confidentiality during the registration process and provide evidence to support their claims. These claims are subject to periodic review to prevent misuse of the confidentiality provisions.