Lithuania Moves to Amend Chemical Management Laws for Enhanced Safety and Environmental Protection 

The Lithuanian government has taken a significant step towards amending the country's chemical management laws, to strengthen safety and environmental protection measures related to chemicals and chemical mixtures. In a resolution dated February 14, 2024, the Government approved amendments to several key articles of the Law on Chemical Substances and Chemical Mixtures (No. VIII-1641), which will now be submitted to the Seimas, the Lithuanian Parliament. 

The proposed amendments concern Articles 1, 5, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, and the Appendix of the existing law and reflect the government's commitment to align national regulations with practical needs and EU standards, in particular the implementation of Article 5(2) of EU Regulation 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants (POPs). 

Key Highlights of the Amendments: 

1. Scope clarification: The amendments aim to clarify the application of the law to chemicals used in various sectors, including waste management, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, to ensure legal clarity and prevent misinterpretations that could hinder environmental protection efforts. 

2. Representation and authority: Environment Minister Simonas Gentvilas, or his deputies if he is unavailable, is authorized to represent the government in the legislative process, ensuring informed and responsive advocacy of the amendments in the Seimas. 

3. Improved management of POPs: Concerning the management of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), the amendments aim to improve the national regulatory framework for reporting and management of POPs stockpiles, thereby enhancing environmental safety and compliance with international obligations under the Stockholm Convention. 

4. Streamlining compliance and monitoring: The proposal includes provisions to harmonize compliance timelines and clarify supervisory roles, thereby facilitating more effective enforcement and reducing the administrative burdens on companies involved in chemicals management. 

5. Legislative and regulatory adjustments: The amendments will be accompanied by the necessary adjustments to the related legal and regulatory framework to ensure coherence and alignment with EU legislation, in particular on concerning the management of hazardous substances. 

Expected Results: 

The adoption of these amendments is anticipated to bring significant positive outcomes, including improved safety and health protection, enhanced environmental sustainability, and alignment with EU standards on chemical management. By clarifying the legal provisions, the amendments aim to eliminate ambiguities, reduce legal disputes, and streamline the management and control of chemicals and chemical mixtures throughout Lithuania. 

Public and Institutional Engagement: 

The drafting process involved consultations with relevant stakeholders, to ensure that the amendments address practical challenges and reflect the needs of both the public and the affected industries. The proposed legislative changes underscore Lithuania's proactive stance on environmental protection and public health, and emphasize the government's dedication to upholding and enhancing standards in chemical management. 

Next Steps: 

Following its submission to the Seimas, the draft law is expected to be discussed during the spring session of Parliament, with potential adoption in March or April 2024. The law is expected to come into effect on November 1, bringing Lithuania's legal framework in line with contemporary environmental and health standards. 

This legislative initiative marks a crucial step forward in Lithuania's environmental governance, reinforcing the country's commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of its citizens.