Ukraine to Allow Alternative Names for Chemical Substances to Protect Commercial Secrets

On 19 June 2024, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources (MEPNR) of Ukraine announced that the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a new procedure for registering notifications using alternative names for chemical substances. This initiative was developed to implement the Law "On Ensuring Chemical Safety and Management of Chemical Products”, and to align Ukrainian legislation with EU standards. In fact, this procedure is already in place in the EU under the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation.

New Procedure Protects Chemical Formulas

The new procedures allow companies to protect their unique chemical formulas from competitors by using alternative names. Companies must apply to the MEPNR through the national online platform EcoSystem. Approved applications will be entered into the State Register of Notifications on the Use of an Alternative Name of a Chemical Substance. Once approved, companies may use the alternative name of the chemical substance in the hazard information and safety data sheet of chemical products.

CLP in Ukraine

On 10 May, the Ukrainian Government adopted the Technical Regulation on the Hazard Classification, Labelling and Packaging Chemical Products. This document aligns Ukraine with the EU CLP Regulation, which implements the UN's Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. This Technical Regulation will enter into force on 15 November this year.