Brazil and Peru among future OECD members

On June 10, 2022, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) approved specific roadmaps for States accession, after the first steps for accession discussions in January 2022. From the original list, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Peru, and Romania were accepted; Argentina, unfortunately, was not accepted.

The roadmap has specificities for each country's ascension and establishes the process and defines the conditions for such. OECD will conduct technical examinations in areas such as trade, investment, anti-corruption, environmental information, and SME & Entrepreneurship.

For Brazil and Peru, the acceptance came as a recognition of their efforts to adhere to and align the countries’ standards with international best practices. Brazil confirms 112 adhered instruments out of 257 requested by the Organization, while Peru ratified its continuing endeavors.

What does it mean for chemicals?

While Latin American countries have been progressing towards sound management of chemicals, OECD has been a relevant influence in the region. Four Latin American countries – Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Mexico – are already part of the organization, and not by coincidence, Chile and Colombia are the only ones to have recently enacted a chemical framework.

Even when considering non-OECD members, countries in close relation with the Organization are ahead. This is the case, for example, of Argentina, Brazil, and Peru, whereas all these countries have at least a draft of chemical management regulations that have been accessed by their respective legislators.

In relation to chemicals, OECD requires members states to comply with core principles, which are highlighted in the following examples:

• Acceptance of the Mutual Acceptance of Data and in accordance with the Principles of Good Laboratory Practice and Test Guidelines
• Harmonization of chemical and safety policies
• Implementation of a systematic and comprehensive industrial chemicals management system