China Introduces Framework for Chemical Environmental Risk Assessment and Control Standard System

New pollutants, including persistent organic pollutants, endocrine disruptors and antibiotics controlled by international conventions, come from the production and use of toxic and hazardous chemicals in most cases. The Action Plan for New Pollutants Treatment requires establishment of a robust standard system for screening, assessing, and controlling the environmental risks of chemicals, thereby accurately identifying new pollutants of high risk for priority management.

In response to this requirement, the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) drafted a systematic framework for public consultation in July 2024, and on October 16, 2024, the Systematic Framework for Technical Standards on Environmental Risk Assessment and Control of Chemical Substances (2024) was officially released. The Framework comprises of three sub-systems, separately targeting environmental risk screening, environmental risk assessment and environmental risk control.

1. Sub-system for chemical environmental risk screening technical standards

The screening of chemicals for priority assessment will comprehensively consider the environmental and health hazards, as well as potential environmental exposure. The technical standards under this sub-system clarify the screening principles, procedures, and technical requirements for priority assessment chemicals, standardizing the screening process and scientifically identifying key target chemical substances for focus. Certain technical standards have already been formulated and issued, including:

Besides, a technical specification for statistical reporting of chemical environmental information is under formulation to guide the stakeholder’s effort in conducting environmental information survey. This includes standardizing the reporting process and requirements, promoting the normalization and standardization of chemical environmental information surveys, etc.

2. Sub-system for chemical environmental risk assessment technical standards

Based on the Framework Guidelines on Technology Methods of Environmental Risk Assessment of Chemical Substances (Trial), a complete set of technical guidelines for environmental and health hazard assessment, environmental and health exposure assessment, environmental and health risk characterization, as well as detailed supporting technical guidelines, should be further refined. Existing technical standards in this regard include:

Priority will be given to the formulation and the revision of technical standards for ecotoxicology testing and environmental risk exposure assessment, as these are currently urgent needs. In terms of testing environmental and health hazards, certain endpoints, such as aquatic toxicity and acute toxicity in fish, pose significant challenges for industries. To address this issue, the MEE will collaborate with other ministries to establish relevant testing standards. Furthermore, the MEE will refine existing testing standards (see Page 12 - Annex 3) to enhance their accuracy and effectiveness.

3. Sub-system for new pollutants’ environmental risk control technical standards

Technical standards on environmental risk control measures for new pollutants are currently the most lacking. There’s no existing standard in place. Under this sub-system, technical standards to be developed are divided into the following categories, i.e., source prohibition and restriction, process emission reduction, and end-of-pipe treatment.

The MEE plans to develop standards on the limited use of toxic and hazardous chemical substances in products with supportive testing standards. Innovative alternatives are also fostered and supported within the Framework. A group standard titled T/CSES 151-2024 Technical Guidance for the Assessment of Green Alternatives was formulated by South China Institute of Environmental Science (SCIES) in August 2024. Other technical standards or guidelines that are scheduled for development include:

Normative technical guidance for environmental impact assessment of new pollutants
Technical guidance for best industrial practices on emission reduction of new pollutants
Technical specification for environmental pollution control of new pollutants
Emission limit standards and supportive analytical testing methods