Kemikaalilaki

Kemikaalilaki is the Finnish national act governing the regulation of chemical substances and mixtures. It establishes the framework for the safety assessment, market introduction, handling, storage, labeling, packaging, and disposal of chemicals used in industry, commerce, and households, with the aim of protecting human health and the environment. The law applies to manufacturers, importers, distributors, and other actors involved in supplying chemicals or mixtures within Finland.

The act aligns with European Union chemical safety rules, notably the REACH Regulation, the CLP Regulation on classification, labeling and packaging of substances and mixtures, and related product-safety provisions. It requires manufacturers and importers to ensure that substances and mixtures placed on the Finnish market are properly classified, described, and communicated to downstream users through safety data sheets and labeling. It also supports supply-chain communications and risk management throughout the lifecycle of chemical products.

Key obligations under Kemikaalilaki typically include risk assessment for hazardous substances, information provision to customers, and documentation requirements. Depending on the substance or mixture, there may be registration, notification, or authorization procedures, as well as restrictions or prohibitions on certain materials. The law emphasizes safe handling, storage, transport, and proper end-of-life disposal or recycling.

Enforcement is carried out by national authorities, principally the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes), often in coordination with other agencies such as the Finnish Environment Institute. Violations can result in penalties, product recalls, or market withdrawal, depending on risk and impact. The law forms part of Finland’s broader chemical safety policy and serves as the domestic mechanism for implementing EU rules on chemical safety, product safety, and environmental protection.