Today, 34 Member countries and the OECD Secretariat work together to develop and co-ordinate chemical and pesticide related activities on an international basis. Part of working together includes Mutual Acceptance of Data.

The main objectives of the Chemicals Programme are to:
- assist OECD Member countries' efforts to protect human health and the environment through improving chemical safety;
- make chemical control policies more transparent and efficient and save resources for government and industry; and
- prevent unnecessary distortions in the trade of chemicals and chemical products.

While an important focus of the work is on the production, processing and use of industrial chemicals, some aspects include work on pesticides, chemical accidents, and biotechnology. The work is overseen by the "Joint Meeting " and is undertaken by many subsidiary bodies.

The Chemicals Programme produces documents on all aspects of its work. These publications are available to the general public and can be obtained on request from the Secretariat or downloaded at: Environment, Health and Safety Publications.

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