Newsletter September/October 2015 by FeccEurope

Issue 6– September/October 2015

New Sponsorship Package Booklet—Available Now !

2015 Fecc Membership Meeting ,“Circular Economy” Don’t forget to book your rooms !

Inside this issue Members’ News Fecc Activities EU Chemicals Legislation Responsible Care and Logistics GTDP & International Trade EU&Other News—Events Calendar

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Members’ news

Safic-Alcan acquires the distribution business of Chimsnab BG,a specialty chemicals distributor in Bulgaria Safic-Alcan announces that it has acquired the distribution business of Chimsnab BG, a significant player in the chemicals distribution in Bulgaria. Chimsnab BG is focused on the distribution of high-quality polymer compounds and specialty chemicals. Spelling out the rationale behind the sale, Martial Lecat, CEO of Safic-Alcan explained: “This acquisition will be used as a sourcing platform to further enlarge the product range of Safic-Alcan with some selected polymers and high performance compounds allowing it to serve most of its customers in the South Eastern Europe zone.”

approximately € 9 million covering a wide range of products, from coatings and industrials to food and beverage, to life science and EPDM flooring. All the 18 employees have already been transferred to the new company. “We see strategic opportunities to move into the specialty polymers business in Eastern Europe through the acquisition of well-implemented local partners who bring their knowhow, their local environment and their markets. Acquiring an existing business saves us a lot of time compared with our alternative strategy of opening new subsidiaries in Eastern Europe.” concluded Martial Lecat. Source and information

Chimsnab BG operates with 2 regional offices, in Sofia and Ruse. Strategically located on the Romanian border and near Serbia, Ruse will also be used as a regional logistics hub. With a portfolio of 900 active customers, Chimsnab BG operates mainly in Bulgaria and has limited exports in the neighboring Balkan countries (2%). In 2014, revenues reached

Safic-Alcan strengthens its position in the USA with the acquisition of ChemSpec, Ltd. Safic-Alcan acquires majority stakes in ChemSpec, Ltd., a US distributor focused on rubber and adhesives business, based in Akron (Ohio, USA).

ChemSpec, Ltd. and Safic-Alcan hold the same core values in developing business relationships which will continue to serve us extremely well moving forward," said Dave Moreland .ChemSpec, Ltd. has a portfolio of 190 active customers. This acquisition allows Safic-Alcan to control 75% of Revenue forecast for 2015 is expected to exceed US$ 41milChemSpec, Ltd. “This transaction is in line with the strategic lion up from US$ 36 million last year. This further acceleration vision of the Group to expand geographically in North America is based on the continuing development of new products, the while developing business on its own without any restriction”, lasting relationship with big customers in the USA and the stated Martial Lecat, CEO of Safic-Alcan. decision of Safic-Alcan to fully use the sourcing capacity of its ChemSpec, Ltd. was founded in 2003 by Dave Moreland. As subsidiaries in China. President and minority shareholder, Mr Moreland will remain “ChemSpec, Ltd. will be used to support the development of in place in the future organization. "We are extremely pleased cosmetics activity in North America due to be launched shortwith Safic-Alcan’s keen interest in ChemSpec, Ltd. and their ly. Extension of product range to coatings, plastics and active vision for the North American market. The growth of ingredients for pharmacy will also be planified at a later ChemSpec, Ltd. is the result of our excellent supply base of stage”, concluded Martial Lecat. Source and information quality manufacturers and service providers; partnerships with our many customers; and our dedicated employees.

Members’ news

IMCD opens office in Vietnam Vietnam joins IMCD’s expanding network of active countries within the Asia-Pacific region, namely Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines , Singapore and Thailand. The office in Ho Chi Minh City will predominantly focus on the food & nutrition, personal care and plastics market sectors. This opening marks the latest of a succession of steps that IMCD has taken to build a stronghold in Asia-Pacific. Albert Stevens, Vice President IMCD Asia commented on the development: “With an aim to apply its successful European business model to Asia-Pacific, IMCD has significantly strengthened its presence in the region over recent years. Now offering local presence through its office in Ho Chi Minh City, IMCD looks forward to developing the business in Vietnam for the future.”

TER GROUP expands business in Italy with foundation of TER Italia S.r.l TER Chemicals Distribution Group announced the transfer of its Italian business with specialty chemicals into the recently founded company TER Italia S.r.l., effective September 1, 2015. With this step TER GROUP will further expand their distribution services in Southern Europe. Oliver Zimmermann, CEO of TER Chemicals Distribution Group, mentioned: ”It was only a question of time to found a company in Italy as one of the major European markets andserve its highly attractive demand. Our new branch in Milan will further increase the market penetration of TER Chemicals in Europe. Furthermore the established presence in Italy will strengthen our long-term relationships with strategic principals as well as attract new reliable and competent ones.” Ivan Calcaterra, Country Manager at TER Italia S.r.l. commented: "From the outset TER Italia S.r.l. can already count on a range of specialty chemicals of primary importance, which are supplied into our strategic customer industries. We will further develop our portfolio with focus on innovative raw materials and chemical specialties for sustainable development. Besides we are confident to successfully extend some of the present TER Group’ partnerships to the Italian market. The technical education and competence in customers’ applications of TER Italia’s sales team, together with an excellent logistics platform represent a cornerstone and important contribution towards fulfilling our targets: we aim to become the perfect supply partner for our clients: reliable, committed, accurate and on time. We are looking forward to the new challenge.” Source and information

BASF starts first MDI production in Chongqing BASF has begun its first production of diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) at its wholly owned site in Chongqing, China. Production will be ramped up gradually in line with market demand. MDI is an important component for polyurethanes – an extremely versatile plastics material that contributes towards improved insulation, provides lighter materials for cars, and helps save energy in buildings. MDI production will support these key industries in China’s western areas.

Members’ news

BASF and Gazprom complete asset swap BASF subsidiary Wintershall focuses on oil and gas exploration and production BASF and Gazprom have completed the swap of assets withequivalent value effective at the end of September 30, 2015,financially retroactive to April 1, 2013. With the swap, BASF is further expanding its production of oil and gas and has exited the gas trading and storage business. Through the transaction, Wintershall, a 100% subsidiary of BASF, receives the economic equivalent of 25.01% of the blocks IV and V in the Achimov formation of the Urengoy natural gas and condensate field in Western Siberia. The two blocks will be jointly developed by Gazprom and Wintershall. According to the development plan confirmed by the Russian mining authority, blocks IV and V have total hydrocarbon resources of 274 billion cubic meters of natural gas and 74 million metric tons of condensate. This is equivalent to a total of 2.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe). An annual plateau production of at least 8 billion cubic meters of natural gas is expected from thetwo blocks. Production is planned to start in 2018. In return, Wintershall has transferred its share in the previously jointly operated natural gas trading and storage business to its long-term partner Gazprom.

This includes the 50% participation in the gas trading companies WINGAS, WIEH (Wintershall Erdgas Handelshaus Berlin) and WIEE (Wintershall Erdgas Handelshaus Zug) including shares in astora, which operates the natural gas storage facilities in Rehden and Jemgum, Germany, as well as a share in the natural gas storage in Haidach, Austria. Gazprom also received a 50% share in the activities of Wintershall Noordzee B.V., which is active in the exploration and production of oil and gas in the southern North Sea (the Netherlands, the UK and Denmark). Together these activities contributed about €12.2 billion to sales and around €260 million to EBITDA of BASF Group in 2014 and about €7.2 billion to sales and around €240 million to EBITDA of BASF Group in the first half of 2015. The successful partnership with Gazprom in the area of gas transportation activities will continue. Following the closing of the transaction, Dr. Gerhard König has left the Board of Executive Directors of Wintershall Holding GmbH and has transferred to Gazprom Group in his function as Chairman of WINGAS. Read more

BASF again listed in Dow Jones Sustainability Index BASF share included in DJSI for 15th consecutive year BASF was again included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World). The company has been especially recognized for its engagement in the areas of innovation management, environmental and social reporting, product stewardship and human capital development. The DJSI World is one of the most renowned sustainability indices and represents the top 10 percent of the largest 2,500 companies included in the Dow Jones Global Index. The BASF share has been included in the DJSI World for the 15th consecutive year. The listed companies have to demonstrate continuous improvement every year with regard to sustainability and are assessed by analysts from asset manager RobecoSAM. Sustainability is integral to BASF’s “We create chemistry” strategy and a main growth driver. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.basf.com/sustainability. Source and information

Members’ news

Over 90% of Fecc members ranked in the prestigious 2015 ICIS Top 100 Chemical Distributors Now in its sixth year, ICIS Top 100 chemical Distributors listing highlights the top players in the global chemical industry, ranked by sales. Fecc would like to congratulate all members for their tremendous achievement ! The ICIS Top 100 Chemical Distributors : http://www.icis.com

Biesterfeld Spezialchemie: Bernd Fischer has been appointed as Business Manager Nutrition Effective from 1 October 2015 Bernd Maximilian Fischer has been appointed as Business Manager Nutrition of Biesterfeld Spezialchemie GmbH. In this position he will be responsible for the strategic development of the business unit Nutrition on the international market. Bernd Maximilian Fischer, who studied Food Technology before graduating as a Master of Business Administration, has been working with the company since January 2014 as Marketing Manager Nutrition. "We are convinced that Bernd Maximilian Fischer - due to his past experience - will be able to make a special contribution to the further development of specialty business in the exciting market for food additives. We wish him every success in the new role," point out Dr. Nicole Hamelau and Peter Wilkes, Managing Directors of Biesterfeld Spezialchemie. The Nutrition Department offers a comprehensive product portfolio of food additives and solutions for the food industry in the application areas of meat, bakery, confectionery, dairy, convenience products and the beverages industry. In cooperation with leading suppliers, our team - with its focus on technical applications - is continuously working on innovative new products for the international market. Read more

VELOX reinforces its nonwoven experience in Europe with AVINTIV’s distribution VELOX, a European leader in the marketing and distribution of raw material specialities for the plastics, composites, additives, paints and coatings industries, has enhanced its partnership with AVINTIV (PGI’s new company name), a world leader in the manufacturing of specialty materials. PGI has expanded its portfolio significantly in recent years and as part of the driving growth of the company they revealed in June 2015 their new name “AVINTIV Inc”. With this extended agreement VELOX will supply AVINTIV’s range of NSN, NLC; VL and Reemay surface veils in France, Benelux, Poland as well as starting the distribution of MatlineTM synthetic core materials in German speaking countries, United Kingdom and Turkey. Read more

Members’ news

VELOX at Kunststoffen 2015 VELOX, a well-established distributor of raw material specialities, exhibited at the 17th edition of Kunststoffen taking place in the NH Conference Centre Koningshof in Veldhoven (Netherlands) on 23th and 24th September 2015. This year’s theme – Smart with Plastics – is focusing on the role of “intelligent plastics” in the plastics manufacturing industry. For this occasion VELOX presented its high-performance polymers as well as its additives range that are used in highly specialised applications and everyday products alike. In addition during the congress lecture program VELOX’ supplier, PENTAC Polymer GmbH, gave a presentation on “Technical Compounds for today and tomorrow” on Wednesday, 23th September . The speech explained how a midsize compounding company can meet demands of highly specialised applications and customer wants and needs in a competitive environment.

VELOX presents its plastics specialities at the FAKUMA trade fair VELOX has exhibited at the FAKUMA for several years now: this is one of the largest international fairs for the plastics industry and takes place this year from 13 to 17 October in Friedrichshafen, southern Germany. VELOX will be presenting a selection of its current innovative speciality plastics and plastics additives at Booth No. 5001 in Hall B5.

VELOX is a leading European distributor of speciality materials for the plastics industry. The Hamburg-based company is an established distributor of highly innovative raw materials and provides its customers with an expert, personalised service thanks to its experienced Sales staff.

The VELOX product range covers a comprehensive spectrum of high-performance plastics for technical and medical applications as well as all types of packaging. Alongside these, the company will also be presenting functional fillers, innovative flame retardants, additives for plastics and rubber types, as well as many other innovative products for the plastics sector. Read more

VELOX to supply the outstanding AB-Polymerchemie’s styrene free product range VELOX Composites GmbH, a member of the Hamburg-based VELOX Group and specialist distributor of composites materials across Europe, is glad to announce their partnership with AB-Polymerchemie GmbH started on the 1st of August 2015. ABPolymerchemie is entrusting VELOX Composites to supply its poly-acrylic products in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

This poly-acrylic product range is styrene, MMA, solvent free and yet not water-based, it shows outstanding characteristics. E.g. the gelcoat AB-PAC® 6680 has properties far superior to the styrene ISO/NPG gelcoats currently on the market. This product is especially build for applications that demand high performance properties including the sanitary and the marine market. Read more 6

Members’ news

Irina Zschaler becomes Joint Managing Director Gabriele Henke enters retirement The Management Board of Georg Nordmann Holding AG is pleased to announce that as of 1st of October Irina Zschaler (45) becomes Joint Managing Director of Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH (NRC). She is the successor to Gabriele Henke (63) who will be retiring on 31st of December, 2015. Irina Zschaler will be taking responsibility for the Life Sciences and Coatings & Construction business units, as well as Finance, IT and the subsidiary companies Neoquimica (Portugal) and prochem (Switzerland). Ms Zschaler started her training at the NRC company in 1989, after which she went on to work in various sales departments. Since 2012 she has been responsible for the company's subsidiaries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Her reorganization of this business unit was a remarkable success. Following a restructuring, the subsidiary companies in Poland, the Czech Republic and the Austrian Group of countries will be reporting directly to Irina Zschaler in future. 'We are very pleased to have Irina Zschaler as an internal successor to Gabriele Henke on the management board. She is as an exceptionally highly qualified and capable colleague who is well acquainted with NRC, its customers and its suppliers,' said Edgar E. Nordmann, commenting on the change. 'Since 1989 Irina Zschaler has acquired comprehensive experience in various different divisions and developing a high level of expertise.' After more than 30 years with NRC, having been Managing Director since 2008, Gabriele Henke will be entering retirement at the end of this year. 'We would like to take this opportunity of thanking her warmly for her many years of exceptionally successful and committed work on behalf of the NRC Group. In the crucial years of its development, she has helped the NRC to become an internationally successful chemicals distributor and made a major contribution to the company,' said Edgar E. Nordmann. Edgar E. Nordmann, Dr. Gerd Bergmann and Carsten Güntner continue as members of the Management Board of NCR, their roles otherwise remaining unchanged. Source and Information

NRC and ISL – Success with color The future looks colorful now at the beginning of Nordmann, Rassmann's business partnership with ISL-Chemie GmbH & Co. KG. As of 1 November, NRC will be distributing ISL's products for polyurethane-based elastomers and foams throughout Germany. There is a wide range of application fields for ISL's products. Their ISOPUR and MOLTOPREN® pigment pastes are used to With its headquarters in Kürten, near the city of Cologne, ISL colour block and molded foams, polyurethane foam parts and has been a capable system partner to the elastomer and PVC wallpapers, for instance, as well as within the coatings plastics industries for over 45 years: two sectors which NRC is sector. also extremely well-acquainted with. ISL and the company’s ISL is, however, more than just a product supplier. Thanks to 100 members of staff have developed Advanced Colours paint its team of experienced application technicians and develop- products in close collaboration with customers and partners. ers who work closely with clients and the market, the These are customized precisely for each application in quescompany can respond quickly to new trends and help shaping tion, supported via analytical as well as application-specific them. Combining high-level understanding of the services. ISL fulfills the role of holding company within the polyurethane production process with extensive knowledge of Swiss Berlac Group. NRC is also extremely well-acquainted raw materials is what makes ISL a reliable partner in the with. ISL and the company's 100 members of staff have develplastics industry. oped Advanced Colours paint products in close collaboration With three ISO certifications, ISL's focus on quality awareness with customers and partners. These are customized precisely is plain to see. The company has fulfilled the requirements for for each application in question, supported via analytical as well as application-specific services. ISL fulfills the role of DIN EN ISO 9001, ISO TS 16949 and DIN EN ISO 14001 for holding company within the Swiss Berlac Group. Source several years now. 7

Members’ news

CORNELIUS JOINS THE INSTITUTE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE Speciality chemicals distributor and manufacturer, Cornelius Group, has become a member of the Institute of Customer Service (ICS). ICS is an independent professional body for customer service, which aims to promote the benefits of excellent customer service to organisations and their employees. Membership gives Cornelius access to the Institute’s breakthrough research, benchmarking and measurement tools, with opportunities to share with and learn from other members within the extensive network. Cornelius employees will also be able to take advantage of specially developed training designed to maximise service delivery performance. The move comes just a month after the rebrand of the customer service function to Customer Care Team at Cornelius, which aims to further improve the service experience for its principals and customers alike. The changes included a restructuring of the team and the implementation of a new liv chat feature on its newly launched website, to connect customers directly with a member of the company’s Customer Care Team. Managing Director of Cornelius, Darren Spiby says, “The membership underscored the company’s pledge to consistently anticipate and adapt to evolving client requirements. “At Cornelius we have a clear mission to continually deliver more value and outstanding customer care. Our relationship with the Institute will help us to deliver on this by giving us access to customer service experts as well as enable us to benchmark with other proactive industries. All our practices will become more client focused and employees will have the opportunity to undertake specialist client training that is recognised and accredited by the Institute. We’re very excited about this step in our strategy.” Source and informnation

CORNELIUS CELEBRATES 80 YEARS IN BUSINESS Speciality chemicals distributor and manufacturer, Cornelius Group, is celebrating 80 years in business. With expertise in distributing chemicals and ingredients for the Health and Nutrition, Care Products and Industrial markets, Cornelius has flourished since 1935. Having built up an extensive portfolio of speciality solutions backed by a network of warehousing and strong working relationships with suppliers, the company prides itself on providing security and reliability of supply with great customer service. As a result, Cornelius is now established as a major distribution business in the U.K, France, Poland and Russia. Today Cornelius lists leading global consumer brands among its customers and has global sourcing offices in China and India to tap into the vast growth potential in those regions. It is a vibrant and energetic business with a unique culture and a strong and proven commitment to sustainable and ethical working practices. Cornelius in 2015 enjoys sales of around £65 million and employs 150 people, shipping chemicals to customers in over 30 countries. It has also seen its international sales increase by 20% in the last two years. Chairman of the Cornelius Group, Dr. Neville Prior, says: “I’m extremely proud of what Cornelius has achieved over the past 80 years. We have grown from a small trading company into a major European presence in the speciality chemical distribution market and that’s down to the hard work and efforts of Team Cornelius. “We have some great people working for us and I am very excited about what the future holds for us. We are growing our core businesses rapidly as well as investing in new countries, adjacent markets and our specialty manufacturing business. As many have heard me say, we have an enviable past and an even more exciting future.” Source and information 8

Members’ news

Caldic expands food and specialty chemical footprint with the acquisition of R2 Group An acceleration of Caldic’s food ingredient and specialty chemical solutions in Scandinavia.

Caldic B.V., international distributor and producer of food ingredients, chemicals and technical activities has completed the acquisition of R2 Group, an independent Nordic player offering food ingredients and chemical solutions for the industrial and health & personal care market. The agreement underlines Caldic’s aspiration to be an inspiring global provider of tailored solutions fulfilling local customers’ demand. This acquisition also strengthens Caldic’s focus on innovative solutions beyond its current activities in the Nordic countries.

R2 Group is located in Hedensted, Jylland, and is the leading food ingredients and chemical products provider in the Nordics and with significant sales in The Netherlands, Germany and Italy. The shareholders of R2 Group are its management team: Peter Skou, Thomas Nielsen and Lars Skou and the Danish private equity fund Maj Invest Equity.

”We look forward to joining forces with Caldic B.V.”, Chief Executive Officer of R2 Group A/S Peter Skou explains. “Caldic is an well-reputed Dutch company, and we share the same values and views of customer service, product innovaCaldic is a provider of food and chemical solutions. With tion, and business ethics. We are confident that we will conentities in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific, Caldic’s tinue developing our long-term strategies in R2 Group, now strengths lie in its global network combined with local exper- under the umbrella of Caldic B.V.” Peter Skou also explains tise, giving the flexibility to answer local needs and build that Caldic’s presence and network in many parts of the domestic partnerships. Operating with in-house production world is expected to form great global sales channels for R2 facilities, test centers, laboratories and technical expertise, Group’s own products within food ingredients and biocides. the company provides tailored solutions that add value to Jan Hove, Partner at Maj Invest Equity adds “It has been a customers’ business performance. pleasure to work closely together with the team at R2 According to Caldic’s Chief Executive Officer Olav van Group, and we are proud to have been part of the journey of Caldenborgh, this acquisition is unique in its sort. He says: developing R2 Group into an even more successful company “This acquisition is supporting our focus on innovation in since we invested in 2011. We are convinced that Caldic for order to further extend our full service capabilities. R2 Group is the best owner going forward”. R2 Group is a great addition with its production and innovaThe acquisition will be funded through a combination of tion centers including liquid and dry production facilities for cash at hand and funds made available by Rabobank the food industry. Also, R2 Group obtained a strong position Rotterdam. Source and information in bio based products and material science. Intensifying our customer focused vision, it ensures our capacity to stay ahead of market developments and fulfill customer demands”.

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Members’ news

Barentz International accelerates growth by acquiring leading distributor New Skyport of China Barentz International announced that, following its recent capital injection to accelerate growth, it has acquired New Skyport, a leading distributor of specialty ingredients for the Food & Nutrition industry in China. Barentz, a leading international food ingredients distributor, calls this acquisition in China a logical step in the strong expansion of Barentz. It needs no explanation that China is a very interesting market with its population of 1.4 billion consumers and a rapidly expanding middle class. The demand for specialty food ingredients follows consumer demand for more sophisticated food & nutrition products. The Chinese consumer is more and more concerned with health and the quality of food products, enabling a good market for high quality specialised food ingredients.

For Barentz International, headquartered in The Netherlands and active in close to 50 countries across three continents, the acquisition of New Skyport is strategically important, with China playing an important role in food production being one of the largest economies in the world.

Mr. Hidde van der Wal, CEO of Barentz International explains: “This acquisition adds to the worldwide presence of Barentz and accelerates our growth. Owning a distribution business in China has long been part of our expansion plan. With almost 30 people on staff in Shanghai, Dalian, Tianjin, Quingdao, Guangzhao and Chengdu, we will be able to serve a large customer base. Being close to ports where our ingredients come in from Europe will be an advantage for our customers, who can be served from our different warehouses in short lead Being the main distributor of the Roquette Freres products in times. We intend to also expand our supplier base in China China, New Skyport has a leading position with major manu- and add some of the principals we have been working with in facturers of food products in China. Headquartered in Shang- Europe, so we can serve our customers in China even better.” hai, with four branch offices across the Chinese East coast and Read more one inland, New Skyport services customers in the food, beverage, confectionary, nutrition, supplements, health and well-being sectors across China.

UFCC Informational Session on REACH 2018 16 September, 2015 in Paris On September 16th, UFCC held an informational session on REACH 2018 in Paris. The meeting was attended by 40 people from 8 downstream user associations representing various industries such as the car industry, plastics, feed additives, starch products, coating, detergency, fats products, wood ; 10 companies and among them were Renault, Peugeot, Hutchinson to name a few and also 15 distributors. UFCC’s objective was to gather its members and their clients to exchange views on the REACH 2018 deadline. The most important issue remains about probable substances disappearance (and/or price rises). Everybody agreed that communication is a problem through the supply chain (uses, ES, FDS) . It was also agreed that everyone should make bigger efforts in regards to the 2018 registration intentions. Source and information 10

Fecc Activities

Fecc Membership Meeting 2015 Circular Economy,"Increase Prosperity and Reduce Waste" Hilton Brussels Grand Place Carrefour de l'Europe 3, 1000 Brussels

This year's afternoon session will focus on the Commission's proposal for a new and more ambitious circular economy strategy to transform Europe into a more competitive resource-efficient economy, addressing a range of economic sectors. Make sure to register and take advantage of our hotel special rate available until 27 October. Make sure to book your rooms TODAY. We look forward to seeing you all ! REGISTRATION To find out more and register , go to www.fecc.org To make your hotel reservation, click on the following link if you have any questions, please feel free to contact : Alexandra Mengesha, Communications & Membership Development Manager ame@fecc.org +32 2 679 02 63

2016 Sponsorship Package Booklet is finally out ! BECOME A SPONSPOR The NEW sponsorship package booklet is available now. Click here to view details. We thank you in advance for your continual support in making our Congress another very successful event ! Should you be interested in sponsoring or need further information about our new package, please do not hesitate to contact : Alexandra Mengesha, Communications and Membership Development Management at ame@fecc.org

Fecc Activities

Fecc International Trade Committee Meeting 26 November 2015 - Brussels The next Fecc International Trade meeting will be held on 26 November 2015 at Fecc offices, in Brussels. 

The agenda includes several presentations by invited speakers

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European Chemical Industry Trends and Outlook 2015 - Dr. Moncef Hadhri - Chief Economist - Industrial Policy Department - Cefic

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TTIP/Shale gas – Dorothee Arns- Executive Director: Petrochemistry & Plastic Additives – Cefic.

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Union Customs code update – Michael Lux - Lawyer | CEO Michael Lux BVBA (TBC)

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Embargoes and restrictions – Iran update – Ozgur Yer – BASF - Head of EAWA Trade Compliance.

Please send your confirmation of attendance no later than 19 November 2015 to Joel DSilva - jds@fecc.org.

Communications Network The Fecc Communications Network brings together communication and marketing professionals from the chemical distribution industry. It serves as a platform to discuss and work on issues of mutual interest, foster knowledge exchange and share methods of best practice. The network works on common projects that serve to promote the industry as a whole. If you are interested in joining the Communications Network Group, please do not hesitate to contact Alexandra Mengesha, Communications and Membership Development Manager at ame@fecc.org

Fecc Activities

ICCM 4, the International Conference on Chemicals Management, Geneva 28 September until 2 October ICCTA , represented by Uta Jensen-Korte, joined two days of the 4th Session of ICCM. Eight hundred participants from governments, international organisations and society reviewed progress towards the future where chemicals are managed in ways that minimise significant impacts on human health and the environment. The journey to the 2020 goal is guided by SAICM, the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management, a voluntary multi-stakeholder initiative.

ICCM 4 reviewed the process of SAICM within the last 3 years. Key issues tackled within the overall orientation and guidance on the 2020 goal were related to policy issues such as: •

Lead in paint

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Chemicals in products

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Nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials

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Hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products

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Endocrine-disrupting chemicals

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Highly hazardous pesticides

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Environmental persistent pharmaceutical pollutants

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The sound management of chemicals and waste

It was interesting to observe that some of these emerging policy issues were supported by countries like Angola, Bangladesh, the Gambia, Nigeria, Liberia, Libya and Belarus. To demonstrate the Chemical Industries strong support for SAICM an ICCA High-Level CEO event had been organised on 1st October under the headline: "The SAICM journey to 2020 and beyond". 200 participants from governments, NGOs, industry leaders and media attended the event.

The event included two interactive panels: • The revised Responsible Care Global Charter - Strengthening industries commitments to safe chemicals management. Industry leaders from regions around the world witnessed the official launch of the 2014 RC Global Charter by JP Clamadieu, ICCA Executive Sponsor of the global Responsible Care initiative and shared their experience and challenges introducing Responsible Care. To date around 520 chemical industry leaders have pledged support for the global charter (more than 85 % of the world's top 100 petrochemical and chemical manufacturers). In addition more than 400 signatures of small- and medium-sized companies that operate globally were collected. 

Spotlights on contributions to SAICM

This panel session concluded with the signature of a Letter of Intent by Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP, and Mark Rohr, ICCA President, to continue the close cooperation of ICCA and UNEP under a renewed Memorandum of Understanding.

EU Chemicals Legislation

REACH 2018 registration deadline ECHA has launched the communication campaign for the REACH registration 2018. The press release is available in the 22 languages of the EU on the ECHA website: http://echa.europa.eu/view-article/-/journal_content/title/get-ready-for-the-last-registration-deadline-for-chemicals There is also a webpage that helps companies to understand what they need to do and take them through the process step by-step. For more info: http://echa.europa.eu/reach-2018 You also can follow the first webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6fjVtvPTpg

Thinking about the substitution in your business? New web pages to guide industry on how to successfully substitute hazardous chemicals or techniques with safer alternatives. A new video promoting the benefits of substitution for European citizens is also available in 23 languages http://echa.europa.eu/regulations/substituting-hazardous-chemicals

How to get started with EU chemicals legislation ECHA has published new support pages and an introductory guide helping companies which are not yet familiar with the European chemicals legislation to understand their obligations. The web pages provide easy step-by-step information in 23 EU languages for manufacturers, importers, distributors and users of chemicals as well as only representatives. There is also information for companies using biocides or trading hazardous chemicals. The guide is especially useful for small and medium-sized enterprises. It gives an overview of the EU chemicals legislation and how to get started in understanding it and complying with it. The publication provides links to potential EU and national funding for companies and lists useful sources of information. http://echa.europa.eu/support/getting-started

New exposure scenario communications package available The exposure scenario communications package (ESCom) standard for exchanging exposure scenario data between IT systems helps companies to communicate consistent and harmonised exposure scenario information throughout the supply chain. The new package contains an XML schema and a catalogue of standard phrases. There are also updated guidance documents and detailed technical documents for IT systems designers. Exposure scenario communications is a key process for the successful implementation of REACH. The ESCom project is conducted in close cooperation with Cefic, DUCC and ECHA under the Chemical Safety Report/Exposure Scenario Roadmap. http://www.cefic.org/Industry-support/Implementing-reach/escom/ 14

EU Chemicals Legislation

The 9th Meeting of the Exchange Network on Exposure Scenarios (ENES9). The ENES 9 meeting will take place the 5th and 6th of November at the Sheraton Hotel in Brussels Airport. The purpose of ENES9 is to: Provide registrants, downstream users and Member State authorities with details on the tools developed under the CSR/ES Roadmap to improve information on use and exposure under REACH. Explain why those tools are necessary and how they can be used. Promote the Roadmap’s tools among the different REACH actors. Registration deadline 7 October 2015 https://www.webropolsurveys.com/Answer/SurveyParticipation.aspx?SDID=Fin994771&SID=089ea800-f661-444d-9de5d0a5546dec42&dy=1924364544

Guidance on safety data sheets updated ECHA has published an update of the Guidance on the compilation of safety data sheets. The update takes into account in particular the end of the transitional period for labelling mixtures according to the “old system”. The updated Guidance also takes into account the changes in the REACH Annex II legal text arising from the new Regulation (EU) 2015/830 and removes references to the previous version of Annex II. http://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/13643/sds_en.pdf

Cefic short guidance The 31st of July CEFIC published its short guidance on the new format for safety data sheets outlining the changes introduced by the new Regulation 2015/830. http://www.cefic.org/Documents/IndustrySupport/REACH-Implementation/Guidance-and-Tools/A-new-format-for-SDS-31July-2015.pdf

Warning! Don’t mix up legal requirements Fecc is aware that it may be some confusion among our members because a lot of deadlines, updates and new requirements are coming up at the same time. Do not mix up these different requirements: •

From 1st of June 2015 mixtures shall be classified, labelled and packaged in accordance with Regulation 1272/2008

• Safety data sheets provided to any recipient before 1 June 2015 may continue to be used and need not comply with the Annex of Regulation 2015/830 until 31 May 2017.

EU Chemicals Legislation

How to prepare a downstream user chemical safety report A new practical guide is available on how to prepare a downstream user chemical safety report. It describes the approaches that downstream users can take to determine the risks and document their assessment.

http://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/13655/pg17_du_csr_final_en.pdf

HAZMIT SDS tool Hazmix™ is a tool developed by GlobalMSDS Ltd. that enables the efficient production of high quality Safety Data Sheets at a low cost for its clients. As you only pay for the SDS on output it provides free access to Wiki-based data using deep webspiders directly linked to ECHA’s on-line Registration and Classification databases as well as own databases of over 11,000 global chemical regulations and Occupational exposure Limits for 58 countries. https://www.hazmix.com/

Join the REACH 2018. REACH Orphan Substances Consortium (ROSC) ROSC is an initiative of three renowned and experienced service providers, ARCHE bvba, CHEMSERVICE GMBH and KV Consulting Services bvba, and aims to deliver an all-included package for your REACH 2018 Orphan substances. Orphan substances are those substances that have no or limited data and no existing organization working on them. ROSC provides potential registrants with the unique opportunity to register “Orphan” substances (organic and inorganic) under one overarching consortium. Services offer includes: •

Consortium management

•

Dossier preparation (including tox/ecotox)

•

Letter of Access



Cost efficient tools

http://www.kvconsultings.com/reach-2018-orphan-substances-consortium/

Chinese explosion and its consequences Two massive explosions in the port of Tianjin, northern China, have killed more than a hundred people, left hundreds more injured and devastated large areas of the city. What we do know. How did the blasts happen? They took place at a warehouse at the port which contained hazardous and flammable chemicals, including calcium carbide, sodium cyanide, potassium nitrate, ammonium nitrate and sodium nitrate. Following the chemical explosions the Chinese Government has strengthened the existing rules and regulations concerning dangerous goods shipment.

EU Chemicals Legislation

European Court of Justice rules on SVHCs in articles The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has said the 0.1% threshold for notifying SVHCs in articles applies to “each of the articles incorporated as a component of a complex product” rather than to the entire article. The court’s decision contradicts the view adopted by the European Commission and Echa’s guidance on requirements for substances in articles, and backs that taken by five EU member states and Norway. https://chemicalwatch.com/37147/european-court-of-justice-rules-on-svhcs-in-articles

Fecc workshop on Biocidal Product Regulation Fecc held a successful workshop on Biocidal Product Regulation which took place in their offices in Brussels and included a complete and interesting programme where relevant issues were presented and discussed. With the participation of all actors involved from the Commission, Associations, Consultants, and more than 30 participants from industry attending, the Workshop demonstrated that we are aware of the implications and the complexity of the Regulation. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their participation. The slides of the presentations are already available in Fecc’s webpage. Click here to find out more.

From now on the Biocides web pages can be consulted on the DG SANTE website: All pages previously on the DG ENV website have been transferred and in the coming months will be further updated where needed. http://ec.europa.eu/health/biocides/policy/index_en.htm.

First deadlines in October 2015 to notify certain active biocidal substances By 14 October 2015, companies need to notify ECHA if they are using dialuminium chloride pentahydroxide as an active substance in disinfectants and algaecides that are not intended for direct application to humans or animals. The next deadline to notify existing active substances currently not supported in the Review Programme is on 30 October. http://echa.europa.eu/view-article/-/journal_content/title/biocides-review-programme-regulation-first-deadlines-in-october2015-to-notify-certain-active-substances

Workshop on 'Streamlining applications for authorisation The European Commission and ECHA are organising a workshop to further improve the functioning of the application for authorisation process. The workshop will focus on two aspects: how to make 'fit-for-purpose' applications in general and how to fulfil the information requirements for 'upstream' applications. It is a follow-up to the 'Lessons Learned' conference on applications for authorisation, held in Helsinki on 10-11 February 2015. The workshop will be held the 17th of November 2015 in Brussels http://echa.europa.eu/view-article/-/journal_content/title/workshop-on-streamlining-applications-for-authorisation

EU Chemicals Legislation

Registry of Intentions updated and new submitted proposals and withdrawn intentions and submissions Harmonised classification and labelling

New intentions for risk management option analysis and informal hazard assessment published RMOA conclusions

ECHA launches a public consultation on seven proposals to identify new substances of very high concern (SVHCs) The substances proposed to be identified and examples of their uses are: •

1,3-propanesultone (EC 214-317-9): electrolyte fluid of lithium ion batteries.

•

UV-327 (EC 223-383-8) and UV-350 (EC 253-037-1): UV-protection agents in coatings, plastics, rubber and cosmetics.

• Dicyclohexyl phthalate (EC 201-545-9): plastisol and in PVC, rubber and plastic articles, and as a phlegmatiser and dispersing agent for formulations of organic peroxides. • Hexamethylene diacrylate (EC 235-921-9): manufacturing formulations of coatings and inks and as a cross linking agent in polymerisation processes in the production of resins, rubbers and pol-ymers. •

Nitrobenzene (EC 202-716-0): production of chemicals and as a processing aid.

• Perfluorononan-1-oic acid and its sodium and ammonium salts (group entry) (EC 206-801-3): a processing aid for fluoropolymer manufacture, and also as a lubricating oil additive, surfactant for fire extinguishers, cleaning agent, textile antifouling finishing agent, polishing surfactant, water-proofing agents and in liquid crystal display panels. Deadline for comment is 15/10/2015

Public consultations on SEAC's draft opinions on restricting Bisphenol A, and PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related substances Stakeholders are invited to comment the draft opinions of the Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) concerning the restriction proposals on: 

Bisphenol A (4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol, BPA, EC 201-245-8),



pentadecafluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, EC 206-397-9), its salts and



PFOA-related substances.

These two public consultations are open from 16 September to 16 November 2015.

For more information on Chemicals Legislation, please contact: Irantzu Garmendia +32 2 679 02 68 iga@fecc.org

Responsible Care and Logistics

Responsible Care and Precursors Committee In response to the request to provide evidence of the extent of RC security provision deployment from the EU Commission - DG HOME—the Fecc Responsible Care Committee in cooperation with the Fecc Precursors Committee has decided to add two RC Security KPIs to the Fecc European Responsible Care KPI Questionnaire / annual Fecc Survey. This step is necessary to evidence to the Commission the implementation of security by the distributors chemical supply chain and help guard against the potential threat of terrorist attacks as well as to ensure consistency throughout codes and programmes already in place, such as the Cefic Responsible Care Security Code (including Guidance and Best Practice for its implementation) and the Fecc Model Agreement on voluntary measures on substances subject to trade controls. The RC Security KPis will be an integral part of Responsible Care throughout all programmes and questionnaires. To this end, National Associations re invited to integrate these two additional Security KPI questions also into the questionnaires they collect from your members at the national level, ideally we would like to collect 2015 year data for submission to Fecc in the returns submitted in 2016. Thank you for your cooperation in providing this important information in the future.

For Your Information: - The next Responsible Care Committee Meeting – now merged with the Product Stewardship Committee will take place on 3 December 2015 and the last ESAD Steering Committee Meeting on 29 September 2015. We look forward to seeing you in Brussels on these occasions. - The RC Report 2014 has been published on Fecc's website.

Logistics Committee We are looking forward to the next Logistics Committee Meeting which will take place on 14 October 2015 and deal, among other things, with the latest developments in the field of “Use of IBCs for flammables” (presentation by Dr. Sébastien Gallet, ECSA).

For more information on Responsible Care and Logistics , please contact: Gerhard Ahlbrecht at +32 2 679 02 64 gah@fecc.org 19

GTDP Committee News

European Commission (EC) announces public consultation on Chloroacetamide and Zinc Oxide (colorant) in cosmetics The EC would like to invite any interested parties, including authorities of Member States, manufacturers of cosmetic products, producers of the substances concerned and relevant industry and consumers associations, to submit their comments. Source – European Commission - http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/consultations/index_en.htm

European Commission, European Medicines Agency and World Health Organization step up cooperation to better protect global public health The European Commission and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have agreed with the World Health Organization (WHO) to share certain non-public information on the safety, quality and efficacy of medicines already authorised or under review in the European Union (EU), or pre-qualified or under review by WHO. This cooperation will strengthen communication between the respective organisations and make it easier and quicker to take action to protect public health. The arrangement is expected to accelerate patients’ access to new and innovative medicines in the EU, avoid duplication of assessments and improve the authorisation and safety of medicines by involving the best expertise from both sides. The arrangement further strengthens the collaboration between WHO, the European Commission and EMA who have a long history of scientific and technical collaboration in the context of the International Conference on Harmonisation and the International Pharmaceutical Regulators Forum. Source- EMA - http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2015/09/ news_detail_002396.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1

European Commission requests Opinion on nano TiO2 in sunscreens and sprays The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS)has requested an opinion on the use of the nano form of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) as a UV-Filter in sunscreens and personal care spray products.

Source: Cosmetics-design Europe -

http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Regulation-Safety/European-Commission-requests-Opinion-on-nanoTiO2-in-sunscreens-and-sprays

European Commission considers a skin lightener and UV filter unsafe for cosmetics use The European Commission has released its latest Opinion on two cosmetics ingredients, deoxyarbutin and phenylene bis-diphenyltriazine, and says they are not safe for cosmetics use. Source: Cosmetics-design Europe - http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Regulation-Safety/EC-considers-a-skin-lightenerand-UV-filter-unsafe-for-cosmetics-use

GTDP News

China FDA submits 'revised draft' on the supervision of cosmetics In an effort to bring regulations more in line with Western standards, the CFDA has submitted a revised draft of the supervision and management of cosmetics to the State Council. Source: Cosmetics-design Asia - http://www.cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/Regulation-Safety/China-FDA-submits-revised-draft-onthe-supervision-of-cosmetics

Indian Pharmaceutical Industry in credibility crisis According to the Financial Times (F.T.com) the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry is in the midst of a credibility crisis. So far, the US FDA has banned imports from 39 Indian drug makers, all of which were once permitted to produce medicines for US patients. This year, already six Indian companies have had their manufacturing sites blacklisted by the FDA. This is highly damaging for India’s pharmaceutical industry. Having emerged as an important player in the global pharmaceutical supply chain, it now faces a serious credibility crisis due to concerns regarding manufacturing practices, especially the reliability of documentation. Last month, the European Union banned 700 Indian-made generic drugs, due to doubts about the credibility of clinical trials carried out by GVK Biosciences. The WHO has also warned Indian Svizera Laboratories that an inspection in July had raised serious concerns about integrity, reliability and accuracy of data and going even further, the ability to prevent contamination and cross-contamination of their products. These are shortcomings that most FDA Warning letters to Indian drug companies imply as well.

Source: Maas & Peither AG GMP Publishing - https://www.gmp-publishing.com/en/gmp-news/gmp-aktuell/pharmaceuticalindustry-india-trouble.html

EC: Consultation Document to Annex 17 – Real Time Release Testing The European Commission has published a comprehensive draft version of Annex 17. The seven-page document is now open for public consultation until 11 December 2015. Source: EC - http://ec.europa.eu/health/human-use/quality/pc_quality/consultation_document_annex_17.pdf

APIC revises the "How to do" Document on ICH Q7 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Committee (APIC) , a Sector Group within Cefic recently revised the "How to do" Document on ICH Q7 . The revised version of the document was published as "Version 8" on the APIC publications website in August 2015. As compared to the last revision (August 2012) the chapters 10 "Storage and Distribution", 11 "Laboratory Controls", 12 "Validation" and 15 "Complaints and Recalls" were revised.

Source: APIC – http://www.apic.cefic.org/publications.html

International Trade

EU and Japan continue working towards open trade The 12th round of EU-Japan talks for a free trade agreement ended recently in Tokyo. The negotiators discussed all areas of the future agreement with the exception of the investment chapter. A separate session will be organised on that topic at the end of the month. In the negotiations, the EU aims at going beyond trade in goods, even though market access, in particular for cars and agricultural goods, remains of key importance respectively for Japan and for the EU. For Europe, it is important for the success of the overall negotiations that Japan addresses issues of concerns, such as non-tariff measures that impede bilateral trade, public procurement constraints, including in the field of railways and public transport, and other issues, such as services, investment, intellectual property and geographical indications. The EU-Japan Summit of May 2015,gave a strong impulse to advance the negotiations further with the aim to conclude a highly comprehensive and ambitious agreement preferably by the end of 2015. The next full round of talks is planned for the end of October in Brussels.

Source: DG Trade - http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=1366

Cefic - New Sustainable Development Goals offer challenges and Opportunities A new set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been adopted by UN member states at a Summit on 25-27 September, replacing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which expire this year. Cefic appreciates this new universal agenda as a convincing plan of action for people, planet and prosperity, requiring all countries and stakeholders to act in collaborative partnership for implementation. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets, stretching over the next fifteen years, highlight the scale and ambition of the agenda. Integrated and indivisible, they balance the bottom-line of sustainable development in respect of economic, social and environmental needs.

Source: Cefic - http://www.cefic.org/newsroom/top-story/TopStories/United-Nations-Sustainable-Development-Summit2015-New-Sustainable-Development-Goals-Challenges-and-Opportunities/

For more information on International Trade, please contact : Joel Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Silva +32(0)2 679 02 62 jds@fecc.org

EU & Other News

Greece: Parliament backs urgent frontloading of €35 billion in EU funding On Tuesday October 6th , Parliament backed a set of one-off measures aimed at boosting the effective spending of €35 billion earmarked for Greece in the EU 2014-2020 budget. This includes €20 billion from the European structural and investment funds and €15 billion from agricultural funds. MEPs followed the recommandation of Parliament's regional development committee and adopted the Commission's proposal unchanged, as a matter of urgency, by 586 votes to 87, with 21 abstentions. This fast-track procedure paves the way for the swift adoption of the measures by the Council and their immediate entry into force. The measures are aimed at speeding up the implementation of EU funds to help Greece ensure that all the money available to it from the 2007-2013 programming period is used in time (before it expires at the end of 2017), and to help Greece meet the requirements for accessing all the EU funds available to it in the current programming period of 2014-2020. The funding covers programming periods up to 2020. The amendment to the current regulation proposed by the Commission and agreed by Parliament allows some €500 million to be released as soon as the legislation is adopted and a further €800 million will be released in advance of the formal closure of the programmes in 2017. These special measures are neutral for the EU budget, as they will be implemented within the country allocations agreed in the current multi-financial framework for 2014-2020. Read more

UPCOMING EVENTS Next GTDP Committee Meeting 22 October, 2015 Canosa di Puglia, Italy The next GTDP Committee meeting will be hosted by Farmalabor Srl in Canosa di Puglia, Italy. Members who are interested in attending please contact – Joel D’Silva – jds@fecc.org

2-Day EXCiPACT™ Training Course – 17-18 Nov 2015, in Brussels The course is ideal for pharmaceutical excipient suppliers looking to implement and be certified using the EXCiPACT™ Scheme, using either the EXCiPACT™ GMP and/or GDP Standards with ISO 9001, or the new NSF/IPEC/ANSI 363-2014 Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Standard for Pharmaceutical Excipients. This is the ideal course to identify what the EXCiPACT™ Standards and the new NSF/IPEC/ANSI 363-2014 US National Standard are about and how they will be applied during an audit. Equally, excipient users will also benefit from attending, especially those involved in supplier qualification because their excipient suppliers could be offering EXCIPACT™ Certificates (and audit reports) in future when you ask to audit them. For more information – www.excipact.org

Calendar Date

Meeting

Location

October 14

Logistics Committee

Fecc, Brussels

SHE Committee

Brussels

GTDP

Farmalabor, Italy

ICCTA Meeting

Bonita Springs, Florida (U.S.A)

8-12

NACD Annual Meeting

Bonita Springs, Florida (U.S.A)

17-18

EXCiPACT Training

Brussels

BOARD Meeting

Hilton (Grand-Place), Brussels

Membership Meeting

Hilton (Grand-Place), Brussels

International Trade

Brussels

Responsible Care

Brussels

Meeting

Location

GTDP Symposium

Sheraton Brussels, Airport

Board Meeting

Fecc, Brussels

SHE Committee

Fecc, Brussels

Responsible Care

Fecc, Brussels

ESAD Steering Committee

Cefic, Brussels

Board Meeting

Istanbul

6-8

Fecc Annual Congress

Istanbul

SHE Committee

Fecc, Brussels

Board Meeting

Hamburg

ESAD Steering Committee

Fecc, Brussels

Board Meeting

Brussels

November

December 3 Year 2016 Date January 27 March

April 19 June

August 30 September

November 23

Contact us! Fecc secretariat +32 2 679 02 60 Uta Jensen-Korte, Director General—ujkatfecc.org Alexandra Mengesha, Communications & Membership Development Manager—ame@fecc.org Gerhard Ahlbrecht, Responsible Care and Logistics Manager—gah@fecc.org Joel D’Silva, Life Science & International Trade Manager—jds@fecc.org Irantzu Garmendia, Technical & Regulatory Affairs Manager (HSE)—iga@fecc.org Marie-Hélène Laplagne, Administrative Assistant—assistantfecc@fecc.org

Owner and Publisher: The European Association of Chemical Distributors (Fecc) Rue du Luxembourg 16B, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium www.fecc.org

Chief editor: Alexandra Mengesha - Communications and Membership Development Manager +32 2 679 02 63, ame@fecc.org Editorial staff: Fecc Policy Managers Pictures: Shutterstock, PSD Graphics, member companies and private pictures

Disclaimer The information contained in this newsletter is for general information purposes only. Through this newsletter you are able to link to external websites which are not affiliated with or under the control of Fecc. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorsement of the views expressed within them.

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