The international chemicals industry has asked G20 leaders to designate chemical manufacturers and their downstream value chains as essential businesses, "so that they can continue to operate and deliver the critical goods and services needed to combat the [Covid-19] pandemic".
In a 21 April letter, the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) recommended five measures to the G20, the international forum for economic cooperation of 19 of the world's wealthiest countries and the European Union (EU).
In addition to designating chemical value chains as essential businesses, the ICCA recommended that governments:
- continue to coordinate with industry "to ease supply chain constraints";
- immediately stop and roll-back "trade-distorting measures" like export restrictions on products necessary to combat Covid-19, such as gloves, masks and test kits;
- facilitate supply chains for necessary products, such as by fast-tracking the removal of regulatory hurdles for medical supply shipments; and
- provide "facilitating and financing support" to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) making necessary products.
"The global chemical manufacturing industry is a $5.7 trillion enterprise that touches nearly all aspects of the world’s economy," the letter said, and "the role of chemistry is particularly important during the pandemic."
"We value your support for our industry to continue to engage and innovate necessary solutions, processes and products to combat the COVID-19 virus," it continued.
Many countries have eased restrictions on disinfectants, to help manufacturers fast track production. The US EPA is temporarily allowing manufacturers of disinfectants to source certain active substances from any supplier without checking with the agency first. And the European Commission has published an overview of the substances and uses that have been exempted from the law in each EU member state.