National Profile of Chemicals Management in Albania, updated in 2012

237 Pages·2013·3.12 MB·English

by  Lindita Tafaj

NATIONAL PROFILE
OF
CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT
IN ALBANIA

UPDATE

2012
2 National Profile of Chemicals Management in Albania, updated in 2012

SPECIAL DEDICATION:

This edition is prepared on the eve of the 100th Anniversary of Indipendence
of Albania.

AKNOWLEDGEMENT:
This update of the National Profile of Chemicals Management in Albania was prepared
in the framework of the project, ―Strengthening Capacities for SAICM (Strategic Approach to
International Chemicals Management) Implementation in Albania‖, implemented
by the Institute of Public Health of Albania, with the technical assistance of United Nations
Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the financial support of the SAICM- Quick
Start Programme Trust Fund.
The updating of the National Profile was realized with the active contribution of stakeholders
from Ministries, other public institutions and organizations, universities, non-governmental
organisations and industry, with the assistance of Prof. Dr. Herman de Kruijf and Ms. Yuri
Saito, UNITAR.

PROJECT COORDINATOR:

Dr. Lindita Tafaj (Hajri) [email protected], [email protected]
Tel. [phone]
Address: Institute of Public Health, Rr.Aleksandër
Moisiu, Nr. 80, Tirana, Albania
www.chemicals.al
3 National Profile of Chemicals Management in Albania, updated in 2012

NATIONAL PROFILE
OF CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT
IN ALBANIA

UPDATE

2012

TIRANA
November 2012
4 National Profile of Chemicals Management in Albania, updated in 2012

Contents
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 8
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................... 10
CHAPTER 1: NATIONAL GENERAL INFORMATION ....................................................... 26
1.1 Geographic and natural characteristics ....................................................................... 26
1.2 Demography ................................................................................................................ 28
1.3 Political structure......................................................................................................... 30
1.4 Development sectors ................................................................................................... 33
1.5 Discharges from main economy sectors...................................................................... 41
1.6 Assessment .................................................................................................................. 44
CHAPTER 2 : CHEMICAL PRODUCTION, IMPORT, EXPORT, STORAGE, TRANSPORT,
USE AND DISPOSAL .............................................................................................................. 45
2.1 Background ................................................................................................................. 45
2.2 Production, import and export of chemicals ............................................................... 46
2.2.1 Industrial chemicals ............................................................................................. 46
2.1.2 Chemicals for agriculture ..................................................................................... 48
2.1.3 Biocides for use in public health .......................................................................... 49
2.2 Chemicals use by categories ....................................................................................... 51
2.2.1 Industrial chemicals ............................................................................................. 51
2.2.2 Chemicals for Agriculture................................................................................. 51
2.2.3 Biocides for use in public health .......................................................................... 53
2.3 Storage of chemicals ................................................................................................... 54
2.3.1 Industrial chemicals ............................................................................................. 54
2.3.2 Chemicals for agriculture .................................................................................... 54
2.3.3 Biocides for use in public health .......................................................................... 55
2.4 Chemicals transport ..................................................................................................... 55
2.5 Management of chemical waste .................................................................................. 56
2.6 Unintentionally produced chemicals ........................................................................... 62
2.7 Assessment .................................................................................................................. 62
CHAPTER 3: LEGAL INSTRUMENTS AND NON-REGULATORY MECHANISMS FOR
LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT OF CHEMICALS ................................................................. 65
3.1 Overview of legal instruments which address the management of chemicals ............ 65
3.2 Additional details on key legal instruments related to chemicals. .............................. 82
5 National Profile of Chemicals Management in Albania, updated in 2012

3.3 Existing legislation by use category, addressing various stages of chemicals from
production/import through disposal ....................................................................................... 87
3.4 Summary of the main administrative procedures for the control of chemicals .......... 87
3.4.1 Pesticides.............................................................................................................. 87
3.4.2 Fertilizers ............................................................................................................. 89
3.4.3 Chemical substances & mixtures regulated by REACH and CLP ...................... 89
3.4.4 Cosmetic products ................................................................................................ 92
3.4.5 Detergents ............................................................................................................ 92
3.4.6 Pharmaceutical products ...................................................................................... 92
3.4.7 Oil Products ......................................................................................................... 93
3.5 Non-regulatory mechanisms for managing chemicals ................................................ 93
3.6 Legal instruments for related activities which impact on chemicals management ..... 95
3.7 Assessment and comments .......................................................................................... 99
CHAPTER 4: MINISTRIES, AGENCIES AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS MANAGING
CHEMICALS .......................................................................................................................... 101
4.1. Responsibilities of different government ministries, agencies and other institutions 101
4.2 Description of ministerial authorities and mandates ................................................. 101
4.3 Comments and recommendations ............................................................................. 109
CHAPTER 5: RELEVANT ACTIVITIES OF INDUSTRY, PUBLIC INTEREST GROUPS,
PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND THE RESEARCH SECTOR ............................................ 111
5.1 Description of nongovernmental organizations/ programmes .................................. 111
5.1.1 Description of the industry organizations and activities .................................... 111
5.1.2. Non-Profit Organisation (NPOs) in Albania...................................................... 112
5.1.3 The sector of scientific research ........................................................................ 115
5.2 Summary of expertise available outside of government ........................................... 119
5.3. Assessment ............................................................................................................ 126
CHAPTER 6: INTERMINISTERIAL COMMISSIONS AND COORDINATING
MECHANISMS ....................................................................................................................... 128
6.1 Overview of inter-ministerial commissions and coordinating mechanisms ............. 128
6.2 Description of interministerial commissions and coordinating mechanisms ............ 131
6.2.1 State Commission for Registration of Plant Protection Products (PPPs) .......... 131
6.2.2. Interministerial Committee of Civil Emergencies ............................................. 131
6.2.3 Technical Advisory Commission on Civil Emergencies .................................... 132
6.2.4 Inter-ministerial Committee of Waste Management.......................................... 132
6.2.5 Commission of Protection from Radiations ....................................................... 133
6.2.6 The Competent Authority of COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) . 133
6.2.7 Governmental Commission for Water Related Issues with Neighbouring
Countries .......................................................................................................................... 134
6.2.8 Committee for the implementation of International Health Regulations (2005) 134
6.3 Description of the mechanisms for obtaining input from NGOs .............................. 134
6 National Profile of Chemicals Management in Albania, updated in 2012

6.4 Assessment ................................................................................................................ 135
CHAPTER 7: INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, ACCESS AND USE ............................. 137
7.1 Overall availability of data for national chemicals management .............................. 137
7.2 Sources of national data, their access and format ..................................................... 137
7.3. Procedures for collecting and disseminating national or local data ...................... 140
7.4 Availability of international literature and databases ................................................ 142
7.5 National systems for data exchange and the capacities of the information technology
(IT) 144
7.6 Assessment ................................................................................................................ 147
CHAPTER 8: TECHNICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ............................................................... 149
8.1 Overview of the laboratory capacity ......................................................................... 149
8.2. Other relevant areas of technical infrastructure ....................................................... 149
8.2.1 Laboratories depending from ministries ............................................................ 156
8.2.2 Research-scientific laboratories of the universities (public and non-public) ..... 158
8.3 Assessment of infrastructure management ................................................................ 160
8.3.1. Quality management .......................................................................................... 160
8.3.2 Technical management ...................................................................................... 161
CHAPTER 9: PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE TO CHEMICAL
EMERGENCIES...................................................................................................................... 163
9.1 Chemical emergency planning .................................................................................. 163
9.2 Response to chemical incidents................................................................................. 173
9.3 Chemical incident follow-up and evaluation ............................................................ 174
9.4 Comments/Analysis .................................................................................................. 175
CHAPTER 10: AWARENESS/ UNDERSTANDING OF WORKERS AND THE PUBLIC‘
TRAINING AND EDUCATION OF TARGET GROUPS AND PROFESSIONALS .......... 178
10.1 Awareness and understanding of chemical safety issues ...................................... 179
10.2 Education and training on sound management of chemicals and waste ................ 183
10.3 Assessment ............................................................................................................ 184
CHAPTER 11: CO-OPERATION AND INVOLVEMENT WITH INTERNATIONAL
ORGANIZATIONS, BODIES AND AGREEMENTS ........................................................... 187
11.1 Cooperation and involvement with international organizations, bodies and
agreements ........................................................................................................................... 187
11.2 Participation in relevant technical assistance projects ........................................... 192
11.3 Assessment ............................................................................................................ 197
CHAPTER 12: EXISTING RESOURCES AND NEEDS FOR CHEMICALS
MANAGEMENT ..................................................................................................................... 199
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12.1 Resources available in ministries/institutions for chemicals management ........... 199
12.2 Sources needed from governmental institutions to fulfil responsibilities related to
chemicals management ........................................................................................................ 206
12.3 Existing resources on chemicals management in non-governmental organizations
210
12.4 Resources from activities of development assistance ............................................ 211
12.5 Assessment ............................................................................................................ 216
CHAPTER 13: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................... 219
Annex 1: Available national reports and papers addressing various aspects of chemicals
management ......................................................................................................................... 224
Annex 2: Inter-sectorial SAICM working group ................................................................. 225
Annex 3: National key actors for the work areas listed in Table A of the SAICM Global Plan
of Action .............................................................................................................................. 229
Annex 4: Abbreviations ....................................................................................................... 232
8 National Profile of Chemicals Management in Albania, updated in 2012

INTRODUCTION
International policy framework for the sound management of chemicals
Chemicals have made a major change in quality of life through their use in industry,
agriculture, communication, etc. Recognizing the big role of chemicals in improving the
quality of life, it is also very well known that every chemical can have adverse effects
depending on its properties and on the exposure. That is why international and national efforts
are directed to control chemicals related risks through sound management of chemicals
throughout their lifecycle: finding less hazardous alternatives, reducing the exposure,
managing their trade, improving hazard communication, etc.
The main goal of sound management of chemicals is the reduction of adverse effects of
chemicals to human and environmental health. The achievement of the Johannesburg goal that
by 2020 chemicals are used and produced in ways that lead to the minimization of significant
adverse health effects on human health and the environment needs intense involvement of all
the stakeholders that are involved in different ways in the chain of chemicals management.
Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) was mandated by UNEP
and was urged by the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002 as
well as the World Summit in New York, in September 2005. It started as an initiative of a
preparatory multi-parties committee regrouped by the UNEP, IFC and IOMC. The term
―Strategic Approach to Chemicals Management‖ (SAICM) appeared and was used in the
International Conference of Chemicals Management in Dubai, 2006. SAICM is comprehensive,
all-inclusive strategy of chemicals management issues on global level.
This edition is the first update of the National Profile of Chemicals Management (2006,
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Water Administration); it is prepared in the frame of the
SAICM-Quick Start Programme project ―Strengthening capacities for the implementation of
the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) in Albania‖, 2011-
2013, with Executing Agency United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
and implemented by Institute of Public Health, (IPH), Tirana.
National objectives and anticipated benefits of preparing the national profile
Being a living document, the National Profile of Chemicals Management is expected to present
the current situation of chemicals management in the country. From 1996 when the first Profile
was prepared, several things had changed on chemicals management: new legislation was
prepared and approved, some institutions had changed their dependency, other institutions
were established; all these changes needed to be reflected. The objectives and expected
benefits when starting the work for the update of the Profile were:
- To provide information on all the aspects of chemicals management in the country,
assisting professionals and other interested parties with comprehensive information on
national chemicals management;
- To facilitate the exchange of information between interested parties;
- To understand and identify priority needs for SAICM implementation;
- To catalyze and increase the collaboration between the stakeholders;
- To provide a basis for improved worker, public and environmental protection;
9 National Profile of Chemicals Management in Albania, updated in 2012

- To provide a basis for improved awareness on chemicals risks among workers, ―in risk‖
population groups and general public;
- To provide a basis for identifying needs and priorities for technical and financial
assistance;
- To prepare the background for a SAICM Implementation Plan;
- To facilitate communication among countries on relevant issues.
The process of update of the National Profile of Chemicals Management in
Albania
Guiding principles taken into account during the process of the update of the National Profile
are precautionnary approach and participatory approach, according to which all the parties
involved in chemicals management in the country had the opportunity to contribute and had
their voice heard by participating in the process of updating the profile.
The process of preparation of the update of National Profile was coordinated by the SAICM
Project implementation team, in close cooperation with local experts and UNITAR. With the
start of the project on 15.March 2012 all the known institutions and stakeholders interested in
chemicals management were formally asked to nominate representatives for the
implementation of the project.
The structure, methododology, process and participation for the preparation of the Profile were
discussed in the Project Inception Meeting, held on 24-25 March 2011 in Tirana with the
participation of UNITAR, and in an interim meeting held on 28. April 2011. Based on
discussions regarding the methodology to be used, sources of information and ways to collect
needed data, it was decided that the Profile updating would be was based on the Guidance
Document ―Preparing a National Profile to Assess Infrastructure and Capacity Needs for
Chemicals Management‖, 2nd edition, draft 31.3.2011, of UNITAR and IOMC (Inter-
Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals).
Based on the structure of profile suggested in the UNITAR/IOMC methodology, working
groups were established considering the field of expertise and knowledge of the experts and
other participants. In order to foster and to evaluate the progress made in preparation of the
first draft of the Profile, an interim meeting was held on 9.June 2011. The first draft of the
Profile was discussed in details in another interim meeting, held on 23. September 2011; in this
meeting and even before it, every participant had access to the draft of the profile and lot of
contributions for the profile arrived after this meeting. The final formal review of the National
Profile was made during the Project Mid-term Review Meeting, held on 9-10.February 2012.
In this meeting, further information and opinions were collected from the participants and one
deadline was set for further comments or input, after which the Profile would be considered as
approved by the institutions present in the meeting and those informed. The process of
National Profile update was itself a very good experience of exchange and succesful
cooperation between stekeholders.
10 National Profile of Chemicals Management in Albania, updated in 2012

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This updated National Profile of Chemicals Management constitutes an important document
for the Albanian Government, as it gives an assessment of the legal, institutional,
infrastructural, technical aspects of chemicals management in Albania. It was prepared based
on the participatory approach, according to which all the parties involved in chemicals
management in the country have had the opportunity to contribute and have their voice heard
by participating in the process of updating the profile.
NATIONAL GENERAL INFORMATION
The Republic of Albania is located in South-East Europe, in the west of Balkan Peninsula, with
coastline on Adriatic Sea and on Ionian Sea. The surface of Albania is 28‘748 km², of which
27‘398 km² land and 1‘350 km² water. In the north-west Albania is bordered by Montenegro,
in north-east by Kosovo, in east by FYR of Macedonia, in south by Greece. Generally the
climatic elements differ significantly between different areas of the country, particularly the
temperatures and precipitations. Albania is distinguished for the high quantity of precipitations,
concentrated mainly in the north, west and southwest region, with an annual average value
1‘430 mm. Because of the rugged terrain, the rivers are fast flowing, with a high erosion power.
According to the Census made in 2011, the population of Albania is about 2.8 million
inhabitants. After the ‗90s Albania faced a migration of population abroad and inland; the free
uncontrolled inland population movement influenced the change of urban to rural population
ratio.
According to INSTAT data, for the period 2006-2009 „Tumours‟ and „External injury
and poisoning‟ were respectively the second and third identified cause of deaths in
Albania after circulatory system diseases with respectively about 85 and 30
deaths/100‟000 inhabitants/year.
Albania is administratively divided into 12 regions, 36 districts, 374 communes/ municipalities.
According to INSTAT data for 2008, the industry has contributed to the Gross Domestic
Product with 9.8 %, the agricultural and fishing sector with 18.5%, and services sector,
including trade, hotels, transport and communication and other services with 50.7%.
The Albanian economy is based on free initiative; about 80% of the domestic production
comes from the private sector. The industry sector has contributed steadily with about 11% of
GDP. The permanent dependence of Albania on minerals extraction is due to the existence of
many deposits that can be used for commercial purposes. Deposits of chromium, copper and
nickel have been opened long ago, but the mining equipment and the methods are already
outdated and many works have been abandoned; nevertheless Albania has an important
position in Europe for chromium extraction.
Other industrial activities operating in Albania are the oil and gas extraction industry,
processing industry, light industry, food and beverage industry, cement production and
metallurgy.
Agriculture remains one of the most important sectors of the economy. Its contribution has
decreased over the years. Families living in rural areas continue to have great impact in the