The ministries are responsible for different categories of chemical and different categories of use of chemicals. A general overview of the relevant ministries and responsibilities in each stage of the life cycle of the chemical substances is presented in table 6.1

A more detailed description of responsibilities for the different ministries and agencies is presented in table 6.2. The administration of the regulations is generally placed in the responsible ministry. The ministry can delegate the administration to an agency, regional authorities (counties) or local authorities (municipalities). In table 6.2 it is also stipulated who in practise is responsible for different the administration of the acts.

The administration and preparing of new statutory orders and amendments are delegated to the Danish Environmental Agency. The divisions most relevant in this aspect are:

Chemicals Division takes care of the administration of the relevant acts and orders concerning this issue. The regulation and administration of new chemical substances is part of the mandates as well as priority settings for hazardous chemical substances. The regulations concerning the classification and labelling of chemical substances and products takes place in this division as well as the regulations concerning toys and cosmetics. Risk assessments of existing chemicals are also carried out in this division. Another area is the setting of quality criteria for drinking water and for soil to prevent negative health and environmental effects. The control of chemicals including the control of the products is also carried out by this division. This division is also responsible for the setting of air quality criteria (C-values).

Pesticides Division administrates the approval of pesticides. The priority setting of pesticides including the suggestions of pesticides to be banned is part of the mandates. It also includes the preparing of action plans concerning the consumption of pesticides in different areas. For the agricultural area, as an example the action plan is prepared in dialogue with the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries. The import/export of certain hazardous chemicals according to the PIC-procedure is controlled by this division.

Cleaner Technology and Products Division promulgates statutory orders of limiting or banning the use of chemical substance in any products and statutory orders on products except for medical drugs, foodstuffs, toys and cosmetics. Furthermore environmental labelling of products and technical end economic co-ordination of activities in the field of cleaner technology are a part of the division.

The Danish Working Environment Service assists in the administration and preparing of new statutory orders and amendments. The Working Environment Service is divided into 2 divisions:

The Directorate drafts rules and guidelines for enterprises and assists the Ministry of Labour with the preparation of legislation. The Directorate is also responsible for information activities including general information, training, library function and documentation. The Directorate is also responsible for the administration of the approval of safety data sheets and the preparation of campaigns to control the working environment in selected trades. The Directorate records all reported occupational accidents and diseases. This Register is used to identify the priority areas when the campaign areas are pointed out. The directorate administrates the Danish Product Registers, which receives information on chemical substances and products from importers, producers, suppliers and authorities.

The Regional Inspectorates carry out control visits to the enterprises to inspect the health and safety conditions for the employees. There are 12 regional inspectorates which are situated in each county.

The Institute of Occupational Health is responsible for research and development activities including techniques for measurements in the working environment. The Institute is an independent research institute under the Ministry of Labour.

The Danish Working Environment Service gathers documentation concerning health and safety aspects. The documentation system consists of the 3 elements: research, registry of occupational injuries and the Register of Product.

The National Food Agency comprises four administrative divisions and two scientific institutes. The institutes represent the specialist scientific knowledge which forms the basis for the Agency's administration of the Food Act.

The Agency's four administrative divisions handle specific cases falling within the scope of the Danish Food Act, and in so far as they relate to food also cases covered by the Environment Act. The divisions draft proposals for food notices and instructions, assist in framing EC directives and regulations, and participate in other international collaboration activities concerning foods.

In close consultation with the Agency's scientific institutes, the administrative divisions advise the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and other public authorities, a function which includes coordination and guidance of the municipal food inspection units.

The Institute of Food Chemistry and Nutrition operates an extensive monitoring system for contents of nutrients and contaminants in foods, and maintains a data bank containing details of food composition. Surveys are carried out to uncover the Danish populations dietary habits.

The Institute acts as reference laboratory for the municipal food inspection units, and conducts performance checks on food laboratories.

The Institute of Toxicology advises the National Food Agency on the health risks from chemical substances in foods, such as food additives, contaminants and pesticides.

The Institute of Toxicology also advises the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (Ministry of Environment and Energy) on

The scientific basis for the advisory work is the performance of independent toxicological research using experimental animals and in vitro test systems on chemical substances and dietary components.