The Product Register is primarily a service institution for other governmental bodies. The information in the register gives the Norwegian authorities a detailed overview of the use of hazardous substances in Norway. This information is used in connection with health, environmental and safety issues, such as:

• Control and inspection by the authorities of product labelling and chemical documentation.
• Risk analysis of chemical substances or product types.
• Statistics for the National Authorities, as well as supervision of chemical substances on the Norwegian market.
• Basis for advice and guidance given by the National Poison Center.

The rules for the declaration of chemical substances and compositions to the Product Register are laid down in the Product Control Act, the Act relating to Worker Protection and Working Environment and §21 and §22 of the Chemical Labelling regulations. Norwegian producers, importers, or any person that places dangerous chemicals on the market are accountable to the Norwegian authorities regarding product declaration, labelling and product information (Safety Data Sheets).

The security system at the Product Register is based on Instructions for dealing with documents requiring protection for reasons other than those specified in the Security Act and appurtenant regulations. The Ministry of the Environment has established special security procedures for the Product Register (Norwegian only). Only authorised personnel at the Product Register and at the user institutions are permitted to request and handle confidential information collected by the Product Register. Security instructions regarding handling, filing and destruction of confidential information have been established for the authorised personnel.

The Ministry of the Environment has appointed a Security Board to supervise and ensure that we are in compliance with the security regulations and that all internal procedures are followed.