In response to new European Union (EU) regulations on chemicals which may take effect in 2007 China launched a website on Thursday.

The website, reach.tbt-sps.gov.cn, was opened by the State Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine and was designed to provide first-hand information to enterprises and offer them consultations and services, said an official with the body.

The administration was also making efforts to discuss and consult with the EU regarding the so-called REACH regulation (registration, evaluation and authorization of chemicals) which would oblige companies to register all chemicals they use, provide information about them and identify any potential hazards.

The European Parliament on Tuesday started the final phase of approving the controversial new rules after three years of heated debate.

The regulations are designed to protect the public from the adverse effects of chemicals found in a wide range of products such as paint, detergents, cars and computers.

(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2006)