An Event that Keeps on Growing: CRAC 2018 Successfully Closes its 10th Annual Conference

Shangri La Hotel, Chengdu Sichuan, China. In 2009, the first Chemical Regulatory Annual Conference (CRAC) kicked off in Shanghai with the aim of promoting the sustainable development of the industry through compliance.

Nine years on, the 2018 CRAC Conference celebrated our 10^th anniversary from September 9th to 12th in one of the fastest developing technological hubs in China, Chengdu. This event welcomed participants from near and abroad, with representatives from 277 companies and 53 Guest Speakers. What brought all these experts, business representatives and officials together was a shared interest in discussing regulatory affairs and possible ways forward for the chemical, pesticides, food contact materials, dangerous goods and consumer products industries.

The 10^th installment of CRAC Conference enjoyed its first official day on September 10^th, following an opening ceremony and Welcome banquet on the eve of the 9^th led by the Organizer’s CEO, Jim Wei. During the first official day of the Conference, it was impressive to see the turnout for ECHA Catherine Cornu’s presentation on REACH post-deadline chemical registration, as well as Mr. Robert Kiefer’s updated take on the “Implementation of the TSCA Reform”. The Pesticides Session also caught quite some attention with, among other relevant speakers, Mr. Jining Hu from the Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences who addressed the latest changes on the Evaluation for Pesticide Environmental Management.

This year’s CRAC Conference took place in the center of China, with high-level Chinese policy decision makers and business representatives joined by experts and compliance affair heads from Asia Pacific countries, including Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Korea and Japan, as well as leaders in regulatory affairs from U.S. and EU. It was this environment that made the 10^th Anniversary of CRAC a highlighted event in the region and its success as a regulatory discussion forum.

For photos of the sessions and Guest Speakers for Day 1, click here.

Throughout the Conference, room was made for deeper discussions on the management of dangerous goods in Europe and China, with Discussion Panels joined by MOT official from the Chinese side and government officers from Germany, who highlighted and discussed China’s current regulatory challenges and new joint cooperation projects. Food Contact Materials experts were able to enjoy presentations underling the latest and most pressing changes in China, including the challenge of delivering DoC (declaration of compliance) throughout the entire supply chain.

For photos of the sessions and Guest Speakers for Day 2, click here.

The Conference was closed with a special Cocktail Reception in one of Chendgu’s landmarks, the Anshun Bridge, overlooking the Jin River. Guests the opportunity to engage in post-conference debates and share a cocktail to welcome new connections and take in the beautiful scenery and tradition of Chengdu.

The CRAC Conference Organizing Committee will be welcoming all participants from China and abroad next 2019 for its 11^th Annual Conference in the majestic city of Xian, one of China’s four great ancient capitals.

Time for Guest Speakers and members of the Organizing Committee to get together for the traditional annual group photo!

Highlights:

Up to five sessions running simultaneously, with side seminars on specific topics.

VIP Sessions, allowing for thorough discussions and effective networking between parties.

Discussion Panels and Q&A sessions after every session.

53 Selected Guest Speakers from across the globe, including former ECHA Executive Director Geert Dancet, and Mr. Qiang Zhang from the Ministry of Transport of PRC.