The chemicals sector is a key economic sector for Ireland and the European Union. In its recently published industrial policy document the European Commission notes that, as an intermediate goods industry and an integral part of the manufacturing value chain, the chemicals sector has an enormous potential impact on manufacturing industry as a whole. The sector can improve both the competitiveness and environmental performance of downstream industries through innovation in substances and materials. It is also key to finding solutions for the critical societal challenges facing us such as increasing use of renewable materials, increasing energy efficiency and reducing water usage. Given the central economic and societal importance of the sector, on the one hand, and its inclusion of substances that have the potential to cause serious and widespread damage to human health and the environment, on the other, it is vital that the regulatory framework for the sector is up to date.