The National Program on Sustainable Chemicals Management will have a total cost of $31m and will be implemented in two stages. The first will last until 2015, during which the institutional and legal frameworks are to be improved. The second phase, to take place between 2016 and 2020, will involve implementing strategies to assess and reduce risks associated with dangerous chemicals and improve their control, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to the Ministry of Environment, Moldova produces a limited variety of chemical substances and imports small amounts of chemicals, mostly for agricultural use. However, the management of hazardous chemicals doesn't meet international initiatives and standards and do not ensure adequate control. The authorities lack a proper classification of chemicals, not only of those which can cause severe poisoning, but also of those with carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Businesses do not report on the types and amounts of chemicals used in industry and agriculture to any central authority and the responsibilities of chemical producers are not regulated enough. Other threats are related to the residual substances resulting from various business activities, including galvanic waste and mercury, which in the absence of modern technologies cannot be disposed. The aim of the National Program on Sustainable Chemicals Management is to create conditions to improve living standards and ensure the right to every citizen to a healthy environment. The Program will be financed through annual government allocations, contributions of businesses, foreign grants and funds allocated for the implementation of international agreements in the field.