The IOMC was established in 1995 as an international coordinating group to promote sound chemical management worldwide, following recommendations of the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) and in particular those in Chapter 19 of Agenda 21 about toxic chemicals. FAO, ILO, UNEP, UNIDO, WHO and OECD were first to join the IOMC, followed by UNITAR in 1997, the World Bank in 2010, UNDP in 2012, and the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions in 2023.

The objective of the IOMC is to strengthen international cooperation in the field of chemicals and to increase the effectiveness of the organisations’ international chemicals programmes. The IOMC Internet-based Toolbox for Decision Making in Chemicals Management (IOMC Toolbox) is aimed at countries who wish to address specific national issues regarding chemicals management.

The IOMC vision is to shape a sustainable future through coordinated global action to achieve the sound lifecycle management of chemicals and waste for healthy lives and the environment.  

IOMC mission statement

IOMC organizations collectively provide countries with scientific, technical and legislative knowledge and support, as well as standards, tools, and financing. We actively contribute to the successful transition to the sound management of chemicals and waste for sustainable development.