The OECD system for the Mutual Acceptance of Data (MAD) in the Assessment of Chemicals ensures that the results of non-clinical safety tests done on chemicals and chemical products, such as industrial chemicals and pesticides, are accepted in all participating countries. OECD research has shown that multilateral agreement saves governments and chemical producers around €150 million annually.

“Ensuring that OECD and partner countries share and trust each other’s chemical safety test data for their regulatory purposes removes a potential non-tariff trade barrier between countries for marketing chemicals,” said OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria. “Brazil’s engagement in OECD work on chemical safety is indicative of the mutual benefit of the ever-closer relationship between OECD and major emerging economies.”

Participation in the MAD system requires that testing be carried out using OECD standards for test methods (OECD Test Guidelines) and data quality (OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice - GLP). Governments verify laboratory compliance using OECD procedures. At present, the system covers all 34 OECD countries as well as Brazil, India, South Africa and Singapore.

At the moment, the scope of Brazil’s programme is limited to non-clinical environmental health and safety data developed in Brazil on pesticides, biocides and industrial chemicals. Brazil may add additional products to be covered by MAD in the future.

Participation in the MAD system begins with provisional adherence, during which time non-members work with OECD countries to make their GLP compliance monitoring programme acceptable to all members. Provisional adherence to the OECD system means that the non-member must accept data from OECD and adhering countries generated under MAD conditions.

Provisional adherents to the MAD system are currently Argentina, Malaysia and Thailand.