Brass industry in Moradabad hit after European Chemicals Agency sets regulations

Moradabad, Mar 29 (ANI): Chemical substances used in making brass items in Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh for exports have now come under the scanner of the European Union's new regulatory framework on safe management of chemicals.

The brass industry of Moradabad, which is already handicapped with business, going down by almost 60 per cent due to ongoing global recessionary trends, has to cope with new regulations.

According to the European Chemicals Agency based in Finland, 14 substances have been termed harmful for import by European countries.

Most of the exporters of brass industry and the artisans involved in it are not aware of the substances which are used in making such items.

"We feel that through these regulations, the industry will face a lot of problems and especially for the illiterate persons involved in this business. It will be tough for them to manage, understand and test the substances," said Nadeem, an exporter.

Anthracene, sodium dichromate, 5 tertbutyl-2 are among the 14 substances which have been listed by the European Chemicals Agency as hazardous for human health and environment.

Babbu Bhai, an exporter said that the government should take initiative to open such testing labs which can help the exporters to differentiate the substances and chemicals that can be used to make brass items.

"We hope that the government opens labs like the MHS, technical support by sending experts to teach not only the artisans, but also the exporters. This will make them to take control during the preparation of the items to avoid use of such substances," said Babbu Bhai.

Around seventy per cent of Moradabad's population works in the metalwork industry, producing a variety of craft items and kitchen implements.

It is known for its brassware around the world and exports attractive artifacts to USA, Britain, Canada, Germany and Middle East countries.

It fetches around 22 billion rupees every year. By Vibhav Porov (ANI)