This report explores the social, economic, environmental and health benefits that can be achieved through sound management of chemicals. The report presents a series of case studies of initiatives to improve chemicals management in developing countries or economies in transition. The case studies examine national legislative initiatives as well as on-the-ground projects to educate firms about cleaner production options. It is also looked at the role of bilateral and multilateral development assistance in facilitating adoption of sound chemicals management systems. The report was issued as a draft prior to the adoption of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) by the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) in February 2006 and has been amended according to inputs after that event.