The Russian-Norwegian co-operation is important for the management of the Barents Sea. The co-operation have contributed and contributes to an increase in the common understanding of the pollution situation in the northern areas, strengthens the collaboration regarding control, monitoring and prevention of pollution (releases and inputs of pollutants to the environment and waste handling).

In Norway the Ministry of Environment is responsible for all regulations relating to both health and environmental effects of chemicals where no separate regulatory measures have been laid down. Medicines, cosmetics, plant protection products and chemicals for occupational use are some types of uses or products that are separately regulated.

In Russia, the responsibility for control and protection of the environment is given to all levels of the legislative authorities - from the Duma to local municipalities; an executive power is also distributed from the federal to the regional level.