This review paper assesses the current state of knowledge of the economic benefits of action (BoA) as well as the costs of inaction (CoI) to ensure the sound management of chemicals. It features the results of recent studies as well as a discussion on the evolution of relevant methodologies. It draws on published or peer-reviewed literature only. Whilst the focus is on publications since UNEP’s 2013 report, earlier references are used where the evolution of methodologies are discussed.