Rotterdam Convention on the prior informed consent procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade .
The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade is a multilateral environmental agreement established to promote shared responsibilities and cooperation among countries in relation to hazardous chemicals and pesticides. The convention aims to protect human health and the environment from potential risks associated with the international trade of such substances.
The Rotterdam Convention was adopted on September 10, 1998, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and entered into force on February 24, 2004. It is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
The key objective of the convention is to ensure that countries have access to information about hazardous chemicals and pesticides being traded internationally, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding their importation. This is achieved through a prior informed consent (PIC) procedure, where exporting countries are required to provide information on certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides to importing countries.
Under the Rotterdam Convention, certain chemicals and pesticides are listed in Annex III and subject to the PIC procedure. The list is periodically updated based on scientific assessments of the potential risks posed by these substances. The PIC procedure entails that an exporting country cannot export a listed chemical or pesticide to an importing country without obtaining its prior informed consent.
Importing countries, upon receiving notification about a proposed export, have the right to accept or refuse the importation based on their national regulatory requirements and the information provided. This process allows importing countries to make informed decisions regarding the risks associated with the chemicals or pesticides they may receive.
The Rotterdam Convention also encourages countries to exchange information and cooperate in the management of hazardous chemicals and pesticides. It promotes the sharing of information on their characteristics, labeling requirements, and any restrictions or bans imposed on their use. Furthermore, the convention promotes technical assistance and capacity-building activities to help developing countries in implementing its provisions.
By facilitating the exchange of information and promoting informed decision-making, the Rotterdam Convention aims to minimize the potential risks associated with the international trade of hazardous chemicals and pesticides, safeguarding human health and the environment.
Please note that the information provided is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021, and there may have been updates or developments regarding the Rotterdam Convention since then.
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