AbdulRehman Foundation

Rotterdam Convention on Chemicals

The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade is a multilateral environmental agreement that aims to promote shared responsibilities in managing hazardous chemicals and pesticides. The convention was adopted on September 10, 1998, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and entered into force on February 24, 2004.The main objective of the Rotterdam Convention is to ensure that countries have access to information regarding the potential risks associated with specific hazardous chemicals and pesticides before agreeing to their import. It facilitates the exchange of information among countries and helps them make informed decisions on whether to allow or ban the import of certain hazardous substances.The convention establishes a mechanism called the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure, which requires exporting countries to obtain the prior informed consent of the importing country before shipping chemicals and pesticides listed in the convention’s Annex III. The procedure involves the exchange of information about the hazardous characteristics of the chemicals, as well as any applicable restrictions or bans on their use. The exporting country is also required to provide safety recommendations and precautions regarding the handling, storage, transport, and disposal of the chemicals.By implementing the Rotterdam Convention, countries aim to protect human health and the environment from the potential risks associated with hazardous chemicals and pesticides. The convention promotes transparency, information sharing, and cooperation among nations to ensure the safe handling and use of these substances.As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, 166 countries had ratified or acceded to the Rotterdam Convention. However, please note that the status of international agreements may change over time, so it is always a good idea to consult up-to-date sources for the most current information.