Supporting the right to know for trade in certain Supporting the right to know for trade in certain hazardous chemicalshazardous chemicals

International High-level expert Conference on Chemical Safetyand Rotterdam Convention: Policies and Practices in Russia

14 –15 October 2010, Moscow

Objective

To promote shared responsibility and cooperative efforts among Parties in the international trade of certain hazardous chemicals in order to protect human health and the environment from potential harm and to contribute to their environmentally sound use

Global status of ratifications

Scope of the Convention

Applies to:

• Chemicals banned or severely restricted to protect human health or the environment

• Severely hazardous pesticide formulations (SHPF) - causing problems under conditions of use in developing countries or countries with economies in transition

NOTE

Not a ban!

Key Provisions

PIC procedure - Supports decision-making for importing countries

- Seeks compliance from exporting Parties

Information exchange - Sharing information on potentially hazardous chemicals - Provides the basis for decisions on future imports and exports of chemicals (PIC procedure)

Key Players

1. Designated National Authorities (DNAs)

2. Conference of the Parties (COP)

3. Chemical Review Committee (CRC)

4. Secretariat

SUMMARY of the PIC procedure

SECRETARIAT

Informs all of decision (PIC Circular)

PIC CIRCULAR (Appendix IV) by chemical:- import responses from countries- failure list: countries not having submitted a response

CountryDistribution

to all DNAs

Takes an import decision (interim or final)

Replies to the country

Reviews information

• Party submits final regulatory action – information shared

• 2nd regulatory action triggers CRC review

• CRC recommends chemical for listing

• COP lists chemical - Annex III

Decision Guidance Document

Benefits

1. Secretariat facilitates dialogue Brings country together with partners prior to

ratification

Greater understanding on trade issues facilitated

Benefits

1. Facilitates trade Supports a country to import

Improves relations between trading countries

Legal framework on trade – ‘levels the playing field’

Benefits

1. Prevents unwanted trade PIC procedure is legally binding on Parties

Importing Parties make informed decisions on trade

Exporting Parties avoid sending unwanted chemicals

Parties

Benefits

2. Early warning system

PIC circular provides information on regulatory actions globally

Also information on incidents of health impacts for SHPF

Decision Guidance Documents – supports decision making

Benefits4. Export notification

Reminds importing Parties of a national regulatory

action in the country of the exporting Party

Informs importing Parties that the chemical may be in

use in their country

Provides an opportunity to seek further information

from the exporting Party

Benefits

5. Information accompanying export

Support for implementation of GHS – labelling and data

sheets

HS Codes facilitate tracking PIC chemicals

Benefits

6. Network of DNAs Access to DNAs in other countries with similar

conditions

Opportunities to exchange experience and information

Benefits

7. Technical Assistance

Parties cooperate in developing infrastructure and capacity

Access to GEF financial support

Strengthen capacity of Parties to assess risks associated with industrial chemicals

Development of National Chemicals Profiles

A ban is not meant

Trade by consent

NOTE again

« The Right to Know »