Rotterdam Convention (PIC procedure)

Information exchange on the risks and hazards of certain hazardous chemicals and certain hazardous plant protection products and pesticides

Plant protection products and pesticides or industrial chemicals can pose a risk to the population's health and the natural environment, especially in developing countries, if they are not used properly. A voluntary "PIC" procedure was established in the 80s for mutual information on the risks and hazards of certain hazardous chemicals and certain hazardous plant protection products and pesticides. PIC (Prior Informed Consent) means agreement following prior notification. The procedure involves the exporters of certain hazardous chemicals acquiring consent from the importing country before a product is imported.

In 1988, the PIC procedure was consolidated legally when the Rotterdam Convention was signed. The Convention provides that importing countries are provided with the necessary information on chemicals from the PIC List so that potential risks can be recorded. A country can refuse the import of a PIC chemical if the safe handling of the substance in this country cannot be guaranteed. Further stipulations of the Convention, such as labelling requirements for the exporter, contribute to the safe use of the chemicals once consent has been given for the import. The Convention came into force on 24 February 2004.

In the European Union, the Rotterdam Convention is implemented by Regulation (EC) No 649/2012. In some points, the Regulation goes even further than the Convention (especially concerning the export of chemicals). German exporters of chemicals which are banned in the EU or are subject to strict limitations must inform the Federal Office for Chemicals / Authorisation of Biocides at the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) prior to exporting these substances.

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