Overview#
The Rotterdam Convention is about informed choice in the chemicals trade. Before certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides cross a border, the receiving country has to know what is coming and agree to it.
Prior Informed Consent is the heart of the treaty. An importing country must say yes before a listed chemical can be shipped to it, which keeps unwanted hazardous chemicals from arriving without warning.
How it works#
A chemical is listed when enough countries have restricted or banned it for health or environmental reasons. From that point, exports to a party require that party's documented consent. The EU applies the Convention through its PIC Regulation.
Where it fits#
Rotterdam is one of three linked global instruments often grouped together.
For the related instruments, see the Basel Convention and the Stockholm Convention.