Overview#
The Stockholm Convention is the global agreement to get rid of the worst chemicals, and the EU turns its commitments into binding law through the POP Regulation.
What it is#
- A global treaty adopted in 2001 (in force 2004) under UNEP.
- It aims to eliminate or restrict persistent organic pollutants, chemicals that persist, bioaccumulate, travel far and are toxic.
- It started with an initial list (the "dirty dozen") and adds substances over time through its review committee.
From treaty to EU law to your product
International treaty obligations do not bind companies directly. The chain runs from the Stockholm Convention to the EU POP Regulation 2019/1021, and then to restrictions that apply to substances in your articles and waste.
Related instrument#
The Aarhus Protocol on POPs is the regional (UNECE) counterpart, and the EU POP Regulation implements both.