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.
Note: general educational information, not legal advice. Check the official source before relying on it.