PIC Convention

The Rotterdam Convention on the prior informed consent (PIC) procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade was opened for signature in 1998. It will come into force when 50 countries provide final ratification. The Convention will enable the world to monitor and control the trade in various chemicals that threaten human and environmental health. It will give importing countries the power to decide which chemicals they want to receive and to exclude those they cannot manage safely. If trade does take place, requirements for labelling and provision of information on potential health and environmental effects will promote the safe use of these chemicals.