Geneva: five more hazardous chemicals regulated at international level
Bern, 10.05.2013 - Following the decisions taken by the states participating in the triple conference on chemicals and hazardous waste in Geneva, which is due to conclude shortly, five additional chemicals will be subject to international regulation. On 10 May 2013, the ministerial representatives, including Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard, adopted a declaration highlighting the important contribution made by the management of hazardous substances to sustainable development and the protection of health and the environment.
Representatives of almost 160 states convened in Geneva from 28 April to 10 May for a conference of the three conventions for the environmental regulation of chemicals and hazardous waste (see text box below).
HBCD, a flame retardant, was added to the list of persistent organic pollutants (Stockholm Convention). Its production and use shall be prohibited from now on. Exceptions may be allowed for the next five years for the use of HBCD as an additive in extruded and expanded polystyrene used in the insulation of buildings.
Four other chemicals were added to the Rotterdam Convention. Henceforth, exports of these chemicals will only be possible with the prior agreement of the recipient countries, which shall be duly informed of the associated risks to health and the environment. In contrast, the Conference of the Parties of the Rotterdam Convention did not succeed in reaching agreement on the addition of chrysotile asbestos and a pesticide formulation containing paraquat to the Convention. Switzerland is disappointed with the failure of the negotiations on these two products. Together with other interested states, it will attempt to find a solution for the addition of these products, which pose a threat to health and the environment, to the Rotterdam Convention.
In the context of the Basel Convention, the states also adopted a series of technical documents which will improve the management of waste and the control of movements of waste between countries.
Furthermore, the synergies process between the three conventions will be intensified. The states approved a joint programme for the three conventions for the next two years, which is accompanied by a joint budget. The conventions will pursue their specific activities in parallel to the synergies process. Since 2010, the three conventions have benefited from joint management and a joint secretariat, a development that represents a first in environmental governance
Ministerial commitment to chemicals management
Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard participated in the ministerial segment of the Conference, which involved over 85 participants and was held on 9 and 10 May 2013. The ministers adopted a "Geneva Declaration" which highlights their commitment to the effective management of chemicals and hazardous waste. They also launched an appeal for the management of chemicals and hazardous waste to be included in the sustainable development objectives as part of the post-Rio+20 process.
In her address to the ministers, Federal Councillor Leuthard noted that Switzerland had learned lessons from the past, in particular the Schweizerhalle chemical disaster of 1986, and realised that the prevention of disasters is preferable and more effective than their management. She welcomed the fact that the idea for the close linking of the three conventions, which was put forward by Switzerland, had become a reality. She congratulated the states on daring to embark on this new path, which sets a worthwhile example for environmental governance.
Franz Perrez, Head of the Swiss negotiating delegation and President of the Conference of the Parties of the Basel Convention, confirmed the dynamism and vitality of environmental policy in the area of chemicals and hazardous waste. "The progress attained in Geneva will make a significant contribution to the protection of human life and the environment against the harmful effects of chemicals. This progress also demonstrates the great potential that the environmentally sound management of chemicals and hazardous waste represents in relation to sustainable development."
TEXT BOX
Switzerland, a centre of competence for chemicals and hazardous waste
Three conventions regulate the management of chemicals and hazardous waste at environmental level:
- The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP) currently regulates toxic substances that accumulate in organisms, e.g. PCBs.
- The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade regulates the export/import of hazardous chemicals and product categories, mainly pesticides.
- The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal regulates the export/import of hazardous waste and waste containing hazardous chemicals.
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