Request to inform substance risk management evaluation (Annex F of the Stockholm Convention)
Updated 4 January 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/request-for-information-on-substances-proposed-as-persistent-organic-pollutants-pops-2023/request-to-inform-substance-risk-management-evaluation-annex-f-of-the-stockholm-convention
The UK is a party to the UN Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which are substances that persist in the environment, accumulate in living organisms and pose a risk to our health and the environment.
They can be transported by air, water or migratory species across international borders, reaching regions where they have never been produced or used.
Substances listed in the convention are generally prohibited from production, marketing or use unless specific exemptions apply or acceptable purposes for continued use have been agreed.
There is a process for parties to propose a substance for listing if they have gathered evidence that suggests it may be a POP. The POPs Review Committee (POPRC), the technical scientific committee of the Stockholm Convention, then considers and further develops the evidence that the substance demonstrates POP characteristics.
If there is evidence that a substance demonstrates POP characteristics, the POPRC then considers the socio and economic impacts of a ban or restriction of this substance, and makes recommendations to the Stockholm Convention Conference of Parties, which is held every 2 years.
Risk management evaluation, as specified in Annex F (Information on Socioeconomic Considerations) of the Stockholm Convention
In October 2023, the POPRC agreed to the Risk Profile (as specified in Annex E of the Stockholm Convention) for chlorpyrifos.
The POPRC is now developing the risk management evaluation for this substance (as specified in Annex F of the Stockholm Convention), to provide information on the social and economic impacts of any control measures under consideration.
Information is therefore requested on production, use, emissions, monitoring, alternatives, impacts on society, efficiency and efficacy of proposed control measures, costs and waste disposal.
Chlorpyrifos
Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate pesticide. It has been widely applied as an insecticide in agriculture and as a biocide to control non-agricultural pests. In 2008, chlorpyrifos products were authorised for use in more than 88 countries.
However, in 2008, usage as a biocide was phased-out in the Europe, and in 2000 its use in most non-agricultural applications was phased out. However, usage as a biocide, for example, for termite control in buildings, is still practiced in other countries.