Considerations on COM(2012)753 - EU position with regard to proposals for amendments of Annex III to the Rotterdam Convention

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dossier COM(2012)753 - EU position with regard to proposals for amendments of Annex III to the Rotterdam Convention.
document COM(2012)753 EN
date December 13, 2012
 
(1) The European Union has ratified the Rotterdam Convention on the prior informed consent procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade (the Rotterdam Convention)[3].

(2) Regulation (EC) No 689/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 concerning the export and import of dangerous chemicals implements the Rotterdam Convention in the Union[4].

(3) In order to ensure that importing countries benefit from the protection offered by the Rotterdam Convention, it is necessary and appropriate to support the recommendation from the Chemical Review Committee as regards the inclusion in Annex III to the Rotterdam Convention of azinphos-methyl, chrysotile asbestos, octabromodiphenyl ether commercial mixtures, pentabromodiphenyl ether and pentabromodiphenyl ether commercial mixtures, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, perfluorooctanesulfonates, perfluorooctanesulfonamides and perfluorooctanesulfonyls, and liquid formulations (emulsifiable concentrate and soluble concentrate) containing paraquat dichloride at or above 276 g/L, corresponding to paraquat ion at or above 200 g/L. These substances are already banned or severely restricted in the Union and are therefore subject to export requirements which go beyond what is required under the Rotterdam Convention.

(4) The sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP6) of the Rotterdam Convention is expected to take decisions on the proposed amendments to Annex III. The Union should support these amendments.