The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has issued a call for information on two types of chemical substances proposed as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under the United Nations' Stockholm Convention. This initiative aims to gather data to support the development of a draft risk profile and risk management evaluation for these substances.

Understanding the Stockholm Convention

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is a global treaty that aims to protect human health and the environment from harmful chemicals that persist in the environment, accumulate in living organisms and pose significant risks to human health and ecosystems. Due to their ability to travel long distances through air, water, or migratory species, POPs can affect regions far from their original source.

The Convention requires the Parties to take measures to eliminate or restrict the production, use and release of listed POPs and to reduce unintentional releases. As a signatory, the UK plays a proactive role in reviewing and managing chemicals proposed for inclusion in the Convention.

Substances under Review

The substances currently under consideration are:

• Polyhalogenated Dibenzo-p-dioxins and Dibenzofurans (PXDD/Fs): DEFRA id seeking information to assist in the preparation of a risk profile for these chemicals, as required by Annex E of the Stockholm Convention.

• Chlorinated Paraffins with Carbon Chain Lengths C14-17: Information is sought to support the risk management assessment, with a focus on socio-economic factors and potential exemptions for continued use.

Further details on the substances and their assessment can be found in the associated Defra publication here.

How to Contribute

Stakeholders are encouraged to submit relevant information by completing the relevant submission forms available on the UK Government website here. All responses should be sent to POPs@defra.gov.uk by the deadline of 29 November 2024.

Implications for Environmental Policy

The data collected will play a crucial role in shaping the UK's approach to managing these substances, ensuring compliance with international obligations under the Stockholm Convention and protecting public health and the environment.

The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has recently published a report setting out a new set of recommendations for the integration of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) into UK chemical regulations. These methodologies support a transition away from traditional animal testing by relying on advanced scientific approaches, including in vitro and in silico methods. The new recommendations mark an important step in improving the reliability of chemical safety testing, while aligning with the UK’s post-Brexit regulatory landscape.

Key Recommendations for NAM Integration

The report sets out DEFRA's strategy for the progressive adoption of NAMs, detailing a framework to enhance chemical safety through:

• Technology Agnostic NAMs: DEFRA proposes a broad definition of NAMs, focusing utility of the data in assessing the mode of action of chemicals.

• Progressive Regulatory Framework: Phased implementation would allow NAMs to progressively replace animal testing as scientific certainty increases.

• Investment in UK Centres of Excellence: The establishment of dedicated NAMs research centres is recommended to ensure regulatory alignment and technological advancement within the UK.

Benefits of Early Adoption of NAMs

By adopting NAMs, the UK will gain ethical and economic benefits and position itself as a global leader in chemical safety. Early adoption is also in line with the “3Rs” principle (Reduce, Refine and Replace animal testing), further strengthening public trust in the UK’s regulatory framework. The report highlights that NAMs enable high confidence safety evaluations and support group-based testing and prioritization, reducing the need for traditional methods.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While the integration of NAMs holds great promise, DEFRA notes the need for robust acceptance criteria to ensure scientific reliability. As NAMs continue to develop, the UK is encouraged to take a lead in establishing reporting standards, drawing on international research and collaboration. With the progressive framework, NAMs are expected to play a greater role in chemical safety assessments, promising a safer and more sustainable future for the industry.

DEFRA’s latest recommendations underline the UK’s commitment to scientific innovation in chemical regulation and highlight a strategic shift towards a safer and more ethical approach to chemical safety assessment.