United Nations Regulatory News

A groundbreaking proposal to establish strict criteria and lists for chemicals of concern in plastics was launched by Norway, the Cook Islands and Rwanda ahead of INC-4 (the fourth session of the Inte...

A groundbreaking proposal to establish strict criteria and lists for chemicals of concern in plastics was launched by Norway, the Cook Islands and Rwanda ahead of INC-4 (the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution) in Canada in April 2024. This initiative aims to improve global environmental and health safety standards by addressing the full life cycle of plastics, including the chemicals they contain.

Since 2022, the UN has been negotiating a legally binding international treaty to address plastic pollution have been underway at the United Nations (UN). This initiative aims to establish global rules and measures for a circular economy, with a focus on reducing the production and use of plastics, promoting reuse models and redesigning plastic packaging throughout its lifecycle. Priority will be given to addressing plastic packaging, which is a significant contributor to plastic waste. The negotiations, initiated in November 2022 under the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), are expected to be concluded by November/December 2024 at INC-5 in Korea.

Background on the Initiative

Given the urgent need to address hazardous chemicals in plastics, the proposed initiative builds on current global efforts to enhance environmental and health safety standards. Current global chemical regulations cover only a limited range of substances, leaving many hazardous chemicals commonly found in plastics unregulated. This oversight persists despite the known risks these chemicals pose to both human health and the environment. To address these concerns, INC members have agreed on the need for a new international legally binding instrument that would enforce stricter control measures and promote sustainable production and consumption of plastics throughout its lifecycle.

The Proposed Approach

The proposal advocates a two-pronged approach to address these risks:

1. Immediate Restrictions: Chemicals already recognized as harmful and restricted in different jurisdictions would be controlled under this new global framework.

2. Generic Risk Management: A broader regulatory approach would be implemented, focusing on chemicals that pose an intrinsic risk to health or the environment, regardless of the level of exposure.

Criteria for Identifying Chemicals

The proposal sets out specific criteria based on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). These criteria include carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, chronic organ toxicity and endocrine disruption properties. Additionally, persistence, bioaccumulation, and environmental toxicity are key factors for identifying high-risk chemicals.

Draft Lists for Regulatory Action

Two draft lists were proposed:

- List 1: Chemicals for elimination due to their high risk profile and existing regulations in several countries. The list includes:

• Phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DIBP).

• Bisphenols (BPA).

• Alkylphenols (nonylphenol,4-tert-octylphenol),

• Flame retardants (TCEP).

• Metals/metal compounds (cadmium, lead, and their compounds).

- List 2: Chemicals to be minimized and closely monitored due to their hazardous nature. The list includes:

• Phthalates (DIDP, DNOP, DCHP, DINP, DIPP, DnHP (DHP), DPP, DPENP, DHEXP, PIPP, BMEP, DNUHP, DIHP, DPP(x)).

• Bisphenols (BPB, BPC, BPF, BPS, BPZ).

• UV-stabilizers (UV-320, UV-327, UV-350 Chimassorb 944, Tinuvin 770, BP-39).

• PFASs (GenX,, PFHxA,, ANDONA)

• Alkylphenols (2-(benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-ditert-butylphenol; 2,4-ditert-butyl-6-(5-chlorobenzotriazol-2-yl) phenol; 2,4,6-tritert-butylphenol)

• Flame retardants (brominated, chlorinated and organophosphorous).

• Metals, metalloids and metal compounds (antimony, arsenic, chromium, cobalt, molybdenum, tin)

These lists are compiled from a variety of sources, including the latest scientific databases and expert consultations, and are subject to further review and revision.

This proposal was discussed at the recent INC-4 conference, where it was evaluated alongside existing country-led initiatives. The aim was to finalize these lists as part of the new regulatory framework, thereby closing the gap between the limited number of globally regulated chemicals and the large number of unregulated chemicals currently used in plastics.

This proactive approach not only aims to protect human health and the environment, but also supports a safer, more sustainable circular economy for plastics. Further regulatory developments are expected as more countries contribute their assessments and scientific understanding evolves.

On 25 October 2023, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) of the Stockholm Convention, issued a call for information on a number of proposed persistent organic pollutants (POPs) i...

On 25 October 2023, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) of the Stockholm Convention, issued a call for information on a number of proposed persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in advance of its upcoming meeting in September 2024. The POPRC is seeking information on chlorpyrifos, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs).

Stockholm Convention

The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty that aims to protect human health and the environment from the effects of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), which are substances that persist in the environment, accumulate in living organisms and pose a risk to human health and the environment. 

POPs can be transported across international borders by air, water or by migratory species, reaching regions where they have never been produced or used. The substances listed in the Convention are generally banned from production, marketing or use, unless specific exemptions or acceptable purposes for continued use are agreed. 

Parties to the Convention may propose a substance for listing if they have gathered evidence suggesting that it may be a POP. The technical scientific committee of the Stockholm Convention (POPRC) will then review and further develop the evidence that the substance has POP characteristics. 

If there is evidence that a substance has POP characteristics, the POPRC then considers the social and economic impacts of banning or restricting that substance and makes recommendations to the Conference of the Parties of the Stockholm Convention, which meets every two years. 

Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins

Chlorinated paraffins are used as plasticisers for polyvinyl chloride, as extreme pressure additives in metal-machining fluids, as additives to paints, coatings, and sealants to improve their resistance to chemicals and to water, and as flame retardants in plastics, fabrics, paints, and coatings.

Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) were recommended for listing as POPs under the Stockholm Convention at the 19^th meeting of the POPRC (POPRC-19) in October 2023. The Committee decided to recommend that the Conference of the Parties to consider listing chlorinated paraffins with carbon chain lengths in the range C14–17 and chlorination levels of 45 % chlorine or more by weight in Annex A to the Convention with specific exemptions for some applications.

The Committee has invited Parties and observers to provide information that would assist it in possibly strengthening of the recommendations. The deadline for submissions is 24 January 2024 and the information submission forms for MCCPs can be found here.

In particular, the POPRC is specifically asking for the following:

• Information to enable the specification of the chemical identity.

• Information to enable the determination of concentration limits.

• Any other information, including information on the applications relating to specific exemptions.

Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids

Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs), their salts and precursors have water, oil, dirt and grease repellent properties and are used in a wide range of products, including personal care products, cleaning products, and surface treatments for textiles, upholstery, leather, automotive parts, carpets and paper products, and packaging. They belong to the group of per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS). 

The POPRC has adopted the Risk Management Evaluation of LC-PFCAs, their salts, and related compounds, and recommended that the substances be listed for elimination in Annex A to the Stockholm Convention. The Committee invited Parties and observers to provide information that would assist in the possible definition of specific exemptions for the production and use of LC-PFCAs, their salts and related compounds. The deadline for comments is 24 January 2024 and the information submission forms for LC-PFCAs can be found here.

Chlorpyrifos

Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate pesticide widely used as an agricultural insecticide and as a biocide to control non-agricultural pests. After completing a risk profile for chlorpyrifos, the POPRC has adopted a risk profile and decided that chlorpyrifos is likely to cause significant adverse human health and environmental effects, as a result of its long-range environmental transport and that global action is therefore warranted.

The Committee has requested additional information on the socio-economic considerations for chlorpyrifos to support the preparation of a risk management evaluation as specified in Annex F of the Stockholm Convention. The deadline is 1 December 2023.

At the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention (COP-5), significant progress was made by adopting 21 decisions to further protect human health and the environment fro...

At the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention (COP-5), significant progress was made by adopting 21 decisions to further protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of mercury. COP-5 was held in Geneva from 30 October to 3 November 2023 and the meeting attracted more than 800 participants and 900 online viewers.

Background on the Minamata Convention

The Minamata Convention on Mercury, adopted in 2013, is the most recent global agreement on environment and health. It is named after the bay in Japan where, in the mid-20th century, mercury-contaminated industrial wastewater poisoned thousands of people, causing severe health damage that became known as the “Minamata disease”. Since the Convention entered into force on 16 August 2017, 147 Parties have been working together to control the supply and trade of mercury, reduce mercury use, emissions and releases of mercury, raise public awareness, and build the necessary institutional capacity.

Decisions taken at COP-5

New phase-out dates:

• By 2025, the use of all mercury-added cosmetics must be phased out, with the exception of products intended for use around the eyes area due to the unavailability of safe substitute preservatives. This includes skin-lightening soaps and creams.

• Certain batteries, switches, relays, and fluorescent lamps will be phased out between 2025 and 2027, depending on the type.

• The use of mercury as a catalyst in polyurethane production will be phased out by 2025.

Dental amalgam:

• Parties that have not yet phased out dental amalgam will now be required to submit a national action plan every four years on their progress in phasing out or phasing down dental amalgam.

• Further action on dental amalgam will be considered at COP-6 in 2025.

Mercury waste:

• Guidance on BAT (best available techniques) and BEP (best environmental practices) for controlling mercury releases to land and water was adopted.

• Parties were encouraged to continue to advance their efforts to control mercury emissions to the atmosphere and to develop emission inventories.

• A threshold value of 15 mg/kg total mercury concentration was established for for waste contaminated with mercury or mercury compounds.

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM):

• Advocate for greater involvement of indigenous peoples and local communities in Convention projects on artisanal and small-scale gold mining, to promote broader participation.

• The importance of protecting and strengthening traditional livelihoods and cultural practises was highlighted and further action was called for in the development and implementation of National Action Plans.

Conclusion

This progress at COP-5 underlines a collective commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future and marks critical steps forward in the global fight against mercury pollution. The decisions taken not only reflect immediate actions but also set the stage for ongoing strategies, emphasising the importance of continued cooperation and commitment to environmental protection.

The 19th assembly of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC-19), presided over by Dr. Peter Dawson of New Zealand, convened at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Na...

The 19th assembly of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC-19), presided over by Dr. Peter Dawson of New Zealand, convened at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome, Italy, from October 9 to 13, 2023. During this meeting, POPRC-19 recommended the inclusion of two groups of chemicals in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention for elimination.

Stockholm Convention

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, established in 2001 and ratified in 2004, is a global treaty committed to reducing or eliminating the release of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) into the environment. This Convention aims to protect human health and the environment from chemicals characterized by their long-lasting persistence, wide geographical distribution, accumulation in the fatty tissues of humans and wildlife, and adverse effects on health and the environment.

Groups of substances included

The two groups of chemicals recommended for inclusion in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention are 'medium-chain chlorinated paraffins' (MCCPs), with carbon chain lengths in the range C14–17 and chlorine content of 45 percent by weight or more, and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids, along with their salts and related compounds.

MCCPs have multiple applications, from serving as lubricants and coolants in metalworking fluids to plastic softening additives. They are used in products like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), paints, sealants, rubber, and more. Nevertheless, the scientific consensus is that these substances present significant risks to human health due to their persistent presence in the human body, potentially leading to health complications, including cancer.

Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids which belong to the family of 'forever chemicals' or PFAS are recommended for elimination under the Convention. PFAS chemicals have found wide applications in both industrial and consumer products due to their water, stain, and grease-resistant properties.

The elimination recommendations allow for specific exemptions, which will be further discussed at the next Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention in 2025.

Future action on Chlorpyrifos

In addition to these key decisions, the POPRC-19 endorsed the risk assessment profile for 'chlorpyrifos,' a highly toxic pesticide widely used in agriculture. Chlorpyrifos poses significant health hazards, particularly to children and pregnant women, and has adverse effects on the nervous system. Over the coming year, the Committee will examine socio-economic considerations, and potential control measures, and formulate recommendations regarding the inclusion of chlorpyrifos during its risk management evaluation.

On the 4th of September 2023, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released what is known as the “Zero Draft” of the forthcoming Global Plastics Treaty.  The draft was prepared by the ...

On the 4th of September 2023, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released what is known as the “Zero Draft” of the forthcoming Global Plastics Treaty.  The draft was prepared by the Peruvian government in its role as Chair of the Iintergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the treaty with the support of the INC Secretariat. It is based on a wide range of ideas from nations on the treaty's contents. 

The Zero Draft will serve as the starting point for negotiations at the next conference of the International Negotiating Committee (INC-3), which will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2023. By the end of 2024, a formal treaty should be in place. 

Main objectives of the Zero Draft 

The main objectives of the Zero Draft are as follows: 

• To end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, and to protect human health and the environment. 

• The prevention, progressive reduction, and elimination of plastic pollution throughout the life cycle of plastic by 2040.  

• The management of both the use of plastics and plastic waste, while contributing to the achievement of sustainable development. 

The manufacturing of basic plastic polymers, including their raw materials and precursors, may have adverse effects on human health or the environment. Parties should take the appropriate precautions to prevent and mitigate these effects. Parties shall take the necessary steps to reduce and, where appropriate, eliminate the use of chemicals, groups of chemicals, and polymers in plastic polymers, plastics, and plastic products6 that have the potential to cause adverse effects on human health or the environment at any stage of the life cycle of plastics or that have properties that could make their safe and environmentally sound management difficult, such as their reusability. 

Key steps to achieve the Zero Draft objectives 

According to the draft below points must be followed to achieve the goal:  

1. Emissions and releases of plastic throughout its life cycle  

Each Party is responsible for preventing and eliminating the emissions and releases of plastic polymers, plastics, including microplastics, and plastic goods to the environment from those sources. The following emissions and releases should be covered by this clause:  

• Emissions of hHazardous substances, including microplastics.  

• Releases to soil and water from production, transportation, and use of chemicals and polymers of concern. 

• Releases of chemicals and polymers of concern, plastics and plastic products, including microplastics, to air, soil, and water, as well as ecosystems.

2. Existing plastic pollution, including in the marine environment 

In order to increase awareness and stop future plastic pollution, particularly littering in freshwater and coastal regions, each Party shall make information on common forms of plastic pollution, practises, and behaviours that contribute to plastic pollution publicly available. 

The parties must work together to evaluate, identify, and prioritise the accumulation zones, hotspots, and sectors: 

• that are most affected by current plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. 

• where quantities and types of litter pose a threat to species or habitats, taking into account the full life cycle of plastics.

Finance 

Each Party shall take steps to reduce financial flows from all domestic and foreign, public and private sources, towards projects that result in emissions and releases to the environment from plastics and plastic products throughout their life cycle, including microplastics, and to increase financial flows from all domestic and foreign, public and private sources, towards projects that prevent or reduce emissions and releases of plastics to the environment. 

Federal strategies  

In order to execute the commitments under the draft and to accomplish its objective(s), each Party shall create and implement a national plan. The national plans must at the very least contain pertinent information relating to: Primary plastic polymers; chemicals and polymers of concern; problematic and preventable plastic products; product design and performance; reduce, reuse, refill, and repair of plastics and plastic products; use of recycled plastic contents; extended producer responsibility; emissions and releases of plastic through its life cycle; waste management; fishing gear; current plastic pollution, including in the marine environment; and just transition. 

You can read full draft here: https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/43239/ZERODRAFT.pdf 

At the 11th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Stockholm Convention on 5 May 2023, more than 120 countries agreed to add 2 plastic chemicals and one pesticide to the Conventions lis...

At the 11th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Stockholm Convention on 5 May 2023, more than 120 countries agreed to add 2 plastic chemicals and one pesticide to the Conventions list of substances for global elimination (Annex A). The delegates to the COP found that the chemicals, the plastic additive UV-328, the flame retardant Dechlorane Plus (also often used in plastics), and the pesticide methoxychlor all meet the Convention criteria as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) required for a global ban.

The uses and hazards of the 3 substances are:

However, time-limited exemptions were agreed on for the use of UV-328 and Dechlorane Plus. The expemtions are summarised in the tables below.

Several countries called for labelling of products that contain the 2 plastic additives while others opposed. The Convention’s Scientific Review Committee plans to evaluate options for identifying POPs in products and waste.

On 27 July 2023, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) published the 10th revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS10). Th...

On 27 July 2023, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) published the 10th revised edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS10). The publication comes after the Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals approved a series of amendments to the ninth revised edition of the GHS at its eleventh session on 9 December 2022. These amendments cover various subjects, including:

• Refinement of the classification procedure for desensitized explosives (Chapter 2.17)

• Implementation of non-animal testing methods for the classification of health hazards, with a particular focus on skin corrosion/irritation (Chapter 3.2), serious eye damage/irritation (Chapter 3.3), and respiratory or skin sensitization (Chapter 3.4).

• Rationalisation of precautionary statements to enhance user understanding without compromising their usefulness for labeling practitioners.

• Review of annexes 9 and 10 to ensure alignment of the classification strategy, guidance and tools on metals and metal compounds with the provisions for long-term aquatic classification toxicity in chapter 4.1.

The electronic version of GHS10 will be available for free here for consultation purposes in the six official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish). As of now, only the English and French editions have been published. The other language versions will be added as soon as they become available.