United Nations Regulatory News

At the 2025 Conferences of the Parties (COPs) to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, held from April 28 to May 9 in Geneva, significant strides were made in global chemical safety. Notabl...

At the 2025 Conferences of the Parties (COPs) to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, held from April 28 to May 9 in Geneva, significant strides were made in global chemical safety. Notably, the Stockholm Convention introduced stringent measures targeting hazardous substances, while the Basel and Rotterdam Conventions advanced efforts in waste management and chemical trade regulations.

Stockholm Convention: Key Chemical Bans and Restrictions

At the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP-12) of the Stockholm Convention, the parties agreed to list the following substances in Annex A (elimination):

• Chlorpyrifos – A widely used organophosphate pesticide associated with neurodevelopmental harm. Although it will be banned globally, 22 specific exemptions were granted for continued use in certain applications.

• Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs) – A group of PFAS substances known for their persistence and potential health impacts. Exemptions were approved for certain uses, such as in semiconductors, electronics, and textiles.

• Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) – Used as flame retardants and plasticizers. MCCPs were added due to concerns over persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Exemptions apply to defined industrial uses.

In addition, exemptions for UV-328, a UV stabilizer listed in Annex A in 2023, were reopened and extended. These new exemptions cover specific uses in aviation and industrial settings, which is a rare instance of amending a previously agreed-upon elimination decision post-adoption.

Basel and Rotterdam Conventions: Complementary Advances

While the Stockholm Convention focused on POPs, the Basel and Rotterdam Conventions addressed related challenges.

• Rotterdam Convention (COP-11): Parties agreed to list several additional chemicals in Annex III, which requires prior informed consent (PIC) for international trade. However, the listing of acetochlor and carbosulfan was blocked by a few parties, continuing a trend of stalled listings due to lack of consensus.

• Basel Convention (COP-16): Parties adopted new technical guidelines to improve the management of e-waste, including devices containing POPs. Progress was also made on guidance addressing plastic waste and chemicals of concern in waste streams.

Implications and Next Steps

These decisions mark a significant advancement in global efforts to protect human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals. However, the expanded exemptions, particularly for chlorpyrifos and UV-328, have raised concerns among health and environmental advocates. Continuous monitoring and future negotiations will be crucial to ensure that these measures effectively mitigate risks associated with these substances.

In March 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted Resolution 5/14, calling for the development of an international legally binding instrument to combat plastic pollution, including...

In March 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted Resolution 5/14, calling for the development of an international legally binding instrument to combat plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was tasked with convening an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to work on this initiative, to be completed by the end of 2024. The INC's mandate is to develop a comprehensive approach addressing the full lifecycle of plastic, incorporating both binding and voluntary measures, while taking into account national circumstances and the principles of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development.  

Timeline of INC Sessions 

The INC has held several sessions to advance the treaty:  

• Punta del Este, Uruguay (Nov-Dec 2022)  

• Paris, France (May-June 2023)  

• Nairobi, Kenya (Nov 2023)  

• Ottawa, Canada (April 2024) 

• Busan, South Korea (Nov-Dec 2024). 

Plenary Discusses Progress and Challenges in Plastic Pollution Negotiations 

At its third plenary meeting on November 27, 2024, the Intergovernmental Committee reviewed the progress of the four contact groups addressing plastic pollution.  

• Contact Group 1 reported broad agreement on emphasizing the design of plastic products but faced disagreements over chemicals and supply issues.  

• Contact Group 2 made progress on plastic waste management and tasked Co-Chairs with revising the proposals.  

• Contact Group 3 saw progress on finance and capacity-building discussions.  

• Contact Group 4 reviewed provisions on scope, implementation, and compliance, with further proposals planned.  

Despite progress, many representatives expressed frustration over the slow pace and called for faster negotiations and a stronger role for the Co-Chairs. 

Call for a Lifecycle Approach and Robust Financial Mechanisms 

Concerns were raised about the lack of significant progress, with some urging a focus on the full lifecycle of plastics, as mandated by Environment Assembly resolution 5/14. The Committee emphasized the need for a consensus-driven approach, but faced challenges due to differing opinions on procedural issues. Discussions also emerged on the referral of provisions to the Legal Drafting Group, with some advocating for quicker action while others preferred plenary approval. Two observer organizations also delivered statements, which will be available online. 

Statements by Key Stakeholders 

A representative from the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia urged that the Chair’s non-paper serve as the basis for ongoing negotiations, reflecting progress made at previous sessions and aiming to build consensus. The group emphasized its commitment to developing a robust, ambitious, and inclusive instrument to tackle transboundary plastic pollution, particularly in the marine environment. The representative highlighted the need for the future instrument to address the full life cycle of plastics, promote circularity, and ensure a just transition, in line with the principles of the Rio Declaration. The Group also stressed the importance of partnerships with the scientific community to establish health and environmental criteria, as well as the need for a strong financial mechanism to support capacity-building and technology transfer. The Body expressed its intent to enhance regional coordination to support the implementation of the future instrument. 

Adoption of the Rules of Procedure 

The Chair introduced the sub-item, reminding the Committee that the draft rules of procedure, as outlined in document UNEP/PP/INC.5/3, with the exception of the bracketed text in rule 37, would apply provisionally until their adoption. He also recalled the decision of the Committee from its second session to adopt an interpretive statement for rule 38, paragraph 1. One representative requested assurance that decision-making on substantive matters would be consensus-based and that rule 38, paragraph 1, would not be invoked until the rules were fully adopted. The Chair reiterated his commitment to consensus and cooperation throughout the session. 

On 19 November 2024, the Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) published proposed clarifications to the classification criteria ...

On 19 November 2024, the Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) published proposed clarifications to the classification criteria for germ cell mutagenicity submitted by the Informal Working Group (IWG). 

These clarifications on mutagenicity classification were presented at the forty-seventh session of the Sub-Committee (UN/SCEGHS/47/INF.19) from 4 to 6 December 2024. 

Background 

Under the current GHS framework, the classification criteria for the mutagenicity hazard class focus only on reproductive cells which are also known as germ cells. The criteria have excluded somatic cells, which are present throughout the body. However, a mutation in somatic cells also poses a risk to human health. 

As of now, the GHS lacks classification information for somatic cell mutagenicity, highlighting the need for clarification on this issue. As a result, somatic mutagens may be classified as Category 2 despite their capacity to cause mutations similar to those in Category 1.  

Clarifications submitted by the IWG  

The IWG proposed two clarifications regarding mutagenicity classification: 

1. Establish two separate hazard classes - one for germ cell mutagenicity and another for somatic cell mutagenicity. 

2. Maintain a single hazard class for both germ cell mutagenicity and mutagenicity, but include separate hazard statements for each. 

Next Steps 

After the final review of all information related to the revision of the classification criteria for Category 1A/1B or Category 2 of the Germ Cell Mutagenicity Class and the corresponding testing methods, the Sub-Committee will consider this in its work programme for 2025-2026. 

On 6 January 2025, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) published the 2025 version of the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Wat...

On 6 January 2025, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) published the 2025 version of the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (ADN) on its portal. ADN 2025 takes into account all the amendments and corrections referred to here: ECE/ADN/70, ECE/ADN/70/Corr.1, ECE/ADN/70/Add.1, ECE/ADN/70/Add.1/Corr.1, ECE/TRANS/WP.15/AC.2/84, Annexes II and III, ECE/TRANS/WP.15/AC.2/86, Annexes I and III, ECE/TRANS/WP.15/AC.2/88, Annexes II and III. UNECE publishes an updated version of ADN every two years.   

ADN 2025 (ECE/TRANS/351) consists of two volumes in a single document:  

1. Volume I:  General Transport Requirements  

2. Volume II: Dangerous classification list  

Highlights of ADN 2025   

• New entries have been added to Table A - Dangerous Goods List with UN Nos 514, 3551-3560. 

• Special transport provisions have been introduced for the carriage of UN Number 3559 (Fire Suppressant Dispersing Devices).  

• Labeling requirements have been added for UN No. 3556. 

• ADN 2025 is based on the Model Regulations annexed to the twenty-third revised edition of the Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods published by the United Nations (ST/SG/AC.10/1/Rev.23). 

• The electronic version of ADN 2025 is available free of charge in three languages (English, French, and Russian). The Russian version has not yet been published, while the other two have.   

Transitional Measures and Enforcement Dates 

While ADN 2025 became effective from 1 January 2025, the transitional procedures outlined in Annex A of the previous version (ADN 2023) may still be used until 30 June 2025.   

On 2 January 2025, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) published the 2025 version of the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) on its p...

On 2 January 2025, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) published the 2025 version of the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) on its portal. All new amendments accepted by the Working Party (i.e. WP.15) in 2022, 2023 and 2024 are included in this version (ADR 2025), which is distributed under the symbols ECE/TRANS/WP.15/265 and -/Corr.1 and ECE/TRANS/WP.15/265/Add.1. UNECE publishes an updated version of ADR every two years.  

ADR 2025 (ECE/TRANS/352) consists of two volumes: 

1. Volume I:  Dangerous classification list 

2. Volume II: Transport requirements 

Insights of the ADR 2025 Version 

• 10 new entries have been added to Table A - Dangerous Goods List with UN Nos 3551-3560. 

• Special transport provisions have been introduced to carriage UN Numbers 2212 (Asbestos, amphibole) and 2590 (Asbestos, chrysotile). 

• Transport documentation requirements have been added. 

• Revised Waste Transport Regulations including Asbestos. 

• ADR 2025 is based on the Model Regulations annexed to the twenty-third revised edition of the Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods published by the United Nations (ST/SG/AC.10/1/Rev.23). 

• The electronic version of ADR 2025 is available free of charge in three languages (English, French, and Russian). 

Transitional Measures and Enforcement Dates 

ADR 2025 entered into force on 1 January 2025. However, the transitional procedures outlined in Annex A of the previous version (ADR 2023) may still be used until 30 June 2025. 

On 25 November 2024, the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) launched the first version of its Plastics Additives Database, aiming to enhance transparency and provide essential healt...

On 25 November 2024, the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) launched the first version of its Plastics Additives Database, aiming to enhance transparency and provide essential health and safety information about chemicals used in plastics. This unique database consolidates verified industry data on thousands of plastic additives, including their functions, chemical properties and regulatory status. It supports governments, regulators and stakeholders in making informed decisions about plastic additives, in line with the Global Framework on Chemicals' goal of increasing transparency, promoting sustainable plastics management and sound chemicals management. The initiative underscores ICCA’s commitment to science-based regulation and collaboration in promoting chemical risk management and circular economy principles. 

ICCA’s Plastic Additives Database 

The Plastic Additives Database is a unique resource offering verified industry data on plastic additives, including their commercial uses, chemical properties, functions, hazard classifications, and regulatory status. By consolidating scattered information from multiple sources into one platform, the database provides a comprehensive, user-friendly tool for regulators and stakeholders. This facilitates informed decision-making on plastic additives by making essential safety and regulatory information easily accessible, supporting efforts to align plastics production with sustainability goals. 

Enhancing the Global Plastics Industry 

Plastics are essential to the global economy, supporting industries from food preservation to healthcare and technology. While innovations rely heavily on plastics, there are growing concerns about the safety of chemical additives. The ICCA’s Plastic Additives Database addresses this challenge by providing transparent, industry-verified information. This tool helps build public confidence, supports regulatory compliance with international safety standards and ensures responsible management of additives used in plastics. 

Ongoing Expansion and Future Updates 

The Plastics Additives Database is the first phase of an ongoing initiative to improve chemical profiles with verified data on plastic additives. Future updates will include additional chemicals and details, such as links to publicly available risk assessments, further enhancing its usefulness for regulators and stakeholders in managing chemical safety. 

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.