Chlorpyrifos

The 17th Basel Convention COP (BC COP-17), 12th Rotterdam Convention COP (RC COP-12), and 12th Stockholm Convention COP (SC COP-12) will be held in Geneva from April 28 to May 9, 2025. These multilateral environmental agreements (collectively known as the BRS Conventions) aim to safeguard human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes.

India and the Call for a Ban on Chlorpyrifos

Pesticide Action Network (PAN) India has:

• Called for an immediate ban on chlorpyrifos, a toxic pesticide still in use in India.
• Highlighted its classification as “moderately hazardous” by the World Health Organization.
• Warned of its risks to farmers, consumers, ecosystems, and future generations.

Advocacy at Upcoming COPs:

• Under Rotterdam Convention: PAN India seeks listing of chlorpyrifos under Annex III, requiring Prior Informed Consent (PIC) for international trade.
• Under Stockholm Convention: Advocating for listing under Annex A for a global ban, due to its persistent organic pollutant (POP) nature.

About the BRS Conventions:

1. Basel Convention (1989 | In force: 1992 | India ratified: June 24, 1992)

• Focus: Control of transboundary movement and disposal of hazardous waste.

2. Rotterdam Convention (1998 | In force: 2004 | India ratified: May 24, 2005)

• Focus: Shared responsibility in international trade of hazardous chemicals.
• The convention uses a Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure, where exporting countries must ensure that importing countries have consented to the import of a chemical before it is shipped.

3. Stockholm Convention (2001 | In force: 2004 | India ratified: Jan 13, 2006)

• Focus: Global elimination or restriction of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
• Currently, 26 chemicals are listed as POPs.
• India has only ratified the initial 12 POPs.