The United Nations has adopted sweeping chemical controls impacting manufacturers worldwide, following the 2025 meetings of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions in Geneva. The decisions include new listings for hazardous substances and stricter obligations for handling persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and pesticides, with direct compliance implications across industries.
Over 2,000 delegates from 182 countries met in Geneva from 28 April to 9 May 2025 to adopt 56 decisions under the three core chemical conventions. These included new bans and restrictions under the Stockholm Convention, listings under the Rotterdam Convention’s Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure, and updated waste management guidelines under the Basel Convention.
New Chemical Listings: POPs and Pesticides Targeted
Under the Stockholm Convention, three substances were added to Annex A, triggering global phase-outs. These include the widely used pesticide chlorpyrifos (CAS: 2921-88-2), long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs)—a group of industrial chemicals linked to environmental persistence—and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), commonly used in metalworking fluids and sealants.
The Rotterdam Convention now requires PIC procedures for carbosulfan (CAS: 55285-14-8), an insecticide, and fenthion (ULV formulations) (CAS: 55-38-9), both due to severe health and environmental risks. These additions mean exporters must obtain consent before shipping these substances to participating countries.
Basel Updates Reinforce Waste Controls
The Basel Convention adopted new technical guidelines for POPs-containing waste, electrical and electronic waste (e-waste), and waste tyres. A new strategic framework covering 2025–2031 will guide Parties in addressing transboundary movements of complex waste streams, such as textile and plastic waste.
Compliance deadlines and reporting obligations begin as early as 22 October 2025, when the Rotterdam listings enter into force. By 1 December 2025, countries must justify continued exemptions for some PFAS-related chemicals under Stockholm rules.
Impacts Across the Supply Chain
The changes extend beyond chemical producers. Downstream users, recyclers, logistics providers, and public authorities must assess risks, update safety data sheets, and ensure waste is handled in line with revised guidelines. Exporters face new documentation requirements and must confirm compliance with recipient countries' decisions under the Rotterdam Convention.
The high-level segment of the COPs reaffirmed the need for cross-sector collaboration and knowledge-sharing to manage legacy and emerging chemical threats under the theme: “Make visible the invisible: sound management of chemicals and wastes.”
