Rotterdam Convention Advances Methyl-Parathion And Lead Chromates Towards PIC Controls

Rotterdam Convention Lead Chromates Recommendation Advances

The Rotterdam Convention's Chemical Review Committee has advanced methyl-parathion and lead chromates towards possible international Prior Informed Consent controls. The official CRC.22 outcome followed the Committee's meeting in Rome from 15 to 18 September 2026.

For methyl-parathion, the Committee finalised a draft decision guidance document and recommended listing the chemical as a pesticide in Annex III. The Conference of the Parties is due to consider that recommendation in Panama City from 19 to 30 April 2027.

Methyl-parathion is already listed for a specified severely hazardous pesticide formulation. The new recommendation concerns its general use as a pesticide. It would therefore expand the potential Convention scope rather than create the first international control of the substance.

For lead chromates, the Committee recommended an Annex III listing but has not yet completed the draft decision guidance document. The Secretariat describes lead chromates as industrial pigments used in paints, coatings and plastics. These substances combine hazards associated with lead and hexavalent chromium.

Prior Informed Consent Would Control Trade, Not Impose A Global Ban

Nothing in the CRC.22 outcome immediately prohibits manufacture, sale or use. The Rotterdam Convention does not itself ban Annex III chemicals. If the Conference of the Parties lists a chemical, Parties receive a decision guidance document, importing Parties communicate whether they consent to future imports, and exporting Parties must respect those decisions through national controls.