Early warning system
Through the biannual PIC Circular, Parties are made aware of national bans or severe restrictions of hazardous chemicals by other Parties and information on incidents resulting from the use of hazardous pesticide formulations causing human poisoning or environmental damage.
Informed decision-making
Parties receive a decision guidance document (DGD) for each chemical listed in Annex III of the Convention. The information contained in a DGD provides a basis for making an informed decision regarding future import of these chemicals.
Shared responsibilities
The Convention helps Parties to better manage chemicals and to avoid the import of certain unwanted chemicals by promoting a shared responsibility among importing and exporting Parties. Importing Parties have a responsibility to make informed decisions regarding future import in a timely manner, while exporting Parties have a responsibility to ensure that exports do not occur contrary to the import decisions of Parties.
Export notification
An export notification informs an importing Party that it is going to receive a chemical that has been banned or severely restricted in the exporting Party. Export notifications also provide information on the chemical that may be useful to importing Parties for risk management.
Information accompanying export
Information provided on labels and the safety data sheet that are required to accompany the export of certain hazardous chemicals helps importing Parties to minimize risks to workers, others and the environment.
Networks among Designated National Authorities
A list of the contact details for all DNAs nominated by Parties under the Convention is available on the Convention website and circulated with the PIC Circular every six months. It constitutes a network of individuals with knowledge and experience in the implementation of the Rotterdam Convention.
Technical assistance
The Convention establishes that Parties should cooperate in promoting and providing assistance for the development of the infrastructure and capacity necessary to manage chemicals to enable implementation of the Convention. The Secretariat has a well developed programme of technical assistance that is available to developing country Parties and Parties with economies in transition.