At the Third Chemical Review Committee (CRC3) of the Rotterdam Convention, which met from 20-23 March 2007, in Rome, Italy, the committee of experts took steps to include two pesticides – endosulfan and tributyl tin compounds – in the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure under the Convention.

Endosulfan, commonly used in cotton farming, was recommended due to the unacceptable risks it poses to workers and to the environment. Tributyl tin compounds, used in anti-fouling paints for ship hulls, were recommended because they enter the marine environment, particularly in enclosed harbors, where they are toxic to fish, molluscs and other organisms. Parties to the Convention will decide when they meet in Rome in 2008 for their biannual Conference of the Parties whether to accept the Chemical Review Committee’s guidance.
Links to further information
CRC3 meeting documents
Rotterdam Convention Press Release, 23 March 2007