| Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade | |
|---|---|
| The logo of the Rotterdam Convention Secretariat | |
| Type | United Nations treaty |
| Signed | 10 September 1998 |
| Location | Rotterdam, The Netherlands |
| Effective | 24 February 2004 |
| Condition | Ninety days after the ratification by at least 50 signatory states |
| Signatories | 73 |
| Parties | 144 |
| Depositary | Secretary-General of the United Nations |
| Languages | Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish |
The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, more commonly known simply as the Rotterdam Convention, is a multilateral treaty to promote shared responsibilities in relation to importation of hazardous chemicals. The convention promotes open exchange of information and calls on exporters of hazardous chemicals to use proper labeling, include directions on safe handling, and inform purchasers of any known restrictions or bans. Signatory nations can decide whether to allow or ban the importation of chemicals listed in the treaty, and exporting countries are obliged make sure that producers within their jurisdiction comply.
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At the 2011 meeting of the Rotterdam Convention in Geneva, the Canadian delegation surprised many with their continued refusal to allow the addition of chrysotile asbestos fibers to the Rotterdam Convention[1],[2][3] [4]
Since Canada's declaration made by David Sproule, Canada has been referred to as a "rogue nation".[5] Hearings are scheduled in the EU in the near future to evaluate the position of Canada and decide on the possibility of a punitive course of action.[6][7][8]
In continuing its objection, Canada becomes the only G8 country objecting to the listing. Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Ukraine continued their objections Thursday as the parties headed into a breakout session to try to work through some of the objections. Vietnam had also raised an objection, but missed a followup meeting on the issue.[9] In taking its position, the Harper Government came into direct conflict with India, who had changed its long-standing objection to the addition of chrysotile to the list just prior to the 2011 conference.[10]
Numerous Non-governmental Organizations have publicly expressed criticism of Canada's decision to block this addition.[11] [12] [13] [14] [15]