The PIC Circular is a key document in the implementation of the Rotterdam Convention, both for the operation of the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure and as a mechanism for the exchange of information on hazardous chemicals. It is published in June and December in English, French and Spanish.
Highlights of the 61st PIC Circular include the following:
- The Rotterdam Convention COP-12 decided to amend Annex III to the Convention to list carbosulfan and fenthion (ultra-low-volume formulations at or above 640 g active ingredient/L), making them subject to the PIC procedure, and approved the related decision guidance documents. The amendments shall enter into force for all Parties on 22 October 2025. With the new amendments there will be 57 chemicals in total listed in Annex III and the Parties will need to submit in total 58 Import responses in line with the provisions of Article 10 and the PIC procedure of the Convention.
- 10 new FRA notifications submitted by 7 Parties are published in Part A, Appendix I of the PIC Circular 61.
- Since the issuance of the last PIC Circular 60 in December 2024, the Secretariat received and verified 57 Import responses for 34 chemicals in both pesticides and industrial chemicals category submitted by 10 Parties, as presented in Appendix IV.
- 19 Parties have submitted all import responses, 120 Parties have not yet provided import responses for one or more of the chemicals listed in Annex III, and eight Parties have not yet provided any import responses.