Reports and Decisions

I. Opening of the meeting

1. The thirteenth meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee was held at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, from 17 to 20 October 2017. The Chair of the Committee, Ms. Estefania Moreira (Brazil), was unable to attend the meeting and, in accordance with rule 24 of the rules of procedure of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, which apply mutatis mutandis, if the Chair is temporarily absent from a meeting or any part thereof, she or he shall designate the Vice-Chair to act as Chair. However, Mr. Zaigham Abbas (Pakistan), who had previously been elected by the Committee as its Vice-Chair and who would have chaired the meeting in the absence of Ms. Moreira, had been replaced by his Government as a member of the Committee. Consequently, the Committee decided to elect Ms. Maria Delvin (Sweden) as the new Vice-Chair. In accordance with the terms of reference of the Committee set out in decision SC-1/7 and the rules of procedure, Ms. Delvin would serve as Chair of the current meeting in the absence of Ms. Moreira. The Committee also agreed that Mr. Agus Haryono (Indonesia) would act as Rapporteur for the meeting.

Addendum

Risk management evaluation on dicofol

At its thirteenth meeting, by its decision POPRC-13/2, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted a risk management evaluation on dicofol on the basis of the draft contained in the note by the Secretariat (UNEP/POPS/POPRC.13/2), as revised during the meeting. The text of the risk management evaluation as adopted is set out in the annex to the present addendum. It has not been formally edited.

Addendum

Risk management evaluation on pentadecafluorooctanoic acid (CAS No: 335-67-1, PFOA, perfluorooctanoic acid), its salts and PFOA-related compounds

At its thirteenth meeting, by its decision POPRC-13/2, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted a risk management evaluation on pentadecafluorooctanoic acid (CAS No: 335-67-1, PFOA, perfluorooctanoic acid), its salts and PFOA-related compounds on the basis of the draft contained in the note by the Secretariat (UNEP/POPS/POPRC.13/3), as revised during the meeting. The text of the risk management evaluation as adopted is set out in the annex to the present addendum. It has not been formally edited.

I. Opening of the meeting

1. The twelfth meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee was held at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, from 19 to 23 September 2016. Ms. Estefania Moreira (Brazil), Chair of the Committee, declared the meeting open at 2.10 p.m. on Monday, 19 September 2016, welcoming the members of the Committee and observers. She invited Ms. Kerstin Stendahl, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, to deliver opening remarks.

Addendum

Risk profile on dicofol

At its twelfth meeting, by its decision POPRC-12/1, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted a risk profile on dicofol on the basis of the draft contained in the note by the Secretariat (UNEP/POPS/POPRC.12/2), as revised during the meeting. The text of the risk profile as adopted is set out in the annex to the present addendum. It has not been formally edited.

Addendum

Risk profile on pentadecafluorooctanoic acid (CAS No: 335-67-1, PFOA, perfluorooctanoic acid), its salts and PFOA-related compounds

At its twelfth meeting, by its decision POPRC-12/2, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted a risk profile for pentadecafluorooctanoic acid (CAS No: 335-67-1, PFOA, perfluorooctanoic acid), its salts and PFOA-related compounds on the basis of the draft contained in the note by the Secretariat (UNEP/POPS/POPRC.12/3), as revised during the meeting. The text of the risk profile as adopted is set out in the annex to the present addendum. It has not been formally edited.

Addendum

Risk management evaluation on short-chain chlorinated paraffins

At its twelfth meeting, by its decision POPRC-12/3, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted a risk management evaluation on short-chain chlorinated paraffins on the basis of the draft contained in the note by the secretariat (UNEP/POPS/POPRC.12/4) as revised during the meeting. The text of the risk management evaluation as adopted is set out in the annex to the present addendum. It has not been formally edited.

Addendum

Assessment of additional information on decabromodiphenyl ether (commercial mixture, c-decaBDE) for the further defining of some critical spare parts in the automotive and aerospace industries and on its use in textiles in developing countries (summary, conclusion and recommendations)

The annex to the present note reproduces the summary, conclusion and recommendations of the assessment of additional information on decabromodiphenyl ether (commercial mixture, c-decaBDE) for the further defining of some critical spare parts in the automotive and aerospace industries and on its use in textiles in developing countries agreed to by the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee at its twelfth meeting. It has not been formally edited. The full assessment is set out in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.12/INF/9/Rev.1.

Addendum

Evaluation of new information in relation to the listing of hexachlorobutadiene in Annex C to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (executive summary)

The annex to the present note reproduces the executive summary of the evaluation of new information in relation to the listing of hexachlorobutadiene in Annex C to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants agreed to by the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee at its twelfth meeting. It has not been formally edited. The full report of the evaluation is set out in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.12/INF/12/Rev.1.

I. Opening of the meeting

1. The eleventh meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee was held at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, from 19 to 23 October 2015. Ms. Estefania Moreira (Brazil), Chair of the Committee, declared the meeting open at 2.05 p.m. on Monday, 19 October 2015, welcoming the members of the Committee and observers. She invited Mr. Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel Convention on the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, to deliver his opening remarks.

Addendum

Risk management evaluation on decabromodiphenyl ether (commercial mixture, c-decaBDE)

At its eleventh meeting, by its decision POPRC-11/1, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted a risk management evaluation for decabromodiphenyl ether (commercial mixture, c-decaBDE) on the basis of the draft contained in the note by the secretariat (UNEP/POPS/POPRC.11/2). The text of the risk management evaluation, as amended, is set out in the annex to the present addendum. It has not been formally edited.

Addendum

Risk profile on short-chained chlorinated paraffins

At its eleventh meeting, by its decision POPRC-11/3, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted a risk profile for short-chained chlorinated paraffins on the basis of the draft contained in the note by the secretariat (UNEP/POPS/POPRC.11/4). The text of the risk profile, as amended, is set out in the annex to the present addendum. It has not been formally edited.

I.Opening of the meeting

1. The tenth meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee was held at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, from 27 to 30 October 2014. Ms. Estefania Moreira (Brazil), Chair of the Committee, declared the meeting open at 9.30 a.m. on Monday, 27 October 2014, welcoming the members of the Committee, observers and invited experts.

Addendum

Risk management evaluation on pentachlorophenol and its salts and esters

1. The tenth meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee was held at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, from 27 to 30 October 2014. Ms. Estefania Moreira (Brazil), Chair of the Committee, declared the meeting open at 9.30 a.m. on Monday, 27 October 2014, welcoming the members of the Committee, observers and invited experts.

Addendum

Risk profile on decabromodiphenyl ether (commercial mixture, c decaBDE)

At its tenth meeting, by its decision POPRC-10/2, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted a risk profile for decabromodiphenyl ether (commercial mixture, c-decaBDE) on the basis of the draft contained in the note by the secretariat (UNEP/POPS/POPRC.10/3). The text of the risk profile, as amended, is set out in the annex to the present addendum. It has not been formally edited.

I. Opening of the meeting

1. The ninth meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee was held at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, from 14 to 18 October 2013. Mr. Reiner Arndt (Germany), Chair of the Committee, declared the meeting open at 9.35 a.m. on Monday, 14 October 2013.

Addendum

Risk management evaluation on chlorinated naphthalenes

At its ninth meeting, by its decision POPRC-9/1, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted a risk management evaluation for chlorinated naphthalenes on the basis of the draft contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.9/4. The text of the risk management evaluation, as amended, is set out in the annex to the present addendum. It has not been formally edited.

Addendum

Risk management evaluation on hexachlorobutadiene

At its ninth meeting, by its decision POPRC-9/2, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted a risk management evaluation for hexachlorobutadiene on the basis of the draft contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.9/5. The text of the risk management evaluation, as amended, is set out in the annex to the present addendum. It has not been formally edited.

Addendum

Risk profile on pentachlorophenol and its salts and esters

At its ninth meeting, by its decision POPRC-9/3, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted a risk profile for pentachlorophenol and its salts and esters on the basis of the draft contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.9/6. The text of the risk profile, as amended, is set out in the annex to the present addendum. It has not been formally edited.

I. Opening of the meeting

1. The eighth meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee was held at the Varembé International Conference Centre from 15 to 19 October 2012. Mr. Reiner Arndt (Germany), Chair of the Committee, declared the meeting open at 10 a.m. on Monday, 15 October 2012.

Addendum

At its eighth meeting, by its decision POPRC-8/1, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted a risk profile on chlorinated naphthalenes on the basis of the draft risk profile contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.8/2. The text of the risk profile, as amended, is set out in the annex to the present addendum; it has not been formally edited.

Addendum

At its eighth meeting, by its decision POPRC-8/2, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted a risk profile on hexachlorobutadiene on the basis of the draft risk profile contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.8/3. The text of the risk profile, as amended, is set out in the annex to the present addendum; it has not been formally edited.

Addendum

At its seventh meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee, by its decision POPRC-7/1, adopted a risk management evaluation on hexabromocyclododecane (see UNEP/POPS/POPRC.7/19/Add.1). At its eighth meeting, by its decision POPRC-8/3, the Committee adopted an addendum to that evaluation (see annex). The text of the addendum has not been formally edited.

I. Opening of the meeting

1. The seventh meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee was held at the Varembé International Conference Centre from 10 to 14 October 2011. Mr. Reiner Arndt (Germany), Chair of the Committee, declared the meeting open at 10 a.m. on Monday, 10 October 2011.

Report of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee on the work of its seventh meeting

Addendum

Risk management evaluation on hexabromocyclododecane

At its seventh meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted a risk management evaluation on hexabromocyclododecane on the basis of the draft contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.7/5, as amended. The text of the risk management evaluation is set out in the annex to the present addendum. It has not been formally edited.

I. Opening of the meeting

1. The sixth meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee was held at the Varembé Conference Centre in Geneva from 11 to 15 October 2010. Mr. Reiner Arndt (Germany), Chair of the Committee, declared the meeting open at 10 a.m. on Monday, 11 October 2010.

Report of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee on the work of its sixth meeting

Addendum

At its sixth meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted a risk management evaluation on endosulfan on the basis of the draft contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.6/9, as amended. The text of the risk management evaluation is set out in the annex to the present addendum. It has not been formally edited.

Report of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee on the work of its sixth meeting

Addendum

At its sixth meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted a risk profile on hexabromocyclododecane, on the basis of the draft risk profile contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.6/10. The text of the risk profile, as amended, is set out in the annex to the present addendum. It has not been formally edited.

Report of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee on the work of its sixth meeting

Addendum

Guidance on alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonate and its derivatives

At its sixth meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee endorsed guidance on alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonate and its derivatives, on the basis of the draft guidance contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.6/INF/8 as amended during the meeting. The text of the guidance as endorsed is set out below.

Addendum

Guidance on alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and its derivatives

1. At its sixth meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee endorsed guidance on alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonate and its derivatives, on the basis of the draft guidance contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.6/INF/8 as amended during the meeting.
2. At its seventh meeting, the Committee considered the comments on the guidance received from parties and observers in accordance with decision POPRC-6/15 and revised the guidance based on those comments. The text of the guidance as revised during the meeting is set out below. It has been reproduced without formal editing.

I. Opening of the meeting

1. The fifth meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee was held at the Varembé Conference Centre in Geneva from 12 to 16 October 2009. Mr. Reiner Arndt (Germany), Chair of the Committee, declared the meeting open at 10 a.m. on Monday, 12 October 2009.

Prepared by the ad hoc working group on substitution and alternatives of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee of the Stockholm Convention. October 2009

Addendum

At its fifth meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted the risk profile on endosulfan, on the basis of the draft contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.5/3. The text of the risk profile, as amended, is set out below.

Opening of the meeting

The fourth meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee was held at the Varembé Conference Centre in Geneva from 13 to 17 October 2008. Mr. Reiner Arndt (Germany), Chair of the Committee, declared the meeting open at 10 a.m. on Monday, 13 October.

Mr. Donald Cooper, Executive Secretary of the Stockholm Convention, welcomed the members of the Committee and observers. He explained that he had been holding discussions with Mr. Achim Steiner, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and that it had become clear that the environmental community was benefiting from what he termed “the right Committee and the right Chair at the right time”. He noted that the Stockholm Convention operated a two-tier system, according to which the Review Committee would make recommendations at the scientific level and the Conference of the Parties would take action at the political level, on whether to include a chemical under the Convention. He urged experts to bear that distinction in mind

Addendum

Risk management evaluation for commercial octabromodiphenyl ether

At its fourth meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted the risk management evaluation for commercial octabromodiphenyl ether, on the basis of the draft contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.4/6, as amended. The text of the risk management evaluation is set out below. It has not been formally edited

Addendum

At its fourth meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted the risk management evaluation for pentachlorobenzene, on the basis of the draft contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.4/7, as amended. The text of the risk management evaluation is set out below. It has not been formally edited

Addendum

    At its fourth meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted the risk management evaluation for alpha hexachlorocyclohexane, on the basis of the draft contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.4/8, as amended. The text of the risk management evaluation is set out below. It has not been formally edited.

Addendum

    At its fourth meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted the risk management evaluation for beta hexachlorocyclohexane, on the basis of the draft contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.4/9, as amended. The text of the risk management evaluation is set out below. It has not been formally edited

    Addendum

At its third meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee, by decision POPRC-3/7, adopted the risk profile for pentachlorobenzene (UNEP/POPS/POPRC.3/20/Add.7). An addendum to that risk profile was adopted at its fourth meeting. The text of the addendum is set out below. It has not been formally edited.

Addendum to the risk profile for pentachlorobenzen

    Addendum

Addendum to the risk management evaluation for perfluorooctane sulfonate

At its third meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee, by decision POPRC-3/5, adopted the risk management evaluation for perfluorooctane sulfonate (UNEP/POPS/POPRC.3/20/Add.5). An addendum to that evaluation was adopted at its fourth meeting. The text of the addendum is set out below. It has not been formally edited

I.    Opening of the meeting

The third meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee was held at the Varembé Conference Centre in Geneva, Switzerland, from 19 to 23 November 2007. Mr. Reiner Arndt (Germany), Chair of the Committee, declared the meeting open at 10.00 a.m. on Monday, 19 November, and introduced Mr. Donald Cooper, the recently appointed Executive Secretary of the Stockholm Convention

Mr. Cooper welcomed the members of the Committee and observers, praising the former for the generosity of spirit which had led them to dedicate their time and efforts to a matter of global importance, for which they would earn the world’s gratitude. He also welcomed new members of the Committee who were attending as observers and would take their seats officially on 5 May 2008, expressing confidence that they would uphold the high standards that the Committee had established to date, which he said were the envy of many other multilateral environmental agreements

Addendum

Risk management evaluation on commercial pentabromodiphenyl ether

Addendum

  At its third meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted the risk management evaluation on chlordecone, on the basis of the draft contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.3/10 and the revision to the risk profile contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.3/20/Add.10. The text of the risk management evaluation, as amended, is set out below. It has not been formally edited

Addendum

  At its third meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted the risk management evaluation on hexabromobiphenyl, on the basis of the draft contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.3/11. The text of the risk management evaluation, as amended, is set out below. It has not been formally edited

At its third meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted the risk management evaluation on lindane, on the basis of the draft contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.3/12. The text of the risk management evaluation, as amended, is set out below. It has not been formally edited

Addendum

Risk management evaluation on perfluorooctane sulfonat

Addendum

At its third meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted the risk profile on commercial octabromodiphenyl ether, on the basis of the draft contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.3/14. The text of the risk profile, as amended, is set out below. It has not been formally edited.

Addendum

Risk profile on pentachlorobenzen

Addendum

Risk profile on alpha hexachlorocyclohexane

Addendum

Risk profile on beta hexachlorocyclohexan

Addendum

Revised risk profile on chlordecon

Opening of the meeting

The second meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee was held at the Varembé Conference Centre in Geneva, from 6 to 10 November 2006. Mr. Reiner Arndt (Germany), Chair of the Committee, declared the meeting open at 10.05 a.m. on Monday, 6 November 2006.

Mr. Maged Younes, Head of the Chemicals Branch of the Division of Technology, Industry and Economics of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), welcomed participants and paid tribute to the considerable achievements of the Committee since its establishment, which, he said, owed much to the leadership of its Chair, the dedicated and transparent efforts of its members and observers and the effective work of the Secretariat. Noting the heavy workload of the Committee at its second meeting, he emphasized the important role played by the Committee in terms of implementing the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and protecting the environment from persistent organic pollutants.

Addendum

At its second meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted the risk profile on commercial pentabromodiphenyl ether, on the basis of the draft contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.2/7. The text of the risk profile, as amended, is provided below. It has not been formally edited.

Addendum

At its second meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted the risk profile on Chlordecone, on the basis of the draft contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.2/8. The text of the risk profile, as amended, is provided below. It has not been formally edited.

Addendum

At its second meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted the risk profile on hexabromobiphenyl, on the basis of the draft contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.2/9. The text of the risk profile, as amended, is provided below. It has not been formally edited.

Addendum

At its second meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted the risk profile on lindane, on the basis of the draft contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.2/10. The text of the risk profile, as amended, is provided below. It has not been formally edited.

Addendum

At its second meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted the risk profile on perfluorooctane sulfonate, on the basis of the draft contained in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.2/11. The text of the risk profile, as amended, is provided below. It has not been formally edited.

Introduction

At its first meeting, held in Punta del Este, Uruguay, from 2 to 6 May 2005, the Conference of the Parties of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants adopted decision SC-1/7, by which it established, pursuant to paragraph 6 of Article 19 of the Convention, a subsidiary body, to be called the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee, for the purposes of performing the functions assigned to that Committee by the Convention.

Following adoption of that decision, and in accordance with the rules of procedure for the Conference of the Parties and the terms of reference of the Committee, as set out in the annexes to decisions SC-1/1 and SC-1/7 respectively, the Conference of the Parties agreed that Mr. Reiner Arndt (Germany) would serve as Chair of the Committee

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having concluded in its decision POPRC-10/3 that dicofol fulfils the criteria set out in Annex D to the Stockholm Convention, Having evaluated the risk profile for dicofol adopted by the Committee at its twelfth meeting in accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 8 of the Convention,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having concluded in its decision POPRC-11/4 that pentadecafluorooctanoic acid (CAS No: 335-67-1, PFOA, perfluorooctanoic acid) meets the criteria set out in Annex D to the Stockholm Convention, Having evaluated the risk profile for pentadecafluorooctanoic acid (CAS No: 335-67-1, PFOA, perfluorooctanoic acid), its salts and PFOA-related compounds adopted by the Committee at its twelfth meeting in accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 8 of the Convention,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having examined the proposal by Norway to list perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (CAS No: 355-46-4, PFHxS), its salts and PFHxS-related compounds in Annexes A, B and/or C to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and having applied the screening criteria specified in Annex D to the Convention, 1. Decides, in accordance with paragraph 4 (a) of Article 8 of the Convention, that it is satisfied that the screening criteria have been fulfilled for perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (CAS No: 355-46-4, PFHxS) as described in the evaluation contained in the annex to the present decision;

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

1. Decides to establish an intersessional working group to undertake, in accordance with the revised schedule set out in the annex to decision SC-7/5, the activities specified in the process set out in the annex to decision SC-6/4 for the evaluation of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride pursuant to paragraphs 5 and 6 of part III of Annex B to the Convention; 2. Agrees to work in accordance with the terms of reference for the assessment of alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride set out in the annex to document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.13/INF/9

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having completed an evaluation of the proposal by the European Union to list dicofol in Annexes A, B and/or C to the Stockholm Convention and having decided at its tenth meeting, in its decision POPRC-10/3, that the proposal meets the criteria set out in Annex D to the Convention,
Having also completed the risk profile for dicofol in accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 8 of the Convention,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having completed an evaluation of the proposal by the European Union to list pentadecafluorooctanoic acid (CAS No: 335-67-1, PFOA, perfluorooctanoic acid), its salts and PFOA-related compounds in Annexes A, B and/or C to the Stockholm Convention and having decided at its eleventh meeting, in its decision POPRC-11/4, that the proposal meets the criteria set out in Annex D to the Convention,
Having also completed the risk profile for pentadecafluorooctanoic acid (CAS No: 335-67-1, PFOA, perfluorooctanoic acid), its salts and PFOA-related compounds in accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 8 of the Convention,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having concluded in its decision POPRC-2/8 that short-chain chlorinated paraffins meet the criteria set out in Annex D to the Stockholm Convention,
Having evaluated the risk profile for short-chain chlorinated paraffins adopted by the Committee at its eleventh meeting in accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 8 of the Convention,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Recalling its decision POPRC-11/1, by which it recommended to the Conference of the Parties that it consider listing decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) of c-decaBDE in Annex A to the Convention with specific exemptions for some critical spare parts, to be defined, for the automotive and aerospace industries,
Having assessed the information provided in accordance with paragraph 3 of decision POPRC-11/1,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Taking note of decision SC-7/11, by which the Conference of the Parties requested the Committee to further evaluate hexachlorobutadiene on the basis of newly available information in relation to its listing in Annex C and to make a recommendation to the Conference of the Parties on listing hexachlorobutadiene in Annex C for further consideration at its eighth meeting,
Having evaluated the new information on unintentional production of hexachlorobutadiene,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee

1. Endorses the consolidated guidance on alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and its related chemicals as amended at its twelfth meeting;
2. Requests the Secretariat to make the guidance available to Parties and observers and to submit it to the Conference of the Parties for consideration at its eighth meeting;

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Invites the Secretariat to continue its activities related to supporting effective participation in the work of the Committee, subject to the availability of resources, including:
(a) The organization of webinars, training and online meetings at times suitable to participants in the various United Nations regions on topics related to the work of the Committee;

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having concluded in its decision POPRC-9/4 that decabromodiphenyl (commercial mixture, c-decaBDE) ether fulfils the criteria set out in Annex D to the Stockholm Convention,
Having evaluated the risk profile for decabromodiphenyl ether (commercial mixture, c-decaBDE) adopted by the Committee at its tenth meeting in accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 8 of the Convention,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having considered the draft risk profile for dicofol in accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 8 of the Stockholm Convention,
1. Decides to defer its decision on the draft risk profile for dicofol set out in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.11/INF/17 to the twelfth meeting of the Committee;

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having completed an evaluation of the proposal by the European Union to list short-chained chlorinated paraffins in Annexes A, B and/or C to the Stockholm Convention and having decided at its second meeting, in its decision POPRC-2/8, that the proposal meets the criteria set out in Annex D to the Convention,
Having also completed the risk profile for short-chained chlorinated paraffins in accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 8 of the Convention,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having examined the proposal by the European Union to list pentadecafluorooctanoic acid (CAS No.: 335-67-1, PFOA, perfluorooctanoic acid), its salts and PFOA related compounds in Annexes A, B and/or C to the Convention and having applied the screening criteria specified in Annex D to the Convention,
1. Decides, in accordance with paragraph 4 (a) of Article 8 of the Convention, that it is satisfied that the screening criteria have been fulfilled for pentadecafluorooctanoic acid (CAS No: 335-67-1, PFOA, perfluorooctanoic acid), as set out in the evaluation contained in the annex to the present decision;

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Taking note of decision SC-7/11, by which the Conference of the Parties requested the Committee to further evaluate hexachlorobutadiene on the basis of newly available information in relation to its listing in Annex C and to make a recommendation to the Conference of the Parties on listing hexachlorobutadiene in Annex C for further consideration at its eighth meeting,
1. Decides to establish an intersessional working group to undertake the activities requested in paragraphs 1 and 3 of decision SC-7/11 and agrees to work in accordance with the workplan set out in the annex to the present decision;

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee

1. Decides to establish an intersessional working group to prepare revised guidance on alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts, perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride and their related chemicals, based on the proposal set out in the note by the Secretariat, for consideration at its twelfth meeting, and agrees to work in accordance with the workplan set out in the annex to the present decision;
2. Requests the Secretariat, subject to the availability of resources, to commission the preparation of the revised guidance for consideration by the Committee at its twelfth meeting;

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Recognizing the limited participation of parties and others in activities organized by the Secretariat and taking into account the circumstances and particular requirements of developing countries, in particular the least developed among them, and countries with economies in transition,
1. Invites the Secretariat to continue its activities related to supporting effective participation in the work of the Committee, subject to the availability of resources, including:

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having concluded in its decision POPRC-8/4 that pentachlorophenol and its salts and esters meet the criteria set out in Annex D to the Stockholm Convention,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having completed an evaluation of the proposal by Norway to list decabromodiphenyl ether (commercial mixture, c-decaBDE) in Annexes A, B and/or C to the Stockholm Convention and having decided at its ninth meeting, in its decision POPRC-9/4, that the proposal meets the criteria set out in Annex D to the Convention,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having examined the proposal by the European Union to list dicofol in Annexes A, B and/or C to the Stockholm Convention and having applied the screening criteria specified in Annex D to the Convention,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Recalling decision SC-6/4, by which the Conference of the Parties adopted a process, set out in the annex to that decision, for the evaluation of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride pursuant to paragraphs 5 and 6 of part III of Annex B to the Stockholm Convention,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

1. Concludes that the guidance on alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts, perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride and their related chemicals should be revised to incorporate pertinent information contained in the report on the assessment of alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride, in addition to the information contained in the technical paper on the identification and assessment of alternatives to the use of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts, perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride and their related chemicals in open applications and, as so revised, should be submitted to the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention at its eighth meeting, in 2017;

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

1. Requests the joint intersessional working group established at the first joint meeting of the Chemical Review Committee of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee to finalize the draft guidance to assist parties to the Rotterdam Convention and the Chemical Review Committee in their work when a chemical under consideration is a persistent organic pollutant listed under the Stockholm Convention, taking into account any additional comments provided by the committees, and to submit it to the Conference of the Parties for consideration at its seventh meeting;

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

1. Invites the Secretariat to continue its activities related to supporting effective participation in the work of the Committee, subject to the availability of resources, including:

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having concluded in decision POPRC-7/2 that 73 chlorinated naphthalene congeners containing from two to eight chlorine atoms meet the criteria set out in Annex D to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having concluded in decision POPRC-7/3 that hexachlorobutadiene meets the criteria set out in Annex D to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having completed an evaluation of the proposal by the European Union and its member States that are parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants to list pentachlorophenol and its salts and esters in Annexes A, B and/or C to the Stockholm Convention and having decided at its eighth meeting, in its decision POPRC-8/4, that the proposal meets the criteria set out in Annex D to the Convention,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having examined the proposal by Norway to list the commercial mixture decabromodiphenyl ether (c-decaBDE, CAS No. 1163-19-5) in Annexes A, B and/or C to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and having applied the screening criteria specified in Annex D to the Convention,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

1. Decides to establish an ad hoc working group to undertake the activities requested in paragraph 3 of decision SC-6/4 and paragraph 5 (d) (ii) of decision SC-6/7 and agrees to work in accordance with the terms of reference set out in section II of the annex to the present decision;

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

1. Endorses the revised guidance on alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts, perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride and their related chemicals as amended at its ninth meeting;

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

1. Endorses the document set out in the annex to the present decision outlining examples of practices used and decisions made in the evaluation of chemicals by the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee in accordance with Annex E to the Stockholm Convention;

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Recognizing the scientific evidence of climate change impacts and interactions with chemicals and the need for such interactions to be considered in the review of the chemicals proposed for listing in Annexes A, B and/or C to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Recalling that at its sixth meeting the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention requested the Secretariat to continue the activities listed in decision POPRC-8/12, including the organization of webinars and face-to-face activities, among other things, to assist developing countries and countries with economies in transition to participate effectively in the work of the Committee,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

[...]Having also completed the risk profile for chlorinated naphthalenes in accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 8 of the Convention,

1. Adopts the risk profile for chlorinated naphthalenes;

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

[...]Having also completed the risk profile for hexachlorobutadiene in accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 8 of the Convention,

Adopts the risk profile for hexachlorobutadiene;

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

[...] Noting that some developing countries may need more time than developed countries to phase out any exempted production and use of hexabromocyclododecane,

1. Amends paragraph 2 of decision POPRC-7/1 to read as follows:
“Decides, in accordance with paragraph 9 of Article 8 of the Convention, to recommend to the Conference of the Parties that it consider listing hexabromocyclododecane in Annex A to the Convention with specific exemptions for production and use in expanded polystyrene and extruded polystyrene in buildings”;

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having examined the proposal by the European Union and its member States parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants to list pentachlorophenol and its salts and esters in Annexes A, B and/or C to the Convention and having applied the screening criteria specified in Annex D to the Convention,

1. Decides, in accordance with paragraph 4 (a) of Article 8 of the Convention, that it is satisfied that the screening criteria have been fulfilled for pentachlorophenol and its salts and esters, as set out in the evaluation contained in the annex to the present decision;

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having reviewed the discussion paper on issues and common practices in the application of the Annex E criteria,
Noting that additional work is needed to develop further the discussion paper;
Decides to establish an ad hoc working group to revise the discussion paper and to work in accordance with the workplan set out in the annex to the present decision.

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

[...] Having reviewed the information provided in the report on the assessment of chemical alternatives to endosulfan, the fact sheets on chemical alternatives to endosulfan, the evaluation of non-chemical alternatives to endosulfan and a summary of information on chemical and non-chemical alternatives to endosulfan submitted by parties and observers,
1. Decides to forward the documents mentioned in the paragraph above to the Conference of the Parties for information;
2. Decides to submit the summary report on the assessment of alternatives to endosulfan set out in the annex to the present decision to the Conference of the Parties for consideration at its sixth meeting.

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

[...] Having reviewed the information provided in the report on the assessment of chemical alternatives to DDT and the fact sheets on chemical alternatives to DDT,
1. Decides to forward the documents mentioned in the paragraph above to the Conference of the Parties for information;
2. Decides to submit the summary report on the assessment of alternatives to DDT set out in the annex to the present decision to the Conference of the Parties for consideration at its sixth meeting.

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

[...] Having reviewed the information provided in the technical paper on the identification and assessment of alternatives to the use of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts, perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride and their related chemicals in open applications as set out in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.8/INF/17/Rev.1,

Adopts the recommendations on alternatives to the use of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts, perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride and their related chemicals in open applications, prepared on the basis of the technical paper and contained in the annex to the present decision, for consideration by the Conference of the Parties at its sixth meeting.

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having considered the comments on the guidance on alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts, perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride and their related chemicals received from parties and observers in accordance with decision POPRC-7/6,

1. Decides to establish an ad hoc working group to revise the guidance on the basis of the comments submitted by parties and observers and any additional information made available to the working group and to work in accordance with the workplan set out in the annex to the present decision;
2. Invites parties and observers in a position to do so to provide financial support for the preparation of a revised version of the guidance.

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having reviewed the draft guidance on how to assess the possible impact of climate change on its work,

Noting that further work is needed to address fully the comments provided by parties and observers,

Decides to establish an ad hoc working group to revise the draft guidance on how to assess the possible impact of climate change on its work and in doing so to work in accordance with the workplan set out in the annex to the present decision.

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Noting that the evaluation pursuant to paragraphs 5 and 6 of part III of Annex B to the Convention takes place on the basis of reporting under Article 15,

1. Requests the Secretariat to continue to use the questionnaire revised at the seventh meeting of the Committee to collect information from parties to enable the Conference of the Parties to evaluate, at its sixth meeting, brominated diphenyl ethers pursuant to paragraphs 2 of parts IV and V of Annex A to the Convention;

2. Decides to request the Secretariat to further revise the processes, taking into consideration the Committee’s comments and suggestions.

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

[...] Recognizing the difficulties of developing countries and countries with economies in transition in their efforts to actively participate in webinars, in particular in the light of language barriers, a lack of appropriate infrastructure and a lack of a regular energy supply, Observing that motivation is an essential element for effective participation and that further work needs to be undertaken to increase active involvement in the Committee’s work,

1. Invites the Secretariat to continue its activities related to supporting effective participation in the Committee’s work, subject to the availability of resources, including:

1. Adopts the risk management evaluation for hexabromocyclododecane;

2. Decides, in accordance with paragraph 9 of Article 8 of the Convention, to recommend to the Conference of the Parties that it consider listing hexabromocyclododecane in Annexes A, B and/or C to the Convention;

1. Decides, in accordance with paragraph 4 (a) of Article 8 of the Convention, that it is satisfied that the screening criteria have been fulfilled for dichlorinated naphthalenes, trichlorinated naphthalenes, tetrachlorinated naphthalenes, pentachlorinated naphthalenes, hexachlorinated naphthalenes, heptachlorinated naphthalenes and octachlorinated naphthalenes, as set out in the evaluation contained in the annex to the present decision;

2. Also decides, in accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 8 of the Convention and paragraph 29 of decision SC-1/7, to establish an ad hoc working group to review the proposal further and to prepare a draft risk profile in accordance with Annex E to the Convention;

1. Decides, in accordance with paragraph 4 (a) of Article 8 of the Convention, that it is satisfied that the screening criteria have been fulfilled for hexachlorobutadiene, as set out in the evaluation contained in the annex to the present decision;

2. Also decides, in accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 8 of the Convention and paragraph 29 of the annex to decision SC-1/7, to establish an ad hoc working group to review the proposal further and to prepare a draft risk profile in accordance with Annex E to the Convention;

1. Decides to establish an ad hoc working group to undertake the activities requested in paragraph 3 of the work programme set out in the annex to decision SC-5/4 and agrees to work in accordance with the workplan set out in annex I to the present decision and the terms of reference set out in annexes II and III to the present decision;

2. Requests the Secretariat to collect from parties and observers the information to facilitate intersessional work outlined in annexes II and III to the present decision;

1. Requests the Secretariat, subject to the availability of resources, to commission a technical paper on the identification and assessment of alternatives to the use of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid in open applications based on the terms of reference set out in annex I to the present decision and the outline revised during its seventh meeting;

2. Decides to establish an ad hoc working group to undertake the activities requested in paragraphs 5 and 7 of decision SC-5/5 and agrees to work in accordance with the workplan set out in annex II to the present decision;

1. Requests the Secretariat to disseminate the revised guidance document widely, including by posting it on the website of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants;

2. Invites parties and observers to submit the following information to the Secretariat by 31 July 2012 for consideration at the Committee’s eighth meeting:

1. Requests the Secretariat to use the format and explanatory note set out in the annex to the present decision to collect from parties information on brominated diphenyl ethers pursuant to paragraph 2 of parts IV and V of Annex A to the Convention and on their experience in implementing the Committee’s recommendations;

2. Also requests the Secretariat to compile the information obtained pursuant to the preceding paragraph for consideration by the Conference of the Parties at its sixth meeting;

1. Decides to establish an ad hoc working group to undertake the activities requested in paragraph 9 of the annex to decision SC-5/6 to assess the chemical alternatives recommended by the World Health Organization for disease vector control and agrees to work in accordance with the workplan set out in annex I to the present decision;

2. Requests the Secretariat to facilitate access to information on alternatives to DDT;

1. Decides to establish an ad hoc working group to develop a draft approach to consideration of toxicological interactions when evaluating chemicals proposed for listing in the annexes to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, and agrees to work in accordance with the workplan set out in the annex to the present decision;

2. Also decides to continue to provide technical input through the Secretariat to the framework to assess the risks of combined exposures to multiple chemicals prepared by the International Programme on Chemical Safety of the World Health Organization.

1. Decides that it should reconsider, if necessary, the implications of debromination of brominated flame retardants when additional relevant information becomes available;

2. Requests the Secretariat to make the above-mentioned information available to the Conference of the Parties at its sixth meeting to ensure that it reaches as broad an audience as possible.

1. Takes note of the paper on the implications of the study on climate change and persistent organic pollutants,

2. 2. Concludes that a better understanding of the interlinkages between persistent organic pollutants and climate change is relevant for its work;

1. Invites the Conference of the Parties:
(a) To take note of the lack of scientific and technical data on candidate persistent organic pollutants under the conditions experienced by developing-country parties and parties with economies in transition;

Recommends to the Conference of the Parties that it amend the terms of reference of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee by inserting a new paragraph after paragraph 15, with the following paragraphs being renumbered accordingly, with the text to read:
“The Committee shall meet in closed session before the start of each meeting of the Committee to discuss any issues related to conflicts of interest of Committee members. Should any conflict of interest of a Committee member arise, the Chair of the Committee shall consult the President of the Conference of the Parties and the Executive Secretary with a view to making a decision on the member’s participation in the Committee’s work in respect of a particular chemical.”

Taking note of decisions SC-4/10–SC-4/18, by which the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants amended Annexes A, B and C to the Convention to list nine new chemicals therein,

Recalling decision SC-4/19, by which the Conference of the Parties established indicative elements of a work programme to provide guidance to the parties on how best to eliminate listed brominated diphenyl ethers, and to restrict or eliminate perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and its salts, perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (PFOSF) and other chemicals listed in Annex A or B to the Convention at the fourth meeting of the Conference of the Parties,

1. Recommends that, with regard to the chemicals newly listed in Annexes A, B and C to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants by amendments to the Convention, the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention invite the appropriate bodies of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal:
(a) To establish the levels of destruction and irreversible transformation of these chemicals necessary to ensure that the characteristics of persistent organic pollutants as specified in paragraph 1 of Annex D to the Stockholm Convention are not exhibited;

Noting decision SC-4/16, by which the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants amended Annexes A and C to the Convention to list pentachlorobenzene therein,
Taking note of the new information on unintentional releases of pentachlorobenzene provided to it,

1. Endorses the revised guidance document on alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonate and its derivatives and invites parties and observers to disseminate and make use of that document;

2. Agrees that the guidance document should be revised regularly as necessary to take into account available information on alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonate and its derivatives;

Recalling that, in its evaluation of whether a chemical is likely, as a result of its long-range environmental transport, to lead to significant adverse effects on human health and/or the environment such that global action is warranted, the Committee may include in an Annex E risk profile a hazard assessment for the endpoint or endpoints of concern, including a consideration of toxicological interactions involving multiple chemicals,

Recalling that, at its fourth meeting, the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants requested the Secretariat of the Convention to continue work to support and strengthen the capacity of developing-country parties or parties with economies in transition to participate fully in the Committee’s work,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having completed the risk management evaluation for endosulfan in accordance with paragraph 7 (a) of Article 8 of the Convention,

1. Adopts the risk management evaluation for endosulfan

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having completed an evaluation of the proposal by Norway to list hexabromocyclododecane in the annexes to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, and having decided at its fifth meeting, by decision POPRC-5/6, that the proposal meets the criteria set out in Annex D to the Convention,

Having also completed the risk profile for hexabromocyclododecane in accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 8 of the Convention,

1. Adopts the risk profile for hexabromocyclododecane;

Noting that paragraph 3 of Article 3 of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants requires those parties that have regulatory and assessment schemes for new pesticides or new industrial chemicals to take measures to regulate with the aim of preventing the production and use of new pesticides or new industrial chemicals which, taking into consideration the criteria contained in paragraph 1 of Annex D, exhibit the characteristics of persistent organic pollutants,

Noting also that paragraph 4 of Article 3 requires those parties that have regulatory and assessment schemes for pesticides or industrial chemicals, to take into consideration within these schemes, where appropriate, the criteria contained in paragraph 1 of Annex D to the Convention when assessing pesticides or industrial chemicals currently in use,

Noting that, pursuant to note (i) of part I of Annexes A and B to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, quantities of a chemical occurring as unintentional trace contaminants in products and articles shall not be considered for listing in Annexes A and B to the Convention,

Recognizing that the compilation of information related to national regulations on unintentional trace contaminants in products and articles could be further updated and complemented with additional information,

Taking into account the information provided on the initiative by the Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants to review the interlinkages between climate change and persistent organic pollutants in support of the work of the coordination group of the global monitoring plan on persistent organic pollutants,

Noting the outcome of the study by the expert group on climate change and persistent organic pollutants convened by the Secretariat,

Invites the Conference of the Parties to forward the outcome of the study by the expert group to the Committee for further consideration of the study’s possible implications for the Committee’s work.

Taking into account that some Parties at the fourth meeting of the Conference of the Parties expressed a need for guidance on how to identify unintentionally released pentachlorobenzene,

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

1. Requests the intersessional working group to continue to develop guidance on perfluorooctane sulfonate alternatives based on the revised annotated outline set out in annex V to the report of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee on the work of its fifth meeting;

Noting that, in its evaluation of whether a chemical is likely, as a result of its long-range environmental transport, to lead to significant adverse human health and/or environmental effects such that global action is warranted, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee may include in an Annex E risk profile a hazard assessment for the endpoint or endpoints of concern, including a consideration of toxicological interactions involving multiple chemicals,

1. Endorses the pocket guide as amended and invites Parties and observers to consider using it;

2. Also endorses the explanatory notes to the forms for the submission of information specified in Annexes E and F contained respectively in annexes VI and VII to the report of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee on the work of its fifth meeting and requests the Secretariat to use them;

Having completed the risk profile for endosulfan in accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 8 of the Convention,

1. Adopts the risk profile for endosulfan contained in addendum 2 to the report of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee on the work of its fifth meeting;

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee,

Having examined the proposal by Norway, which is a Party to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, to list hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) (Commercial HBCD, CAS No.: 25637-99-4; -HBCD, CAS No.: 25637-99-4134237-50-6; -HBCD, CAS No.: 134237-51-7;  HBCD, CAS No: 134237-52-8) in Annex A to the Convention and having applied the screening criteria specified in Annex D to the Convention,

Having concluded that the hexa- and heptabromodiphenyl ether components of commercial octabromodiphenyl ether are likely, as a result of their long-range environmental transport, to lead to significant adverse human health and/or environmental effects such that global action is warranted,

Having concluded that pentachlorobenzene is likely, as a result of its long-range environmental transport, to lead to significant adverse human health and/or environmental effects such that global action is warranted,

Having concluded that alpha hexachlorocyclohexane is likely, as a result of its long-range environmental transport, to lead to significant adverse human health and/or environmental effects such that global action is warranted

Adopts the risk management evaluation for beta hexachlorocyclohexane found in document UNEP/POPS/POPRC.4/15/Add.4;

1. Decides, in accordance with paragraph 4 (a) of Article 8 of the Convention, that it is satisfied that the screening criteria have been fulfilled for endosulfan, as set out in the evaluation contained in the annex to the present decision

3. Agrees to the text of the draft revised form for the declaration of conflicts of interest of members of the Committee set out in the annex to the current decision;

Recommends to the Conference of the Parties that it amend the Committee’s terms of reference as follows:

(a) Paragraph 27 should be amended to read:

“Proposals for listing chemicals in Annex A, B or C shall be distributed at least three months in advance of meetings. Other documents shall be distributed at least six weeks in advance of meetings.”

Recalling that, pursuant to requests from members of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee designated by developing country Parties, at its third meeting the Conference of the Parties requested the Secretariat to undertake work to support and strengthen the capacity of Parties which are developing countries or countries with economies in transition to participate fully in the work of the Committee,