International trade of two new hazardous pesticides — Iprodione and Terbufos — has been recommended for “prior informed consent” (PIC) procedure under Rotterdam convention.
- The recommendations were made by the Chemical Review Committee on September 22, 2022 at the 18th meeting of the Rotterdam Convention’s Chemical Review Committee (CRC 18) held at Rome.
- The 17th meeting of the chemical review committee (CRC 17) had recommended these two pesticides for listing in Annex III to the Rotterdam Convention.
About Iprodione and Terbufos
- Iprodione and Terbufos chemicals are dangerous for humans and aquatic animals.
- Iprodione is a fungicide. It is used on vines, fruits, trees and vegetables. It has been classified as carcinogenic and toxic for reproduction.
- Terbufos is a soil insecticide. It is used commonly on sorghum, maize, beet and potatoes. It has also been found to pose risk to aquatic organisms due to its toxicity.
- Both the pesticides, which are used in agriculture, are known for their harmful impacts on human health and the environment.
- In India, the use of these chemicals was permitted by the 2015 Anupam Verma committee report.
- India is among the largest exporters of Terbufos.
What is Rotterdam Convention?
- Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent Procedures (PIC) that entered into force on 24th February, 2004, is a legally binding instrument, which was adopted on 10th September 1998 by a Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Rotterdam.
- India acceded to the Convention on 24.05.2006.
- The Convention seeks to promote shared responsibility and cooperative efforts among State Parties in the international trade of certain hazardous chemicals in order to protect human health and the environment from potential harm.
What is Prior Informed Consent” (PIC) procedure?
- The PIC procedure is a mechanism for formally obtaining and disseminating the decisions of importing parties on their willingness to receive future shipments of hazardous chemicals.
