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Bonn, Germany; 30 September - 4 October 2002

Sunday, 29 September

The ninth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for an International Legally Binding Instrument for the Application of the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (INC-9) opens today in Bonn, Germany.

The prior informed consent (PIC) procedure aims to promote a shared responsibility between exporting and importing countries in protecting human health and the environment from the harmful effects of certain hazardous chemicals that are traded internationally. A major step in this process was taken in September 1998 with the adoption of the Rotterdam Convention on the PIC Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. To date, the Convention has been signed by 72 States and the European Community, and ratified by 33 States. It will enter into force once 50 instruments of ratification are deposited. Until the Convention's first Conference of the Parties (COP), the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) will continue to provide guidance regarding the implementation of the PIC procedure during this interim period.

Delegates to INC-9 will resume consideration of the major issues associated with the implementation of the interim PIC procedure. As part of this work, key items on the INC-9 agenda include a review of the current financial situation and the proposed budget for 2004, and the status of implementation of the interim PIC procedure. Delegates will also consider preparations for the first COP, including outstanding matters relating to the draft financial rules and provisions, procedures for dispute settlement, mechanisms for handling cases of non-compliance, and discontinuation of the interim PIC procedure.