International Cooperation on Hazardous Waste Management

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal is an international treaty that aims to reduce the movement of hazardous waste between countries and to ensure its environmentally sound management.

The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade aims to protect human health and the environment from the risks posed by certain hazardous chemicals.

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) aims to eliminate or restrict the production, use, and release of POPs, which are toxic chemicals that persist in the environment and can accumulate in the food chain.

The Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR) is a European Union regulation that controls the transboundary movement of waste within the EU and between the EU and non-EU countries.

The Basel Ban Amendment to the Basel Convention prohibits the export of hazardous waste from developed countries to developing countries, except in specific cases where the waste is destined for environmentally sound disposal or recycling.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that coordinates efforts on hazardous waste management and promotes international cooperation in this area.

The Basel Convention Coordinating Centre (BCCC) provides technical assistance to developing countries, monitors compliance with the Basel Convention, and facilitates information exchange among parties to the convention.

The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) is a global initiative that aims to promote the environmentally sound management of chemicals throughout their life cycle, including hazardous waste.

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) aims to ensure consistent classification and labelling of chemicals worldwide, reduce the risk of chemical accidents, and promote the safe handling and storage of chemicals.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is responsible for developing and maintaining the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

The Basel Convention Regional Centres provide technical assistance to developing countries, promote cooperation among countries in a specific region, and facilitate information exchange and capacity building in the area of hazardous waste management.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury aims to reduce the production and use of mercury and mercury-added products, and to control the emissions and releases of mercury to the environment.

The International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC) collects and disseminates information on potentially toxic chemicals, assesses the risks posed by these chemicals, and promotes the development of safer alternatives.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal.

The Basel Convention Technical Assistance Programme (BTAP) provides financial assistance, promotes capacity building, and facilitates technology transfer to developing countries to help them implement the Basel Convention.