Meetings documents

1. Opening of the meeting.

2. Adoption of the agenda.

3. Organizational matters:

Item 1

Opening of the meeting

1. The sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal will be held in Geneva from 1 to 12 May 2023, back to back with the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. The meetings will feature joint sessions on joint issues. The meetings will be opened at 10 a.m. on Monday, 1 May 2023 by the three presidents of the conferences of the Parties.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. At its sixteenth meeting, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal is expected to elect the officers of the Conference of the Parties who will serve during its seventeenth meeting and the officers of the Open ended Working Group of the Basel Convention who will serve during the fourteenth meeting of the Working Group.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In paragraph 4 of decision BC-15/3, on the strategic framework, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal decided to improve, as appropriate, the strategic framework for the period 2012–2021, taking into account the main findings, conclusions and recommendations of the report on the final evaluation of the strategic framework as reflected in the decisions adopted at its fifteenth meeting and the lessons learned in the preparation of the report, especially those pertaining to technical assistance, capacity building, technology transfer and cooperation, including through strengthened and coordinated actions of regional centres.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In part II of decision BC-15/3 on the strategic framework, on work to improve the functioning of the prior informed consent procedure, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal invited Parties and observers to submit to the Secretariat, by 30 November 2022, information on challenges in the implementation of the prior informed consent procedure and on best practices, possible approaches, initiatives and views to improve the functioning of the procedure, recognizing that developing countries faced increasing challenges in implementation of the prior informed consent procedure and that they needed further financial and technical assistance and capacity building to address those challenges.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In paragraph 3 of decision BC-15/5, on developing guidelines for environmentally sound management, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal invited Parties and others to provide the Secretariat with information on the environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes and other wastes, in particular, activities, initiatives and case studies that might promote implementation and complement the toolkit on environmentally sound management, and requested the Secretariat to make such information available on the website of the Basel Convention.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of wastes consisting of, containing or contaminated with persistent organic pollutants

A. Introduction

1. In paragraph 2 of decision BC-15/6, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal adopted three technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of wastes consisting of, containing or contaminated with persistent organic pollutants (UNEP/CHW.15/6/Add.1/Rev.1, UNEP/CHW.15/6/Add.2/Rev.1, UNEP/CHW.15/6/Add.3/Rev.1).

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical guidelines (UNEP/CHW.16/6), the annex to the present note sets out the draft updated general technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of wastes consisting of, containing or contaminated with persistent organic pollutants (draft updated version of 1 December 2022) for consideration by the Conference of the Parties.

Note by the Secretariat

At its sixteenth meeting, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal adopted, in decision BC 16/3 on technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of wastes consisting of, containing or contaminated with persistent organic pollutants, the general technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of wastes consisting of, containing or contaminated with persistent organic pollutants, on the basis of document UNEP/CHW.16/6/Add.1. The text of the technical guidelines, as adopted, is set out in the annex to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical guidelines (UNEP/CHW.16/6), the annex to the present note sets out the draft updated technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of wastes consisting of, containing or contaminated with perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (PFOSF), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related compounds, and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts and PFHxS related compounds (draft updated version of 1 December 2022) for consideration by the Conference of the Parties.

Note by the Secretariat

At its sixteenth meeting, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal adopted, in decision BC 16/3 on technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of wastes consisting of, containing or contaminated with persistent organic pollutants, the technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of wastes consisting of, containing or contaminated with perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (PFOSF), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA related compounds, and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts and PFHxS related compounds, on the basis of document UNEP/CHW.16/6/Add.2. The text of the technical guidelines, as adopted, is set out in the annex to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical guidelines (UNEP/CHW.16/6), the annex to the present note sets out the draft updated technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of plastic wastes (draft updated version of 16 December 2022) prepared by the Governments of China, Japan and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as co-lead countries, in consultation with the small intersessional working group on plastic wastes for consideration by the Conference of the Parties at its sixteenth meeting.

Note by the Secretariat

At its sixteenth meeting, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal adopted, in decision BC 16/4 on technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of plastic wastes, the technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of plastic wastes, on the basis of document UNEP/CHW.16/6/Add.3. The text of the technical guidelines, as adopted, is set out in the annex to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In paragraph 3 (a) of decision BC-14/9, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal requested the Secretariat to submit to the World Customs Organization a proposal for amending the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (hereinafter the Harmonized System) to allow the identification of 13 types of wastes, eight of which were to be afforded higher priority and five of which were to be afforded medium priority.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In paragraph 2 of decision BC-15/13, on national reporting, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal encouraged Parties that had not yet done so to transmit to the Secretariat their national reports for the year 2020 and for previous years as soon as possible.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In paragraph 2 of decision BC-15/14, on electronic approaches to the notification and movement documents, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal decided to establish a small intersessional working group, operating by electronic means, to look further into electronic approaches to the notification and movement documents, taking into account the report of the first consultative workshop on electronic approaches to the notification and movement documents of the Basel Convention, including the elements for further discussion set out therein, and previous reports prepared on that topic.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. Following the amendments to Annexes II, VIII and IX adopted in decision BC-14/12, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, in paragraph 1 of decision BC-15/15, took note of the background information related to a possible future assessment of the effectiveness of the measures taken under the Basel Convention to address plastic waste and to possible further activities that could be conducted under the Convention.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decision BC-15/18, on amendments to Annexes II, VIII and IX to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention decided to amend Annexes II, VIII and IX to the Basel Convention in relation to electrical and electronic waste (hereinafter referred to as the e-waste amendments).

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In paragraph 2 of decision BC-15/16, on waste containing nanomaterials, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal invited Parties and others to make available to the Secretariat, by 31 December 2022, information related to activities aimed at addressing issues related to waste containing nanomaterials, including case studies about and best practices relating to the management of waste containing nanomaterials.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decision BC-15/17, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal approved the work programme of the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance for the biennium 2022–2023 set out in the annex to that decision.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decision BC-15/19, on providing further legal clarity, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal recalled the mandate of the expert working group on the review of the annexes to the Convention, as set out in decisions BC-13/2, BC 14/13 and BC-14/16, and decided to remove the review of entries A1180 in Annex VIII and B1110 in Annex IX from the mandate of the group.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decision BC-15/20, on national legislation, notifications, enforcement of the Convention and efforts to combat illegal traffic, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal reiterated a number of invitations to Parties and others. These included, amongst other things, an invitation to Parties, if they had not yet done so, to provide the Secretariat with information on national definitions of hazardous wastes as required under Article 3 and paragraph 2 (b) of Article 13 of the Convention, or any information on import or export restrictions or prohibitions as required under paragraph 1 (a) and (b) of Article 4 of the Convention and paragraph 2 (c) and (d) of Article 13 of the Convention.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. On 28 February 2020, the Secretariat received a proposal from the Russian Federation to amend paragraph 2 of Article 6 of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, for consideration by the Conference of the Parties at its fifteenth meeting. The proposal was accompanied by an explanatory note. The proposal is reproduced in the annex to the present note, without formal editing. The explanatory note, in English, French, Russian and Spanish, is set out in document UNEP/CHW.15/INF/26, along with tracked changes to paragraph 2 of Article 6 reflecting the proposed amendment, for the convenience of Parties.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In section I of decisions BC-15/21, RC-10/12 and SC 10/15 on technical assistance, the conferences of the Parties to 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 took note of the report on the needs of developing country Parties and Parties with economies in transition for technical assistance and technology transfer, the database summarizing technical assistance needs and the report on the implementation of the technical assistance plan for the period 2018–2021, and welcomed the technical assistance plan for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions for the period 2022–2025.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In paragraph 16 of decision BC-15/21, on technical assistance, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal requested the Basel Convention regional and coordinating centres to submit to the Secretariat:

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In paragraph 2 of section I of decision BC-15/22 on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme, on the Follow-up Partnership to the Partnership for Action on Computing Equipment, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal adopted the amendments to the terms of reference of the Partnership, including the new name of the Partnership, and the programme of work for the biennium 2022–2023 of the working group of the Partnership, and requested the working group of the Partnership to implement the activities included in the programme of work. In paragraph 3 of the decision, the Conference of the Parties invited Parties, signatories and all other stakeholders, including manufacturers, recyclers, refurbishers, academia, relevant e-waste platforms, non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations, and former partners of the Partnership for Action on Computing Equipment, to communicate to the Secretariat no later than 31 August 2022 their wish to be admitted as a member of the working group of the Partnership. The Secretariat was requested to report on progress in the implementation of the decision to the Open-ended Working Group of the Basel Convention at its thirteenth meeting and to the Conference of the Parties at its sixteenth meeting.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.16/19), the annex to the present note sets out the draft programme of work of the working group of the Partnership for Action on Challenges relating to E-waste for the biennium 2024–2025. The draft programme of work was also made available to the thirteenth meeting of the Open-ended Working Group (UNEP/CHW/OEWG.13/INF/15). The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.16/19), the annex to the present note sets out the revised draft overall guidance document on the environmentally sound management of household waste for consideration and possible adoption by the Conference of the Parties. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.16/19), the annex to the present note sets out the draft workplan of the working group of the Plastic Waste Partnership for the biennium 2024‒2025. The draft workplan is based on the four project group workplans developed by the working group and made available for information in UNEP/CHW.16/INF/57. The four project group workplans were also made available to the thirteenth meeting of the Open-ended Working Group (UNEP/CHW/OEWG.13/INF/16) for its consideration. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note sets out the updated workplan of the working group of the Plastic Waste Partnership for the biennium 2024–2025, as amended during the 2023 meetings of the conferences of the Parties. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. The Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, at its fifteenth meeting, decided that the thirteenth meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the Basel Convention would take place in Geneva for a duration of three days in the week starting 20 February 2023.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. At its fifteenth meeting, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal agreed to hold the thirteenth meeting of the Open-ended Working Group in Geneva, as an in-person meeting and with the same conditions for online participation as agreed by the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties for the face-to-face segment of its fifteenth meeting, for a duration of three days in the week starting 20 February 2023. By its decision BC-15/23, the Conference of the Parties adopted the work programme of the Open-ended Working Group for the biennium 2022–2023, which included a priority level for each activity in the work programme to support the planning of the thirteenth meeting of the Open-ended Working Group, in case there was insufficient time to consider all the activities at that meeting.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decisions BC-15/24, RC-10/13 and SC-10/20, on cooperation and coordination with the Minamata Convention on Mercury, taken in response to decisions MC-3/11 and MC-4/9 which were adopted by the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury at its third and fourth meetings, the conferences of the Parties to 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 affirmed the importance of continued cooperation on programmatic synergies, of the use of the task force between the two secretariats and the United Nations Environment Programme Chemicals and Health Branch, and of the possibility for the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions to provide secretariat support to the Minamata Convention on a cost recovery basis, in accordance with the programme of work and budget of the conventions for each biennium.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decisions BC-15/25, RC-10/14 and SC-10/21, on international cooperation and coordination, the conferences of the Parties to 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, respectively, requested the Executive Secretary:

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decisions BC-15/26, RC-10/15 and SC-10/22, on the clearing-house mechanism for information exchange, the conferences of the Parties to 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, respectively, requested the Secretariat, subject to the availability of resources, to continue the work to implement the strategy of the joint clearing-house mechanism in a gradual and cost-effective manner and to implement the activities of the workplan for the implementation of the joint clearing-house mechanism for the biennium 2022–2023 in accordance with the programmes of work and budgets for the conventions for that biennium.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decisions BC-13/20, RC-8/13 and SC-8/23, on mainstreaming gender, the conferences of the Parties to 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, respectively, welcomed the Gender Action Plan of the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and the report on the implementation of the Plan (UNEP/CHW.13/INF/46–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.8/INF/32–UNEP/POPS/COP.8/INF/49, annex) and requested the Secretariat to continue its efforts in respect of gender mainstreaming in its activities, projects and programmes.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decisions BC-15/27, RC-10/16 and SC-10/23, on synergies in preventing and combating illegal traffic and trade in hazardous chemicals and wastes, the conferences of the Parties to 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 encouraged Parties to provide information to the Secretariat about best practices for preventing and combating illegal traffic and trade in the chemicals and wastes covered by the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, including the texts of any measures that have been adopted by them for that purpose.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. During the 2022 face-to-face segments of their meetings, the conferences of the Parties to 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 adopted identical decisions entitled “From science to action”, in which, among other things, they took note of the information on progress in the action by Parties and others to promote the implementation of the road map for further engaging Parties and other stakeholders in informed dialogue for enhanced science-based action in the implementation of the conventions, as provided in the note by the Secretariat entitled “From science to action”, and encouraged Parties and others to continue to undertake action that promotes the implementation of the road map.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decisions BC-15/30, RC-10/19 and SC-10/26, on programmes of work and budgets for the biennium 2022–2023, the conferences of the Parties to 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:

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decision BC-14/26, on the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention adopted the memorandum of understanding as set out in the annex to that decision and requested the President of the Conference of the Parties, on behalf of the Conference of the Parties, and the Executive Director of UNEP to sign the memorandum of understanding during or after the closure of the fourteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. Meetings of the conferences of the Parties to 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 are to take place at the seat(s) of the Secretariat, unless the conferences of the Parties decide otherwise or other appropriate arrangements are made by the Secretariat, in consultation with the Parties.

Introduction

1. The sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the eleventh meeting of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (hereinafter, “the 2023 meetings”) were held in Geneva from 1 to 12 May 2023. In decisions BC-15/29, RC-10/18 and SC-10/25, on the dates and venue of the next meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, the conferences of the Parties decided that the meetings would include joint sessions on joint issues and would not feature a high-level segment.

2. Annex, decision BC-16/14, paragraph 13

For the existing text substitute
13. Decides to amend the checklist for the legislator11 by adding Article 4A with a footnote reading “This provision only binds Parties that have consented to be bound by it”, and the following text as a description of the obligation: “If a Party listed in Annex VII to the Convention, make provision for the obligation to prohibit all transboundary movements of hazardous wastes which are destined for operations according to section A of Annex IV and all transboundary movements of hazardous wastes under paragraph 1 (a) of Article 1 of the Convention which are destined for operations according to section B of Annex IV, to States not listed in Annex VII”;

1. Opening of the meeting.

2. Adoption of the agenda.

3. Organizational matters:

Item 1

1. Opening of the meeting.

1. The eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade will be held in Geneva from 1 to 12 May 2023, back to back with the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal and the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. The meetings will feature joint sessions on joint issues. The meetings will be opened at 10 a.m. on Monday, 1 May 2023 by the three presidents of the conferences of the Parties.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. At its eleventh meeting, the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade is expected to elect the officers of the Conference of the Parties who will serve during its twelfth meeting.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. At its first meeting, in decision RC-1/1, the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade adopted its rules of procedure, as contained in the annex to that decision, with the exception of the second sentence of paragraph 1 of rule 45, which it agreed to maintain in square brackets to indicate that the sentence had not been agreed on and was of no effect.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decision RC-10/4, the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, among other things:

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. Since the report provided to the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, the Chemical Review Committee has held its seventeenth meeting, online, from 20 to 24 September 2021, and its eighteenth meeting, in Rome, from 19 to 23 September 2022.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. Pursuant to Article 5 of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, the Chemical Review Committee, at its thirteenth meeting, in decision CRC-13/1, recommended that acetochlor be listed in Annex III to the Convention. Subsequently, at its fourteenth meeting, in decision CRC-14/1, the Committee, in accordance with Article 7 of the Rotterdam Convention, adopted a draft decision guidance document on acetochlor (UNEP/FAO/RC/CRC.14/3/Rev.1) and decided to forward it, together with the related tabular summary of comments (UNEP/FAO/RC/CRC.14/INF/6/Rev.1), to the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention for its consideration. The draft decision guidance document is set out in the addendum to the present note (UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/6/Add.1) for consideration by the Conference of the Parties.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in document UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/6, the Chemical Review Committee, at its fourteenth meeting, in decision CRC-14/1, adopted a draft decision guidance document on acetochlor. The draft decision guidance document is set out in the annex to the present note for consideration by the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. The annex has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. Pursuant to Article 5 of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, the Chemical Review Committee, at its eleventh meeting, in decision CRC-11/4, recommended that carbosulfan be listed in Annex III to the Convention. Subsequently, at its twelfth meeting, in decision CRC-12/2, the Committee, in accordance with Article 7 of the Rotterdam Convention, adopted a draft decision guidance document on carbosulfan (UNEP/FAO/RC/CRC.12/3/Rev.1) and decided to forward it, together with the related tabular summary of comments (UNEP/FAO/RC/CRC.12/INF/7/Rev.1), to the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention for its consideration. The draft decision guidance document is set out in the addendum to the present note (UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/7/Add.1) for consideration by the Conference of the Parties.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in document UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/7, the Chemical Review Committee, at its twelfth meeting, in decision CRC-12/2, adopted a draft decision guidance document on carbosulfan. The draft decision guidance document is set out in the annex to the present note for consideration by the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. The annex has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. Pursuant to Article 5 of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, the Chemical Review Committee, at its first meeting, recommended that chrysotile asbestos be listed in Annex III to the Convention (UNEP/FAO/RC/CRC.1/28, annex I, section B). Subsequently, at its second meeting, the Committee, in accordance with Article 7 of the Convention, agreed on the text of a draft decision guidance document on chrysotile asbestos (UNEP/FAO/RC/CRC.2/20, para. 106 and annex I) and decided to forward it to the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention for its consideration. The draft decision guidance document is set out in the addendum to the present note (UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/8/Add.1) for consideration by the Conference of the Parties.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in document UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/8, the Chemical Review Committee, at its second meeting, agreed on the text of a draft decision guidance document on chrysotile asbestos. The draft decision guidance document is set out in the annex to the present note for consideration by the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. The annex has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. Pursuant to Article 6 of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, the Chemical Review Committee, at its ninth meeting, in decision CRC-9/4, recommended the listing of fenthion (ultra-low-volume (ULV) formulations at or above 640 g active ingredient/L) as a severely hazardous pesticide formulation in Annex III to the Convention. Subsequently, at its tenth meeting, in decision CRC-10/2, the Committee, in accordance with Article 7 of the Rotterdam Convention, adopted a draft decision guidance document on fenthion (ULV formulations at or above 640 g active ingredient/L) (UNEP/FAO/RC/CRC.10/3) and decided to forward it, together with the related tabular summary of comments (UNEP/FAO/RC/CRC.10/INF/5), to the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention for its consideration. The draft decision guidance document is set out in the addendum to the present note (UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/9/Add.1) for consideration by the Conference of the Parties.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in document UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/9, the Chemical Review Committee, at its tenth meeting, in decision CRC-10/2, adopted a draft decision guidance document on fenthion (ultra low volume formulations at or above 640 g active ingredient/L). The draft decision guidance document is set out in the annex to the present note for consideration by the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. The annex has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. Pursuant to Article 5 of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, the Chemical Review Committee, at its seventeenth meeting, reviewed notifications of final regulatory action for iprodione in the pesticides category submitted by the European Union and Mozambique, together with the supporting documentation referred to therein. Taking into account each of the specific criteria set out in Annex II to the Convention, the Committee concluded that the notifications had met the criteria of Annex II. Accordingly, the Committee agreed, in decision CRC-17/1, to recommend to the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention that iprodione (CAS No. 36734-19-7) be listed in Annex III to the Convention as a pesticide and proceeded to prepare a draft decision guidance document.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in document UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/10, the Chemical Review Committee, at its eighteenth meeting, in decision CRC-18/1, adopted a draft decision guidance document on iprodione. The draft decision guidance document is set out in the annex to the present note for the consideration of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. The annex has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. Pursuant to Articles 6 and 7 of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, the Chemical Review Committee, at its eighth meeting, in decision CRC-8/7, recommended the listing of liquid formulations (emulsifiable concentrate and soluble concentrate) containing paraquat dichloride at or above 276 g/L, corresponding to paraquat ion at or above 200 g/L, as severely hazardous pesticide formulations in Annex III to the Convention; adopted a draft decision guidance document for those formulations; and decided to forward it, together with the related tabular summary of comments, to the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention for its consideration. The draft decision guidance document is set out in the addendum to the present note (UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/11/Add.1) for consideration by the Conference of the Parties.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in document UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/11, the Chemical Review Committee, at its eighth meeting, in decision CRC-8/7, adopted a draft decision guidance document on liquid formulations (emulsifiable concentrate and soluble concentrate) containing paraquat dichloride at or above 276 g/L, corresponding to paraquat ion at or above 200 g/L. The draft decision guidance document is set out in the annex to the present note for consideration by the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. The annex has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. Pursuant to Article 5 of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, the Chemical Review Committee, at its seventeenth meeting, reviewed notifications of final regulatory action for terbufos in the pesticides category submitted by Canada and Mozambique, together with the supporting documentation referred to therein. Taking into account each of the specific criteria set out in Annex II to the Convention, the Committee concluded that the notifications had met the criteria of Annex II. Accordingly, the Committee agreed, in decision CRC-17/2, to recommend to the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention that terbufos (CAS No. 13071-79-9) be listed in Annex III to the Convention as a pesticide and proceeded to prepare a draft decision guidance document.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in document UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/12, the Chemical Review Committee, at its eighteenth meeting, in decision CRC-18/2, adopted a draft decision guidance document on terbufos. The draft decision guidance document is set out in the annex to the present note for consideration by the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. The annex has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decision RC-9/6, on enhancing the effectiveness of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention invited Parties to further analyse and develop proposals, including in cooperation with other Parties, to enhance the effectiveness of the Rotterdam Convention, in particular to improve the listing process.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. As is mentioned in document UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/13, annex I to the present note sets out a proposal to amend Article 16 of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, on technical assistance. The proposal was submitted in October 2016 by Botswana, Cameroon, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe for consideration by the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention at its eighth meeting. For the convenience of Parties, annex II to the present note shows the proposed amendment to the current text of Article 16, with changes tracked. The explanatory note from the Parties proposing the amendment, in English only, is available in document UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.8/INF/40, and a compilation of comments relating to the proposed amendment received from Parties prior to the eighth meeting of the Conference of the Parties is available in document UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.8/INF/41.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. As is indicated in document UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/13, on 17 October 2022, the Secretariat received a proposal by Australia, Mali and Switzerland to amend Articles 7, 10, 11 and 22 of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and to add a new Annex VIII to the Convention, for consideration by the Conference of the Parties at its eleventh meeting. The proposal, which subsequently became co sponsored by Burkina Faso and Ghana and which is set out in the annex to the present note, is presented without formal editing. An explanatory note by the proponents is set out in document UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/INF/14.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decision RC-10/11, the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade adopted the programme of work of the Compliance Committee for the biennium 2022–2023, as set out in the annex to that decision.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In section I of decisions BC-15/21, RC-10/12 and SC 10/15 on technical assistance, the conferences of the Parties to 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 took note of the report on the needs of developing country Parties and Parties with economies in transition for technical assistance and technology transfer, the database summarizing technical assistance needs and the report on the implementation of the technical assistance plan for the period 2018–2021, and welcomed the technical assistance plan for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions for the period 2022–2025.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decisions BC-15/24, RC-10/13 and SC-10/20, on cooperation and coordination with the Minamata Convention on Mercury, taken in response to decisions MC-3/11 and MC-4/9 which were adopted by the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury at its third and fourth meetings, the conferences of the Parties to 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 affirmed the importance of continued cooperation on programmatic synergies, of the use of the task force between the two secretariats and the United Nations Environment Programme Chemicals and Health Branch, and of the possibility for the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions to provide secretariat support to the Minamata Convention on a cost recovery basis, in accordance with the programme of work and budget of the conventions for each biennium.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decisions BC-15/25, RC-10/14 and SC-10/21, on international cooperation and coordination, the conferences of the Parties to 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, respectively, requested the Executive Secretary:

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decisions BC-15/26, RC-10/15 and SC-10/22, on the clearing-house mechanism for information exchange, the conferences of the Parties to 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, respectively, requested the Secretariat, subject to the availability of resources, to continue the work to implement the strategy of the joint clearing-house mechanism in a gradual and cost-effective manner and to implement the activities of the workplan for the implementation of the joint clearing-house mechanism for the biennium 2022–2023 in accordance with the programmes of work and budgets for the conventions for that biennium.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decisions BC-13/20, RC-8/13 and SC-8/23, on mainstreaming gender, the conferences of the Parties to 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, respectively, welcomed the Gender Action Plan of the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and the report on the implementation of the Plan (UNEP/CHW.13/INF/46–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.8/INF/32–UNEP/POPS/COP.8/INF/49, annex) and requested the Secretariat to continue its efforts in respect of gender mainstreaming in its activities, projects and programmes.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decisions BC-15/27, RC-10/16 and SC-10/23, on synergies in preventing and combating illegal traffic and trade in hazardous chemicals and wastes, the conferences of the Parties to 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 encouraged Parties to provide information to the Secretariat about best practices for preventing and combating illegal traffic and trade in the chemicals and wastes covered by the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, including the texts of any measures that have been adopted by them for that purpose.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. During the 2022 face-to-face segments of their meetings, the conferences of the Parties to 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 adopted identical decisions entitled “From science to action”, in which, among other things, they took note of the information on progress in the action by Parties and others to promote the implementation of the road map for further engaging Parties and other stakeholders in informed dialogue for enhanced science-based action in the implementation of the conventions, as provided in the note by the Secretariat entitled “From science to action”, and encouraged Parties and others to continue to undertake action that promotes the implementation of the road map.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decisions BC-15/30, RC-10/19 and SC-10/26, on programmes of work and budgets for the biennium 2022–2023, the conferences of the Parties to 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:

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decision RC-9/14, on the memorandum of understanding between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention adopted the memorandum of understanding set out in the annex to that decision and requested the President of the Conference of the Parties, on behalf of the Conference of the Parties, the Director-General of FAO and the Executive Director of UNEP to sign the memorandum of understanding during or after the closure of the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. Meetings of the conferences of the Parties to 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 are to take place at the seat(s) of the Secretariat, unless the conferences of the Parties decide otherwise or other appropriate arrangements are made by the Secretariat, in consultation with the Parties.

Introduction

1. The sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the eleventh meeting of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (hereinafter, “the 2023 meetings”) were held in Geneva from 1 to 12 May 2023. In decisions BC-15/29, RC-10/18 and SC-10/25, on the dates and venue of the next meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, the conferences of the Parties decided that the meetings would include joint sessions on joint issues and would not feature a high-level segment.

1. Opening of the meeting.

2. Adoption of the agenda.

3. Organizational matters:

Item 1

1. Opening of the meeting.

1. The eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants will be held in Geneva from 1 to 12 May 2023, back to back with the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal and the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. The meetings will feature joint sessions on joint issues. The meetings will be opened at 10 a.m. on Monday, 1 May 2023 by the three presidents of the conferences of the Parties.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. At its eleventh meeting, the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is expected to elect the officers of the Conference of the Parties who will serve during its twelfth meeting.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. At its first meeting, in decision SC-1/1, the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants adopted its rules of procedure, as contained in the annex to that decision, with the exception of the second sentence of paragraph 1 of rule 45, which it agreed to maintain in square brackets to indicate that it had not been agreed on and was of no effect.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. At its tenth meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted the following decisions relevant to exemptions under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants: SC-10/5, on exemptions; SC-10/6, on DDT; SC-10/7, on polychlorinated biphenyls; SC-10/8, on evaluation and review of brominated diphenyl ethers pursuant to paragraph 2 of parts IV and V of Annex A to the Stockholm Convention; and SC-10/18, on the effectiveness evaluation of the Stockholm Convention.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. Pursuant to paragraph 6 of part II of Annex B to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, and in line with the process for the reporting on and assessment and evaluation of the continued need for DDT for disease vector control set out in annex I to decision SC-3/2 on DDT, the Conference of the Parties to the Convention undertakes an evaluation of the continued need for DDT for disease vector control at each of its ordinary meetings.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are listed in Annex A to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants with a specific exemption for the use of PCB in articles in accordance with the provisions of part II of Annex A, which may be exercised by all Parties to the Convention.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are listed in Annex A to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants with a specific exemption for the use of PCB in articles in accordance with the provisions of part II of Annex A, which may be exercised by all Parties to the Convention.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decision SC-10/9, on guidelines and guidance on best available techniques and best environmental practices, the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, among other things:

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In paragraph 5 of decision SC-10/10, on measures to reduce or eliminate releases from wastes, the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants requested the Secretariat, subject to the availability of resources, to undertake capacity-building and training activities to support Parties in meeting their obligations under paragraph 1 of Article 6 of the Convention, taking into account the technical guidelines adopted by the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal in decision BC-15/6 and other related technical guidelines.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. Pursuant to Article 7 of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, each Party is required to develop and to endeavour to implement a plan for the implementation of its obligations under the Convention and to transmit its implementation plan to the Conference of the Parties within two years of the date on which the Convention enters into force for it.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. Since the report provided to the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants at its tenth meeting, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee has held its seventeenth and eighteenth meetings, in Geneva, from 24 to 28 January 2022, and in Rome, from 26 to 30 September 2022.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. At its sixteenth meeting, by decision POPRC-16/2, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted a risk profile for methoxychlor and decided that methoxychlor was likely, as a result of its long-range environmental transport, to lead to significant adverse human health and environmental effects such that global action was warranted.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. At its seventeenth meeting, by decision POPRC-17/2, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted a risk profile for Dechlorane Plus and decided that Dechlorane Plus was likely, as a result of its long-range environmental transport, to lead to significant adverse human health and environmental effects such that global action was warranted.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. At its seventeenth meeting, by decision POPRC-17/3, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee adopted a risk profile for UV-328 and decided that UV-328 was likely, as a result of its long-range environmental transport, to lead to significant adverse human health and environmental effects such that global action was warranted.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In section I of decisions BC-15/21, RC-10/12 and SC 10/15 on technical assistance, the conferences of the Parties to 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 took note of the report on the needs of developing country Parties and Parties with economies in transition for technical assistance and technology transfer, the database summarizing technical assistance needs and the report on the implementation of the technical assistance plan for the period 2018–2021, and welcomed the technical assistance plan for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions for the period 2022–2025.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In paragraph 16 of decision SC-10/15, on technical assistance, the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants requested the Stockholm Convention regional and subregional centres to submit to the Secretariat:

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decision SC-1/11, the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants adopted a memorandum of understanding between the Conference of the Parties and the Council of the Global Environment Facility that provides for guidance from the Conference of the Parties; reporting; monitoring and evaluation; cooperation between secretariats; and reciprocal representation. In addition, the Conference of the Parties, at each of its previous meetings, adopted decisions setting forth procedures for the assessment of the funding needed by developing country Parties and Parties with economies in transition to implement the Convention.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In paragraph 3 of decision SC-10/17, on reporting pursuant to Article 15 of the Stockholm Convention, the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants urged Parties to submit their fifth national reports to the Secretariat by 31 August 2022.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decision SC-10/18, on effectiveness evaluation, the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants requested the effectiveness evaluation committee to perform its tasks according to the framework for effectiveness evaluation and to report thereon to the Conference of the Parties at its eleventh meeting.

Note by the Secretariat

As referred to in document UNEP/POPS/COP.11/19, the annex to the present note sets out the executive summary of the report on the second effectiveness evaluation of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants prepared by the effectiveness evaluation committee. The report on the second effectiveness evaluation in full is set out in document UNEP/POPS/COP.11/INF/36. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decision SC-10/19, the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants requested the global coordination group to finalize the global monitoring report, including an evaluation and assessment of changes in persistent organic pollutant concentrations over time, as specified in the effectiveness evaluation framework, and conclusions and recommendations, for consideration by the Conference of the Parties at its eleventh meeting.

Note by the Secretariat

As referred to in document UNEP/POPS/COP.11/20, the annex to the present note sets out the executive summary of the third global monitoring report prepared by the global coordination group. The third global monitoring report in full is set out in document UNEP/POPS/COP.11/INF/38. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. Article 17 of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants provides for the development and approval of procedures and institutional mechanisms for determining non compliance with the provisions of the Convention and for the treatment of Parties found to be in non-compliance.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decisions BC-15/24, RC-10/13 and SC-10/20, on cooperation and coordination with the Minamata Convention on Mercury, taken in response to decisions MC-3/11 and MC-4/9 which were adopted by the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury at its third and fourth meetings, the conferences of the Parties to 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 affirmed the importance of continued cooperation on programmatic synergies, of the use of the task force between the two secretariats and the United Nations Environment Programme Chemicals and Health Branch, and of the possibility for the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions to provide secretariat support to the Minamata Convention on a cost recovery basis, in accordance with the programme of work and budget of the conventions for each biennium.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decisions BC-15/25, RC-10/14 and SC-10/21, on international cooperation and coordination, the conferences of the Parties to 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, respectively, requested the Executive Secretary:

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decisions BC-15/26, RC-10/15 and SC-10/22, on the clearing-house mechanism for information exchange, the conferences of the Parties to 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, respectively, requested the Secretariat, subject to the availability of resources, to continue the work to implement the strategy of the joint clearing-house mechanism in a gradual and cost-effective manner and to implement the activities of the workplan for the implementation of the joint clearing-house mechanism for the biennium 2022–2023 in accordance with the programmes of work and budgets for the conventions for that biennium.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decisions BC-13/20, RC-8/13 and SC-8/23, on mainstreaming gender, the conferences of the Parties to 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, respectively, welcomed the Gender Action Plan of the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and the report on the implementation of the Plan (UNEP/CHW.13/INF/46–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.8/INF/32–UNEP/POPS/COP.8/INF/49, annex) and requested the Secretariat to continue its efforts in respect of gender mainstreaming in its activities, projects and programmes.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decisions BC-15/27, RC-10/16 and SC-10/23, on synergies in preventing and combating illegal traffic and trade in hazardous chemicals and wastes, the conferences of the Parties to 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 encouraged Parties to provide information to the Secretariat about best practices for preventing and combating illegal traffic and trade in the chemicals and wastes covered by the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, including the texts of any measures that have been adopted by them for that purpose.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. During the 2022 face-to-face segments of their meetings, the conferences of the Parties to 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 adopted identical decisions entitled “From science to action”, in which, among other things, they took note of the information on progress in the action by Parties and others to promote the implementation of the road map for further engaging Parties and other stakeholders in informed dialogue for enhanced science-based action in the implementation of the conventions, as provided in the note by the Secretariat entitled “From science to action”, and encouraged Parties and others to continue to undertake action that promotes the implementation of the road map.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decisions BC-15/30, RC-10/19 and SC-10/26, on programmes of work and budgets for the biennium 2022–2023, the conferences of the Parties to 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:

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In decision SC-9/24, on the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention adopted the memorandum of understanding as set out in the annex to that decision and requested the President of the Conference of the Parties, on behalf of the Conference of the Parties, and the Executive Director of UNEP to sign the memorandum of understanding during or after the closure of the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. Meetings of the conferences of the Parties to 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 are to take place at the seat(s) of the Secretariat, unless the conferences of the Parties decide otherwise or other appropriate arrangements are made by the Secretariat, in consultation with the Parties.

Introduction

1. The sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the eleventh meeting of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (hereinafter, “the 2023 meetings”) were held in Geneva from 1 to 12 May 2023. In decisions BC-15/29, RC-10/18 and SC-10/25, on the dates and venue of the next meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, the conferences of the Parties decided that the meetings would include joint sessions on joint issues and would not feature a high-level segment.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. The present scenario note, which was prepared in consultation with the presidents of the conferences of the Parties to 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, sets out a proposal for arrangements for the conduct of, and thereby aims to assist participants in preparing for, the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention, the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention and the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention.

Note by the Secretariat

The annexes to the present note contain a tentative schedule of work for the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (annex I) and a list of possible contact and other groups (annex II). The tentative schedule of work, which was agreed to by the bureaux of the conferences of the Parties to the three conventions at their joint meeting on 18 January 2023, is provisional and could be subject to changes before or during the two weeks of the meetings.1 The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. In order to facilitate consideration of the credentials of the representatives of the Parties present at the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, and the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Secretariat has prepared a table listing those States and political or regional economic integration organizations that have deposited with the depositary their relevant instruments expressing their consent to be bound by these conventions, as at 1 January 2023. This table is attached as an annex to the present note.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the notes by the Secretariat on election of officers (UNEP/CHW.16/2, UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/2 and UNEP/POPS/COP.11/2), an overview table of all the elections expected to take place during the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is set out in the annex to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the strategic framework (UNEP/CHW.16/3), the annex to the present note sets out the report of findings and recommendations to improve, as appropriate, the strategic framework for the implementation of the Basel Convention for the period 2012–2021. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on improving the functioning of the prior informed consent procedure (UNEP/CHW.16/4), the annex to the present note sets out a compilation and synthesis of information received from Parties and observers on challenges in the implementation of the prior informed consent procedure and on best practices, possible approaches, initiatives and views to improve the functioning of the procedure prepared by Secretariat. The annex set out in the present note is identical to that which was submitted to the Open-ended Working Group at its thirteenth meeting in document UNEP/CHW/OEWG.13/INF/4.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical guidelines (UNEP/CHW.16/6), the annex to the present note sets out the revised version of the updated general technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of wastes consisting of, containing or contaminated with persistent organic pollutants, prepared in furtherance to the thirteenth meeting the Open-ended Working Group for consideration by the Conference of the Parties at its sixteenth meeting.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical guidelines (UNEP/CHW.16/6), the annex to the present note sets out the revised version of the updated technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of wastes consisting of, containing or contaminated with perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (PFOSF) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA related compounds, including perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts and PFHxS related compounds, prepared in furtherance to the thirteenth meeting the Open-ended Working Group for consideration by the Conference of the Parties at its sixteenth meeting.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical guidelines (UNEP/CHW.16/6), the annexes to the present note set out the initial draft analysis of candidate persistent organic chemicals recommended for listing by the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee and of the need to update or develop technical guidelines and a table listing the technical guidelines on POPs wastes adopted by Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention. The draft analysis was prepared by the Secretariat, in consultation with the small intersessional working group on persistent organic pollutant wastes. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical guidelines (UNEP/CHW.16/6), the annex to the present note sets out the revised version of the updated technical guidelines on transboundary movements of electrical and electronic waste and used electrical and electronic equipment, in particular regarding the distinction between waste and non-waste under the Basel Convention, adopted, on an interim basis, by decision BC-14/5, reflecting the outcomes of the intersessional work carried out by the expert working group, established by paragraph 4 of decision BC-13/5, and pursuant to decision BC-15/7. The updates are aimed at reflecting the amendments to Annexes II, VIII and IX to the Basel Convention on e-waste adopted by decision BC-15/18. The changes made to the technical guidelines adopted on an interim basis by the Conference of the Parties at its fourteenth meeting have been tracked so that the revisions can be easily identified. The Secretariat made some non-substantive editorial changes to correct the formatting where needed.

Note by the Secretariat

At its sixteenth meeting, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal adopted, on an interim basis, in decision BC 16/5 on technical guidelines on transboundary movements of electrical and electronic waste and used electrical and electronic equipment, in particular regarding the distinction between waste and non-waste under the Basel Convention, the technical guidelines on transboundary movements of electrical and electronic waste and used electrical and electronic equipment, on the basis of document UNEP/CHW.16/INF/10. The text of the technical guidelines, as adopted, is set out in the annex to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical guidelines (UNEP/CHW.16/6), the annex to the present note sets out the revised version of the updated technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of plastic wastes, reflecting the outcomes of the thirteenth meeting the Open-ended Working Group. The changes made to the updated version of the technical guidelines of 16 December 2022 (document UNEP/CHW.16/6/Add.3) have been tracked so that the revisions can be easily identified.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical guidelines (UNEP/CHW.16/6), the annex to the document UNEP/CHW.16/INF/11 sets out the revised version of the updated technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of plastic wastes, reflecting the outcomes of the thirteenth meeting the Open-ended Working Group.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical guidelines (UNEP/CHW.16/6), the annex to the present note sets out the revised version of the updated technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of waste lead-acid batteries, prepared in furtherance to the thirteenth meeting the Open-ended Working Group.

Note by the Secretariat

1. At its sixteenth meeting, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal considered the draft updated technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of waste lead-acid batteries contained in document UNEP/CHW.16/INF/12.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical guidelines (UNEP/CHW.16/6), the annex to the present note sets out a draft table of contents for the technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of other waste batteries. The present draft was prepared by the Secretariat, taking into the account the discussions and comments provided by members of the small intersessional working group on waste batteries, established by decision BC-15/11.

Note by the Secretariat

1. At its sixteenth meeting, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal considered a draft table of contents for the technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of other waste batteries, as contained in document UNEP/CHW.16/INF/13.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical guidelines (UNEP/CHW.16/6), the annex to the present note sets out a synthesis of comments on the scope of work for updating the technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of used and waste pneumatic tyres received from members of the small intersessional working group. The annex set out in the present note is identical to that which was submitted to the Open-ended Working Group at its thirteenth meeting in the annex to document UNEP/CHW/OEWG.13/INF/9.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on cooperation with the World Customs Organization on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (UNEP/CHW.16/7), annex I to the present note sets out a summary report on the progress of the work of the World Customs Organization on the Harmonized System related to the Basel Convention and annex II sets out the proposal on amendments to the Harmonized System with respect to waste pneumatic tyres, which has been submitted to the World Customs Organization by the Secretariat. The annexes set out in the present note are identical to those which were submitted to the Open-ended Working Group at its thirteenth meeting in UNEP/CHW/OEWG.13/INF/17.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on national reporting (UNEP/CHW.16/8), the annex to the present note sets out, in section I, a table listing reporting and non-reporting Parties for the years 2018, 2019 and 2020 and, in section II, details on the provision by Parties of information on the generation, import and export of hazardous wastes and other wastes in their national reports for these years. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on electronic approaches to the notification and movement documents (UNEP/CHW.16/9), the annex to the present note sets out the report, including recommendations, on the next steps regarding the work on electronic approaches to the notification and movement documents. The annex set out in the present note is an identical version to that which was submitted to the Open-ended Working Group at its thirteenth meeting in document UNEP/CHW/OEWG.13/INF/10.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on further consideration of plastic waste (UNEP/CHW.16/10), the annex to the present note sets out a revised version of the draft document on possible further activities that could be conducted under the Convention in response to developments in scientific knowledge and environmental information and health impacts related to plastic waste as a source of land pollution, marine plastic litter and microplastics.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on assessment of the need to update existing guidance, technical guidelines and fact sheets to reflect adjustments consequential to the adoption of the e-waste amendments (UNEP/CHW.16/11), the annexes to the present note set out a draft assessment prepared by Secretariat on the need to update existing guidance, technical guidelines and factsheets to reflect adjustments consequential to the adoption of the e-waste amendments. The annexes set out in the present note are identical to those which were submitted to the Open-ended Working Group at its thirteenth meeting in document UNEP/CHW/OEWG.13/INF/12.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance (UNEP/CHW.16/13), the annexes to the present note set out information on the activities of the Committee to improve timely and complete national reporting under paragraph 3 of Article 13 of the Convention. Annex I sets out the draft classification of compliance performance with respect to the annual reporting obligation for 2018 providing information on a regional and global basis. Annex II sets out the draft classification of compliance performance with respect to the annual reporting obligation for 2019, providing information on a regional and global basis. Annex III sets out the questionnaire to collect information from resident coordinators and members of the United Nations country teams with a view to assessing the extent to which Parties with national reporting needs are including actions to address them in their Cooperation Framework. Annex IV sets out the questionnaire to collect information from Parties with a view to assessing the extent to which Parties with national reporting needs are including actions to address them in their Cooperation Framework. Annex V sets out the questionnaire for the Basel Convention regional and coordinating centres, United Nations Environment Programme and other entities that assist Parties to transmit national reports. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance (UNEP/CHW.16/13), the annexes to the present note set out information on the activities of the Committee to improve implementation and compliance with Article 9 of the Convention on preventing and combatting illegal traffic. Annex I sets out information on the consideration by the Committee of the report scoping the extent of illegal traffic. Annex II sets out the questionnaire to collect information from relevant international organizations on their activities aimed at assisting Parties in enhancing coordination between their competent authorities and enforcement entities, and on their activities aimed at disseminating guidance and tools developed under the Convention that aim to prevent and combat illegal traffic. Annex III sets out the questionnaire to collect information from Parties on their activities to enhance coordination and increase the flow of information between their competent authorities and enforcement entities, and between themselves and the Secretariat. Annex IV sets out information on the consideration by the Committee of the responses to question 1 (c) of the format. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance (UNEP/CHW.16/13), the annex to the present note sets out a list of past and present Committee members identifying the 10 members whose terms will expire at the close of the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance (UNEP/CHW.16/13), the annexes to the present note set out information on the activities of the Committee to improve implementation and compliance with paragraph 4 of Article 4 and paragraph 5 of Article 9 of the Convention on national legislation. Annex I sets out information on the consideration by the Committee of Parties’ self-review of legislation implementing the Basel Convention. Annex II sets out the questionnaire to collect information on the activities undertaken by or with the support of the Basel Convention Regional Centres, the United Nations Environment Programme and other entities aimed at assisting Parties in developing legal frameworks for the implementation of the Basel Convention. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance (UNEP/CHW.16/13), the annex to the present note set out information on the activities of the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance of the Basel Convention to enhance coordination with the Compliance Committee of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance (UNEP/CHW.16/13), the annex to the present note sets out information on the activities of the Committee to improve the implementation of and compliance with Article 5 of the Convention on the designation of country contacts. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on providing further legal clarity (UNEP/CHW.16/14), annex I to the present note sets out the proposals by the European Union to amend Annex IV and certain entries in Annexes II and IX to the Basel Convention and annex II sets out the recommendations by the expert working group on the review of Annexes for possible amendment proposals to Annex IV and to entries A1180 and B1110 in Annexes VIII and IX to the Basel Convention, and findings of the expert working group on the consequential implications of the review of Annex IV to the Convention (status 13 January 2022). The annexes set out in the present note are identical to those which were submitted to the Open-ended Working Group at its thirteenth meeting in document UNEP/CHW/OEWG.13/INF/13.

Note by the Secretariat

1. During the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, Parties and observers provided oral comments on the recommendations by the expert working group on the review of Annexes for possible amendment proposals to Annex IV and to entries A1180 and B1110 in Annexes VIII and IX to the Basel Convention, and findings of the expert working group on the consequential implications of the review of Annex IV to the Convention (status 13 January 2022). Those comments are captured in the annex II to the present document.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on providing further legal clarity (UNEP/CHW.16/14), the annexes to the present note set out information on progress made by the expert working group on the review of annexes with regards to review of Annexes I and III to the Basel Convention. Annex I to the present note sets out [Draft r] [R]ecommendations by the expert working group on the review of Annexes for possible amendment proposals to Annex I, including whether any additional constituents in relation to plastic waste should be added to Annex I, and findings of the expert working group on the consequential implications of the review of Annex I to the Convention (status as at 7 December 2022). Annex II to the present note sets out [Draft r] [R]ecommendations by the expert working group on the review of Annexes for possible amendment proposals to Annex III, including whether any additional characteristics in relation to plastic waste should be added to Annex III, and findings of the expert working group on the consequential implications of the review of Annex III to the Convention (status as at 7 December 2022). The annexes set out in the present note are identical to those which were submitted to the Open-ended Working Group at its thirteenth meeting in document UNEP/CHW/OEWG.13/INF/14.

Note by the Secretariat

During the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, Parties and observers submitted written comments on the [Draft r] [R]ecommendations by the expert working group on the review of Annexes for possible amendment proposals to Annex I, including whether any additional constituents in relation to plastic waste should be added to Annex I, and findings of the expert working group on the consequential implications of the review of Annex I to the Convention (status as at 7 December 2022), set out in annex I to document UNEP/CHW.16/INF/27, and on the [Draft r] [R]ecommendations by the expert working group on the review of Annexes for possible amendment proposals to Annex III, including whether any additional characteristics in relation to plastic waste should be added to Annex III, and findings of the expert working group on the consequential implications of the review of Annex III to the Convention (status as at 7 December 2022), set out in annex II to document UNEP/CHW.16/INF/27. The present note sets out, in its annex III, the said written comments. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical assistance and capacity-building for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (UNEP/CHW.16/17UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/15UNEP/POPS/COP.11/15), the annex to the present note sets out a report on the implementation of the technical assistance plan for the period 2022–2025 in the biennium 2022–2023. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the notes by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention regional and coordinating centres (UNEP/CHW.16/18) and on the Stockholm Convention regional and subregional centres for capacity-building and the transfer of technology (UNEP/POPS/COP.11/16), the annexes to the present note contain the draft evaluation report on the performance and sustainability of the 14 Basel Convention regional and coordinating centres (BCRCs) and the 16 Stockholm Convention regional and subregional centres (SCRCs) prepared by the Secretariat. Annex I sets out a summary of the assessment of the performance and sustainability of the regional centres under the Basel and Stockholm conventions. Annex II sets out a summary of the assessment of procurement capacity of the Basel and Stockholm Convention regional centres. Annex III contains the status of the submission of workplans or business plans and activity reports by the centres. Annex IV contains the individual draft evaluation reports on the performance and sustainability of the regional centres based on the activity reports for the period 20192022. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the notes by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention regional and coordinating centres (UNEP/CHW.16/18) and on the Stockholm Convention regional and subregional centres for capacity-building and the transfer of technology (UNEP/POPS/COP.11/16), the annexes to the present note set out reports by the Secretariat on the activities of the Basel and Stockholm conventions regional centres.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.16/19), the annexes to the present note set out draft guidance on the environmentally sound refurbishment and repair of used and waste equipment and on the environmentally sound management of waste equipment. Annex I sets out the draft table of contents for the guidance document on the environmentally sound refurbishment and repair of used and waste equipment of television screens, audio and video equipment and the environmentally sound management of waste of the same equipment. Annex II sets out the draft table of contents for the guidance document on the environmentally sound refurbishment and repair of refrigerators, cooling and heating equipment and the environmentally sound management of waste of the same equipment. The tables of contents for the two guidance documents were developed by the Partnership for Action on Challenges Relating to E-Waste’s project groups two and three, in cooperation with its working group. The annexes set out in the present note are identical to those which were submitted to the Open-ended Working Group at its thirteenth meeting in annexes I and II of document UNEP/CHW/OEWG.13/INF/15.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.16/19), the annex to the present note sets out a report by the working group of the Partnership on progress made in the implementation of the activities set out in its programme of work for 2022–2023. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.16/19), the annex to the present note sets out a progress report by the chair of the Environmental Network for Optimizing Regulatory Compliance on Illegal Traffic, Ms. Katie Olley (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland). The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.16/19), the annex to the present note sets out a progress report by the chair of the Environmental Network for Optimizing Regulatory Compliance on Illegal Traffic, Ms. Katie Olley (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland). The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note sets out a report by the United Nations Environment Programme on activities of the Special Programme to support institutional strengthening at the national level for implementation 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, the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on cooperation and coordination with the Minamata Convention on Mercury (UNEP/CHW.16/21–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/16–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/22), annex I to the present note sets out a report on the main cooperative activities undertaken in 2022 between the secretariats of the Minamata Convention and of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions in areas of mutual interest jointly prepared by the two secretariats. Annex II contains an outline on the main future cooperative activities planned for 2023 and the biennium 2024–2025, developed by the two secretariats in consultation with the task force between the two secretariats and Chemicals and Health Branch of the United Nations Environment Programme. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.16/22–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/17–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/23), the annex to the present note sets out in section I a report providing detailed information on the international cooperation and coordination activities undertaken by the Secretariat with international bodies, including intergovernmental organizations, international and regional organizations, other multilateral environmental agreement secretariats, international non-governmental organizations, and networks from 1 January to 31 December 2022. Section II of the annex contains information on cooperation with other entities for activities with an international scope from 1 January to 31 December 2022. The activities described in the report are either specific to one Convention or relevant to two or three conventions. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.16/22UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/17UNEP/POPS/COP.11/23), the annex to the present note sets out a report submitted by the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme to the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants on programmatic cooperation. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.16/22UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/17UNEP/POPS/COP.11/23), the annex to the present note sets out information submitted by the secretariat of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management to the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.16/22/Rev.1–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/17/Rev.1–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/23/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out update on the intergovernmental negotiating committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, submitted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Secretariat of the intergovernmental negotiating committee.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the clearing-house mechanism for information exchange (UNEP/CHW.16/23–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/18–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/24), the annex to the present note sets out the workplan for the implementation of the joint clearing-house mechanism for the biennium 2024–2025. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note sets out the updated Gender Action Plan of the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, as amended during the 2023 meetings of the conferences of the Parties. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on synergies in preventing and combating illegal traffic and trade in hazardous chemicals and wastes (UNEP/CHW.16/25–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/20–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/26), the annex to the present note sets out a report by the Secretariat compiling best practices from Parties for preventing and combating illegal traffic and trade in hazardous chemicals and wastes covered by the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions and lessons learned from them.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on “From science to action” (UNEP/CHW.16/26–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/21–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/27), the annex to the present note sets out the report of a workshop entitled “From science to action for the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions and industrial chemicals guidance for the Stockholm Convention” organized by the Secretariat, in cooperation with the Stockholm Convention Regional Centre in Spain, for the Mediterranean sub-region from 17 to 20 October 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. The report includes conclusions, recommendations and proposals for activities to improve the access to scientific and technical information relevant to the implementation of the conventions. The workshop was organized thanks to generous financial support provided by the Governments of Norway and Sweden.

Note by the Secretariat

1. In decisions BC-15/30, RC-10/19 and SC-10/26, on programmes of work and budgets for the biennium 2022–2023, the conferences of the Parties to 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, among other things:

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on programmes of work and proposed budgets for the biennium 2024–2025: combined proposal including joint activities (UNEP/CHW.16/27–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/22–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/28), the annex to the present note sets out budget activity fact sheets for the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions developed by the Secretariat. They should be read in conjunction with the aforementioned note and the information document on programmes of work and proposed budgets for the biennium 2024–2025: proposed operational budgets for the two funding scenarios (UNEP/CHW.16/INF/45–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/INF/29–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/INF/50).

Note by the Secretariat

1. In decisions BC-16/28, RC-11/15, SC-11/27 on the programmes of work and budgets for the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions for the biennium 2024–2025, the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions approved their respective programme budgets, taking as a reference the budget activity fact sheets contained in document UNEP/CHW.16/INF/46UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/INF/30UNEP/POPS/COP.11/INF/51.

Note by the Secretariat

1. By its decision BC-10/28, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal adopted financial rules for the operation of the Conference of the Parties, its subsidiary bodies and the Secretariat. Paragraph 1 of rule 3, which deals with the budget, requires the Executive Secretary to dispatch information on actual income and expenditure for each year of the previous biennium and estimates of actual expenditures in the current biennium, to all Parties to the Convention at least 90 days before the opening of the meeting of the Conference of the Parties at which the budget for a given biennium is to be adopted.

Note by the Secretariat

1. The annexes to the present note contain information on pledges and contributions to the technical cooperation and voluntary special trust funds 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 received in the biennium 20222023 as at 31 March 2023. Annex I contains an overview of such pledges and contributions received from Parties. Annex II contains more detailed information on pledges and contributions received by Party and by programme of work (PoW) activity. All amounts are in United States dollars, unless otherwise stated, and include programme support costs.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (UNEP/CHW.16/28), the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention (UNEP/ FAO/RC/COP.11/23) and the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (UNEP/POPS/COP.11/29), the annex to the present note contains the report of the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme to the respective conferences of the Parties on the implementation of the memorandums of understanding. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. Meetings of the Conference of the Parties shall take place at the seat(s) of the Secretariat, unless the Conference of the Parties decides otherwise or other appropriate arrangements are made by the Secretariat in consultations with the Parties. In the case of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the seat of the Secretariat is at Geneva, Switzerland. In the case of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, the seats of the Secretariat are at Geneva, Switzerland, and Rome, Italy.

Note by the Secretariat

1. The annex to the present note sets out a list of bodies and agencies that had not previously been admitted to meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal and that are requesting admission to participate in such meetings as observers in accordance with rule 7 of the rules of procedure for meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention, as at 20 April 2023.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.16/22–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/17–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/23), the annex to the present note sets out information on the new Global Strategy for Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) 2023–2030 with a view to enhancing cooperation with the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. The Global Strategy for SCP was issued as a UN General Assembly Document under A/77/607 and endorsed by the General Assembly through its resolution A/Res/77/162. The note has been submitted by the secretariat of the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production patterns. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the notes by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (UNEP/CHW.16/28), the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/23) and the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (UNEP/POPS/COP.11/29), annex I to the present note sets out the letters from the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme to the Presidents of the three conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions proposing amendments to the aforementioned three memorandums of understanding, and annexes II to IV set out the proposed revisions to each of the three memorandums of understanding shown in tracked changes. The present note, including its annexes, have not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on programmes of work and budgets for the biennium 2024−2025: combined proposal (UNEP/CHW.16/27–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/22–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/28), the annex to the present note sets out responses from Parties on their views regarding the use of available surpluses to fund core activities. Responses were provided by eleven Parties: Argentina, Brazil, Cote d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Kuwait, Mali, Mauritius, Peru, State of Palestine, Syria Arab Republic and Yemen. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.16/19), the annex to the present note sets out a compilation of information, best practices and lessons learned on measures taken by key stakeholders to prevent and reduce single-use plastic waste and packaging waste as developed by the Plastic Waste Partnership working group for consideration by the Conference of the Parties. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.16/19), the annex to the present note sets out a compilation of national and international specifications related to “almost free from contamination and other types of wastes” and “almost exclusively” for shipments of plastic waste destined for recycling as developed by the Plastic Waste Partnership working group for consideration by the Conference of the Parties. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.16/19), the annex to the present note sets out the draft workplans of the four project groups established by the Plastic Waste Partnership working group for the biennium 2024–2025 for consideration by the Conference of the Parties. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.16/22/Rev.1–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/17/Rev.1–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/23/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out a report prepared by the Secretariat entitled “Global governance of plastics and associated chemicals”. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited. 

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.16/22/Rev.1–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/17/Rev.1–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/23/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out information on the preparation of a report on the interlinkages between the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note sets out a summary and key findings of the publication jointly developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Secretariat entitled “Chemicals in plastics – a technical report”, referenced in footnote 1 of document UNEP/CHW.16/22/Rev.1–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/17/Rev.1–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/23/Rev.1. A full report is available on the UNEP website. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note sets out a provisional list of meeting documents for the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention. The documents listed in the annex are grouped according to the items on the provisional agenda for the meeting to which they pertain. Documents that have three document symbols are joint documents that are submitted for consideration by the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note sets out a compilation of written inputs submitted by Parties during the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties on possible further activities that could be conducted under the Basel Convention in response to developments in scientific knowledge and environmental information and health impacts related to plastic waste as a source of land pollution, marine plastic litter and microplastics, on the basis of document UNEP/CHW.16/INF/18. Inputs have been compiled as submitted by Parties. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

At its sixteenth meeting, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, in its decision BC-16/18 on Basel Convention Partnership Programme, part V on subscription fees, considered it necessary to withdraw the requirement to apply annual subscription fees for business and industry, non-governmental organizations and academia by amending relevant paragraphs in the terms of reference of the partnerships referenced in the decision. The amended terms of reference for the Basel Convention Partnership for Action on Challenges relating to E-waste (PACE II) are annexed to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

At its sixteenth meeting, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, in its decision BC-16/18 on Basel Convention Partnership Programme, part V on subscription fees, considered it necessary to withdraw the requirement to apply annual subscription fees for business and industry, non-governmental organizations and academia by amending relevant paragraphs in the terms of reference of the partnerships referenced in the decision. The amended terms of reference for the Basel Convention Household Waste Partnership are annexed to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

At its sixteenth meeting, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, in its decision BC-16/18 on Basel Convention Partnership Programme, part V on subscription fees, considered it necessary to withdraw the requirement to apply annual subscription fees for business and industry, non-governmental organizations and academia by amending relevant paragraphs in the terms of reference of the partnerships referenced in the decision. The amended terms of reference for the Basel Convention Partnership on Plastic Waste are annexed to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. The present scenario note, which was prepared in consultation with the presidents of the conferences of the Parties to 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, sets out a proposal for arrangements for the conduct of, and thereby aims to assist participants in preparing for, the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention, the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention and the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention.

Note by the Secretariat

The annexes to the present note contain a tentative schedule of work for the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (annex I) and a list of possible contact and other groups (annex II). The tentative schedule of work, which was agreed to by the bureaux of the conferences of the Parties to the three conventions at their joint meeting on 18 January 2023, is provisional and could be subject to changes before or during the two weeks of the meetings.1 The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. In order to facilitate consideration of the credentials of the representatives of the Parties present at the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, and the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Secretariat has prepared a table listing those States and political or regional economic integration organizations that have deposited with the depositary their relevant instruments expressing their consent to be bound by these conventions, as at 1 January 2023. This table is attached as an annex to the present note.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the notes by the Secretariat on election of officers (UNEP/CHW.16/2, UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/2 and UNEP/POPS/COP.11/2), an overview table of all the elections expected to take place during the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is set out in the annex to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on Chemical Review Committee: developments for action by the Conference of the Parties (UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/5), annex I to the present note sets out the curricula vitae received in advance of the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention of candidates nominated for appointment as members of the Chemicals Review Committee with terms of office beginning on 1 May 2024 and ending on 30 April 2028.

Note by the Secretariat

The curricula vitae of the members of the Chemical Review Committee with terms of office beginning on 1 May 2024 and ending on 30 April 2028 appointed by decision RC-11/2 are set out in the annex to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited. 

Note by the Secretariat

1. The annex to the present note provides information relating to the following aspects of implementation of the Rotterdam Convention, covering the period from 1 November 2020 to 31 October 2022:

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in section C on exchanging information on exports and export notifications of the note by the Secretariat on the status of implementation of the Rotterdam Convention (UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/4), the Secretariat conducted a survey, from 21 October 2020 to 15 July 2021, on the implementation of paragraph 2 of Article 11 and Articles 12 and 14 of the Rotterdam Convention to collect information from Parties for the period from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019. The Secretariat conducted a subsequent survey, from 11 March 2022 to 31 August 2022, on the implementation of Articles 11, 12, 13 and 14 of the Rotterdam Convention to collect information from Parties for the period from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020. The results of the 2019 and 2020 questionnaires are set out in the addenda I and II, respectively, to the present note. The present note, including its addenda, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in section C on exchanging information on exports and export notifications of the note by the Secretariat on the status of implementation of the Convention (UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/4), the Secretariat conducted a survey, from 21 October 2020 to 15 July 2021, on the implementation of paragraph 2 of Article 11 and Articles 12 and 14 of the Rotterdam Convention to collect information from Parties for the period from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019. The results of the year 2019 questionnaire are set out in the annex to the present addendum, which has not been formally edited.

Addendum

As is mentioned in section C on exchanging information on exports and export notifications of the note by the Secretariat on the status of implementation of the Convention (UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/4), the Secretariat conducted a survey, from 11 March 2022 to 31 August 2022, on the implementation of Articles 11, 12, 13 and 14 of the Rotterdam Convention to collect information from Parties for the period from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020. The results of the year 2020 questionnaire are set out in the annex to the present addendum, which has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on Chemical Review Committee: developments for action by the Conference of the Parties (UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/5), the annex to the present note sets out a compilation of comments received from Parties relating to the listing of chemicals and severely hazardous pesticide formulations in Annex III to the Rotterdam Convention recommended by the Chemical Review Committee. The comments were submitted by the Dominican Republic, the European Union, Iraq, Kenya, Kuwait, Mexico, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye and Yemen. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

To facilitate consideration by the Conference of the Parties of the inclusion of iprodione in Annex III to the Rotterdam Convention, the annexes to the present note set out respectively decision CRC-17/1 on the recommendation by the Chemical Review Committee pertaining to the substance including the rationale prepared by the Committee at its seventeenth meeting and decision CRC-18/1 adopting the draft decision guidance document on iprodione and forwarding it to the Conference of the Parties. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. At its eighteenth meeting, the Chemical Review Committee finalized the text of the draft decision guidance document for iprodione, as set out in the annex to document UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/10/Add.1, and agreed to forward it, together with the related tabular summary of comments received and how they were taken into account in the preparation of the draft decision guidance document, to the Conference of the Parties for its consideration.

Note by the Secretariat

To facilitate consideration by the Conference of the Parties of the inclusion of terbufos in Annex III to the Rotterdam Convention, the annexes to the present note set out respectively decision CRC-17/2 on the recommendation by the Chemical Review Committee pertaining to the substance including the rationale prepared by the Committee at its seventeenth meeting and decision CRC-18/2 adopting the draft decision guidance document on terbufos and forwarding it to the Conference of the Parties. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. At its eighteenth meeting, the Chemical Review Committee finalized the text of the draft decision guidance document for terbufos, as set out in the annex to document UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/12/Add.1, and agreed to forward it, together with the related tabular summary of comments received and how they were taken into account in the preparation of the draft decision guidance document, to the Conference of the Parties for its consideration.

Note by the Secretariat

As mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on enhancing the effectiveness of the Rotterdam Convention (UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/13), the annex to the present note sets out a report on progress made in implementing the information dissemination strategy for the period from June to December 2022. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the proposal to amend Articles 7, 10, 11 and 22 of the Rotterdam Convention (UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/13/Add.2), the annex to the present note sets out an explanatory note by the proponents of the amendment proposal. It is presented as submitted, without formal editing.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the proposal to amend Articles 7, 10, 11 and 22 of the Rotterdam Convention and to add a new Annex VIII to the Convention (UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/13/Add.2), the annex to the present note sets out the comments received from Parties on the proposal. The comments received from observers are available on the website of the Convention. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. By decision RC-10/1, on the election of members of subsidiary bodies under the Rotterdam Convention adopted at the online segment of the tenth meeting held from 26 to 30 July 2021, the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade elected the members of the Compliance Committee. In accordance with paragraph 4 of Annex VII to the Rotterdam Convention, eight members were elected to serve on the Compliance Committee for one full term until the closure of the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties. Seven members were elected to serve on the Compliance Committee for two full terms until the closure of the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical assistance and capacity-building for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (UNEP/CHW.16/17UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/15UNEP/POPS/COP.11/15), the annex to the present note sets out a report on the implementation of the technical assistance plan for the period 2022–2025 in the biennium 2022–2023. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note sets out a report by the United Nations Environment Programme on activities of the Special Programme to support institutional strengthening at the national level for implementation 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, the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on cooperation and coordination with the Minamata Convention on Mercury (UNEP/CHW.16/21–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/16–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/22), annex I to the present note sets out a report on the main cooperative activities undertaken in 2022 between the secretariats of the Minamata Convention and of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions in areas of mutual interest jointly prepared by the two secretariats. Annex II contains an outline on the main future cooperative activities planned for 2023 and the biennium 2024–2025, developed by the two secretariats in consultation with the task force between the two secretariats and Chemicals and Health Branch of the United Nations Environment Programme. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.16/22–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/17–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/23), the annex to the present note sets out in section I a report providing detailed information on the international cooperation and coordination activities undertaken by the Secretariat with international bodies, including intergovernmental organizations, international and regional organizations, other multilateral environmental agreement secretariats, international non-governmental organizations, and networks from 1 January to 31 December 2022. Section II of the annex contains information on cooperation with other entities for activities with an international scope from 1 January to 31 December 2022. The activities described in the report are either specific to one Convention or relevant to two or three conventions. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.16/22UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/17UNEP/POPS/COP.11/23), the annex to the present note sets out a report submitted by the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme to the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants on programmatic cooperation. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.16/22UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/17UNEP/POPS/COP.11/23), the annex to the present note sets out information submitted by the secretariat of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management to the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.16/22/Rev.1–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/17/Rev.1–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/23/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out update on the intergovernmental negotiating committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, submitted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Secretariat of the intergovernmental negotiating committee.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the clearing-house mechanism for information exchange (UNEP/CHW.16/23–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/18–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/24), the annex to the present note sets out the workplan for the implementation of the joint clearing-house mechanism for the biennium 2024–2025. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note sets the updated Gender Action Plan of the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, as amended during the 2023 meetings of the conferences of the Parties. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on synergies in preventing and combating illegal traffic and trade in hazardous chemicals and wastes (UNEP/CHW.16/25–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/20–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/26), the annex to the present note sets out a report by the Secretariat reviewing existing cooperative arrangements with international organizations and entities with a mandate to prevent and combat illegal trade in hazardous chemicals under the Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, including recommendations on strengthening arrangements with international organizations or entities with a mandate to prevent and combat illegal trade in hazardous chemicals under the Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, taking into account relevant experience with the Basel Convention.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on synergies in preventing and combating illegal traffic and trade in hazardous chemicals and wastes (UNEP/CHW.16/25–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/20–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/26), the annex to the present note sets out a report by the Secretariat compiling best practices from Parties for preventing and combating illegal traffic and trade in hazardous chemicals and wastes covered by the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions and lessons learned from them.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on “From science to action” (UNEP/CHW.16/26–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/21–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/27), the annex to the present note sets out the report of a workshop entitled “From science to action for the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions and industrial chemicals guidance for the Stockholm Convention” organized by the Secretariat, in cooperation with the Stockholm Convention Regional Centre in Spain, for the Mediterranean sub-region from 17 to 20 October 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. The report includes conclusions, recommendations and proposals for activities to improve the access to scientific and technical information relevant to the implementation of the conventions. The workshop was organized thanks to generous financial support provided by the Governments of Norway and Sweden.

Note by the Secretariat

1. In decisions BC-15/30, RC-10/19 and SC-10/26, on programmes of work and budgets for the biennium 2022–2023, the conferences of the Parties to 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, among other things:

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on programmes of work and proposed budgets for the biennium 2024–2025: combined proposal including joint activities (UNEP/CHW.16/27–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/22–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/28), the annex to the present note sets out budget activity fact sheets for the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions developed by the Secretariat. They should be read in conjunction with the aforementioned note and the information document on programmes of work and proposed budgets for the biennium 2024–2025: proposed operational budgets for the two funding scenarios (UNEP/CHW.16/INF/45–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/INF/29–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/INF/50).

Note by the Secretariat

1. In decisions BC-16/28, RC-11/15, SC-11/27 on the programmes of work and budgets for the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions for the biennium 2024–2025, the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions approved their respective programme budgets, taking as a reference the budget activity fact sheets contained in document UNEP/CHW.16/INF/46UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/INF/30UNEP/POPS/COP.11/INF/51.

Note by the Secretariat

1. By its decision RC-5/1, the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade adopted financial rules for the operation of the Conference of the Parties, its subsidiary bodies and the Secretariat. Paragraph 1 of rule 3, which deals with the budget, requires the executive secretaries to dispatch information on actual income and expenditure for each year of the previous biennium and estimates of actual expenditures in the current biennium, to all Parties to the Convention at least 90 days before the opening of the meeting of the Conference of the Parties at which the budget for a given biennium is to be adopted.

Note by the Secretariat

1. The annexes to the present note contain information on pledges and contributions to the technical cooperation and voluntary special trust funds 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 received in the biennium 20222023 as at 31 March 2023. Annex I contains an overview of such pledges and contributions received from Parties. Annex II contains more detailed information on pledges and contributions received by Party and by programme of work (PoW) activity. All amounts are in United States dollars, unless otherwise stated, and include programme support costs.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (UNEP/CHW.16/28), the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention (UNEP/ FAO/RC/COP.11/23) and the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (UNEP/POPS/COP.11/29), the annex to the present note contains the report of the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme to the respective conferences of the Parties on the implementation of the memorandums of understanding. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention (UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/23), the annex to the present note sets out the report of the FAO to the Conference of the Parties on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding for the reporting period 1 April 2022 to December 2022, describing the implementation of the memorandum of understanding since the updated report presented to the Conference of the Parties at the face-to-face segment of its tenth meeting as of March 2022 (UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/INF.26/Rev.1). The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. Meetings of the Conference of the Parties shall take place at the seat(s) of the Secretariat, unless the Conference of the Parties decides otherwise or other appropriate arrangements are made by the Secretariat in consultations with the Parties. In the case of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the seat of the Secretariat is at Geneva, Switzerland. In the case of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, the seats of the Secretariat are at Geneva, Switzerland, and Rome, Italy.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.16/22–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/17–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/23), the annex to the present note sets out information on the new Global Strategy for Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) 2023–2030 with a view to enhancing cooperation with the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. The Global Strategy for SCP was issued as a UN General Assembly Document under A/77/607 and endorsed by the General Assembly through its resolution A/Res/77/162. The note has been submitted by the secretariat of the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production patterns. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.16/22/Rev.1–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/17/Rev.1–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/23/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out information on the preparation of a report on the interlinkages between the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.16/22–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/17–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/23), the annexes to the present note set out a progress report on the assignment of customs codes to substances listed under the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, including activities undertaken by the Secretariat as part of its cooperation with the World Customs Organization. Annex I sets out information on the assignment of customs codes. Annex II sets out a proposal by the Secretariat to the World Customs Organization for a possible amendment to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System with respect to decabromodiphenyl ether and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related compounds, and goods containing them. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the notes by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (UNEP/CHW.16/28), the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/23) and the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (UNEP/POPS/COP.11/29), annex I to the present note sets out the letters from the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme to the Presidents of the three conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions proposing amendments to the aforementioned three memorandums of understanding, and annexes II to IV set out the proposed revisions to each of the three memorandums of understanding shown in tracked changes. The present note, including its annexes, have not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on programmes of work and budgets for the biennium 2024−2025: combined proposal (UNEP/CHW.16/27–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/22–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/28), the annex to the present note sets out responses from Parties on their views regarding the use of available surpluses to fund core activities. Responses were provided by eleven Parties: Argentina, Brazil, Cote d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Kuwait, Mali, Mauritius, Peru, State of Palestine, Syria Arab Republic and Yemen. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.16/22/Rev.1–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/17/Rev.1–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/23/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out a report prepared by the Secretariat entitled “Global governance of plastics and associated chemicals”. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited. 

Note by the Secretariat

1. The annex to the present note sets out a list of bodies and agencies that had not previously been admitted to meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and that are requesting admission to participate in such meetings as observers in accordance with rule 7 of the rules of procedure for meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention, as at 20 April 2023.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note sets out a provisional list of meeting documents for the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. The documents listed in the annex are grouped according to the items on the provisional agenda for the meeting to which they pertain. Documents that have three document symbols are joint documents that are submitted for consideration by the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note sets out a summary and key findings of the publication jointly developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Secretariat entitled “Chemicals in plastics – a technical report”, referenced in footnote 1 of document UNEP/CHW.16/22/Rev.1–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.11/17/Rev.1–UNEP/POPS/COP.11/23/Rev.1. A full report is available on the UNEP website. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.