The regulation of trade in certain hazardous pesticides and chemicals derives from the fact that a number of countries, especially developing countries or countries with economies in transition, lack the adequate infrastructure to safely manage certain chemicals.
Customs officers directly contribute to the protection of human health and the environment from the potential adverse effects of these substances by effectively ensuring that the trade provisions relevant to the Rotterdam convention are respected, while allowing the continued use of essential chemicals by countries that have the capacity to manage them safely. In practice, customs officers are the “gate Keepers” of the convention as they are likely to encounter chemicals covered by the convention during their daily work.
The successful identification of these chemicals, a clear understanding of where to access more information on the provisions of the convention and applicable national laws, are key elements to the success of the work of customs officers. This toolkit contains a number of materials intended to support the work of customs officers relevant to the implementation of the Rotterdam Convention.

This toolkit contains


The Role of Customs authorities in the implementation of the Rotterdam Convention

Harmonized system (HS) codes assigned to chemicals covered by the Rotterdam Convention

Case study on the customs – related aspects of the Rotterdam Convention – Jamaica’s experience

Case study on the customs – related aspects of the Rotterdam Convention – Switzerland’s experience

Chemicals listed under the Rotterdam, Stockholm and Gasel Conventions – Poster

Importing and exporting a chemical under Rotterdam Convention – Poster

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention or omission of specific companies, their products or brand names does not imply any endorsement or judgement by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.


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