Illegal trade in highly hazardous chemicals

Illegal trade widespread

Researchers from Switzerland and China have conducted a comprehensive study on the global trade in highly hazardous chemicals regulated by the Rotterdam Convention.

The aim of the study was to analyse the extent of illegal cross-border trade in these chemicals and to highlight the urgent need for measures at the national and international level.

The findings of the study are alarming: almost half of the total volume of these highly hazardous chemicals is traded illegally. In figures, from 2004 to 2019 a total of 27.5 million tonnes of chemicals were traded to countries that had explicitly refused their import. This scale of illegal trade makes it clear that current control measures are insufficient and urgently need to be improved.

Non-compliance with the Rotterdam Convention is a global problem. Countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa are particularly affected. These chemicals, classified as highly hazardous, continue to be traded across borders on a large scale without the required safety regulations being observed.

Measures against illegal trade

To counter this illegal trade, the study proposes that international and national measures to combat illegal trade must be strengthened. It recommends including additional problematic chemicals in the Rotterdam Convention to ensure they are subject to the same strict controls. Furthermore, it is of critical importance to increase resource allocation for the monitoring of chemical trade and to strengthen the capacities of the countries involved, particularly in developing nations. This includes improving the infrastructure for the safe processing and disposal of these hazardous chemicals, as well as raising awareness and training among those involved.

Another concerning aspect of the study is the high volume of hazardous chemicals traded, particularly ethylene dichloride. Nearly 86% of the total traded volume is accounted for by this substance, which is considered carcinogenic and damaging to organs. This underscores the urgency of drastically reducing the trade and use of such chemicals.

Furthermore, the study has also uncovered the brisk trade in certain banned substances such as aldrin, chlordane and dieldrin. Although these pesticides have been internationally banned for years, they continue to be traded in considerable quantities. This demonstrates the need for increased monitoring and enforcement of existing international agreements.

It is important to note, however, that this study did not account for the smuggling and black market aspects of illegal trade. Consequently, the actual extent of illegal trade in hazardous chemicals may be even higher.

The findings of this study should serve as a wake-up call and lead to intensified efforts to combat the illegal trade in highly hazardous chemicals. It will require close cooperation between the countries involved, international organisations and industry in order to find effective solutions.

In addition, informed decision-making and conscious consumption on the part of consumers should also be encouraged. By informing themselves about the risks of certain chemicals and choosing more sustainable alternatives, they can help reduce the pressure on the trade in highly hazardous chemicals.

It is also important that governments promote the exchange of best practices and cooperation at the international level. Through the sharing of information, countries can learn from one another and jointly find solutions to the challenges posed by illegal trade. This could include the establishment of a global platform for monitoring and verifying the trade in chemicals, to ensure that all parties comply with their obligations under the Rotterdam Convention.

Furthermore, the countries involved must revise and strengthen their national laws and regulations to ensure that the illegal trade in highly hazardous chemicals is effectively combated. This could include measures such as increased inspections at border crossings, stricter penalties for illegal traders, and the closure of illegal production facilities.

The study highlights the urgency of taking measures to protect human health and the environment from highly hazardous chemicals. The illegal conduct of trade in these chemicals has severe consequences for human health and ecological sustainability. It is the responsibility of governments, industry, and consumers to work together to ensure that this trade is stopped.

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