Negotiation and Implementation of Global/Regional Standards and Instruments

TSCA Section 12(b) - Exports of Chemicals: The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 12(b) requires EPA to notify importing countries of the export or the intended export of industrial chemicals or mixtures that are subject to certain regulatory actions under the law. Approximately 1,100 chemicals come under this requirement. These notices also satisfy the information exchange provisions of the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedures under the United Nations Environment program. For chemicals banned or severely restricted in the U.S. and subject to the PIC procedures, EPA forwards to the designated national authority of the importing country information on the chemicals' regulatory controls.
As a member of the organization for Economic cooperation and Development (OECD), the U.S. participates in a Complementary information Exchange Procedure intended to help countries coordinate their chemical control activities. For more information, contact the TSCA Assistance Information Office at (202) 554-1404.
United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) / United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Negotiations: OPPT has been an active participant in negotiations to complete legally binding regional protocols for the elimination and/or control of: 1) persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and 2) heavy metals. The regional protocols are being developed under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe's (ECE convention on Long-Range Trans-boundary Air Pollution (LRTAP). POPs chemicals of concern are those that are persistent, toxic, and bioaccumulative and that pose an international threat to health or the environment when transported via air across national boundaries.

Negotiation and Implementation of Global/Regional Standards and Instruments

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