On May 10, 2025, after a two-week intensive negotiation period, the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions concluded its extended sessions in Geneva, Switzerland. Among the key developments was the decision to include carbosulfan and fenthion in the Rotterdam Convention’s Annex III list of chemicals. This decision introduces stricter trade regulations for these two pesticides, which are now subject to the Convention’s Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure.
The Rotterdam Convention and Chemical Safety
The Rotterdam Convention is designed to promote shared responsibility and cooperation in the international trade of chemicals that can have significant health and environmental impacts. The listing under Annex III requires countries to seek prior informed consent before exporting these substances, ensuring that importing nations have the necessary information about potential risks.
The inclusion of carbosulfan and fenthion is a response to global concerns about their environmental and health effects, particularly their role in pest control for various crops. Carbosulfan and fenthion are both considered harmful to aquatic organisms and are classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) by environmental groups. The move aims to curb their use and trade across borders, encouraging safer alternatives in agriculture.
Focus on Carbosulfan and Fenthion
Carbosulfan
- Chemical Name: Carbosulfan
- CAS Number: 1563-66-2
- Category: Pesticide
- Usage: Carbosulfan is a broad-spectrum insecticide commonly used in agriculture, particularly for controlling pests in rice, vegetables, and other crops. It is known for its efficacy in targeting soil-dwelling pests. However, its toxic nature to non-target species, including aquatic organisms, has raised significant environmental concerns.
Fenthion
- Chemical Name: Fenthion
- CAS Number: 550-51-6
- Category: Pesticide
- Usage: Fenthion is an organophosphate insecticide used primarily in pest control for crops such as citrus, coffee, and vegetables. It has been flagged for its toxicity to both humans and wildlife, particularly due to its neurotoxic effects when exposure is prolonged.
Other Chemicals Under Consideration
In addition to carbosulfan and fenthion, other chemicals were discussed but not added to the list during the current COP. Notable among these are glyphosate, paraquat, and endosulfan, which continue to be under review. While these substances are widely used in agriculture, their environmental and health impacts have led to ongoing debates over their inclusion in the Convention.
One significant decision made during this session was the exclusion of certain pesticide formulations such as glyphosate-based herbicides and paraquat-based products, which will undergo further evaluation at the next COP session.
China’s Role in the Negotiations
China, a key agricultural nation, played a critical role in the discussions, particularly regarding the exemption requests for the use of carbosulfan and fenthion in specific agricultural practices. These requests are primarily aimed at addressing challenges in crop production where alternatives to these pesticides are not yet feasible. India and Kenya also joined in requesting specific exemptions for crops like rice, citrus, and peanuts.
Despite the push for exemptions, the global consensus on chemical safety continues to grow, with many nations calling for a reduction in pesticide use and the promotion of environmentally safer alternatives. The focus is now on agroecology and other integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to help farmers transition away from hazardous chemicals.
Future Considerations and Ongoing Debates
As the global agricultural landscape continues to evolve, many chemicals, including fenthion and carbosulfan, face increasing regulatory scrutiny. The challenges of balancing agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability will likely remain a core issue in future COP sessions.
The Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions are expected to continue shaping the future of global pesticide trade, with growing attention on the need for regulatory frameworks that prioritize human health, environmental protection, and sustainable agricultural practices.
