Other Initiatives and Guidance     

In addition to the POPS-free programme, the Stockholm Convention secretariat is assisting countries with addressing challenges faced with newly listed chemicals that have been integrated into articles and products throughout their production chain.

In May 2009, the second session of International Conference on Chemicals Management recognized that health and environmental problems and challenges faced by chemicals in products were a priority emerging issue and adopted a resolution agreeing to implement a project on Chemicals in Products. The Conference invited UNEP to lead and facilitate the project.

The POPs Review Committee (POPRC) under the Convention has given consideration to alternatives and substitutes to POPs and has over the course of years developed relevant guidance, including the following:

General guidance on considerations related to alternatives and substitutes for listed persistent organic pollutants and candidate chemicals

UNEP/POPS/POPRC.5/10/Add.1

Guidance on alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonate and its derivatives

UNEP/POPS/POPRC.6/13/Add.3

The POP RC is also undertaking additional work on alternatives and substitution through one of its intersessional working groups.