Global management of chemicals
Chemicals move across international boundaries through trade, and as pollutants in air and water. International cooperation helps to manage the global risks that some chemicals pose to humans and the environment.
Australia takes part in international conventions and forums that control the use and release of chemicals. We help developing countries make informed decisions about importing chemicals. We also promote international cooperation on chemicals management.
Australia’s involvement
Australia participates in a range of international chemical conventions, frameworks and strategies including:
- Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
- Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade
- Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal
- Minamata Convention on Mercury
- OECD Chemicals and Biotechnology Committee
- Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management