Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants 2

Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants

 

Article 4
Exemptions

1. Article 3, paragraph 1, shall not apply to quantities of a
substance to be used for laboratory-scale research or as a
reference standard.

2. A Party may grant an exemption from article 3, paragraphs 1 (a)
and (c), in respect of a particular substance, provided that
the exemption is not granted or used in a manner that would
undermine the objectives of the present Protocol, and only
for the following purposes and under the following
conditions:

(a) For research other than that referred to in paragraph 1
above, if:

(i) No significant quantity of the substance is expected to reach
the environment during the proposed use and subsequent
disposal;

(ii) The objectives and parameters of such research are subject
to assessment and authorization by the Party; and

(iii) In the event of a significant release of a substance into
the environment, the exemption will terminate immediately, measures
will be taken to mitigate the release as appropriate, and an
assessment of the containment measures will be conducted before
research may resume;

(b) To manage as necessary a public health emergency, if:

(i) No suitable alternative measures are available to the Party
to address the situation;

(ii) The measures taken are proportional to the magnitude and
severity of the emergency;

(iii) Appropriate precautions are taken to protect human health and
the environment and to ensure that the substance is not used outside
the geographical area subject to the emergency;

(iv) The exemption is granted for a period of time that does not
exceed the duration of the emergency; and

(v) Upon termination of the emergency, any remaining stocks of
the substance are subject to the provisions of article 3,
paragraph 1 (b);

(c) For a minor application judged to be essential by the Party,
if:

(i) The exemption is granted for a maximum of five
years;

(ii) The exemption has not previously been granted by it under
this article;

(iii) No suitable alternatives exist for the proposed
use;

(iv) The Party has estimated the emissions of the substance
resulting from the exemption and their contribution to the
total emissions of the substance from the
Parties;

(v) Adequate precautions are taken to ensure that the emissions to
the environment are minimized;
and

(vi) Upon termination of the exemption, any remaining stocks of
the substance are subject to the provisions of article 3,
paragraph 1 (b).

3. Each Party shall, no later than ninety days after granting
an exemption under paragraph 2 above, provide the secretariat with,
as a minimum, the following information:

(a) The chemical name of the substance subject to the
exemption;
(b) The purpose for which the exemption has been granted;

(c) The conditions under which the exemption has been granted;

(d) The length of time for which the exemption has been granted;

(e) Those to whom, or the organization to which, the
exemption applies; and

(f) For an exemption granted under paragraphs 2 (a) and (c)
above, the estimated emissions of the substance as a result of
the exemption and an assessment of their contribution to the
total emissions of the substance from the Parties.

4. The secretariat shall make available to all Parties the
information received under paragraph 3 above.

Article 5
Exchange of Information and Technology

The Parties shall, in a manner consistent with their
laws, regulations and practices, create favourable conditions
to facilitate the exchange of information and technology designed
to reduce the generation and emission of persistent organic
pollutants and to develop cost-effective alternatives, by
promoting, inter alia:

(a) Contacts and cooperation among appropriate organizations
and individuals in the private and public sectors that are capable
of providing technology, design and engineering services, equipment
or finance;

(b) The exchange of and access to information on the development
and use of alternatives to persistent organic pollutants as well as
on the evaluation of the risks that such alternatives pose to
human health and the environment, and information on the economic
and social costs of such alternatives;

(c) The compilation and regular updating of lists of their
designated authorities engaged in similar activities in
other international forums;

(d) The exchange of information on activities conducted in
other international forums.

Article 6
Public Awareness

The Parties shall, consistent with their laws, regulations
and practices, promote the provision of information to the
general public, including individuals who are direct users of
persistent organic pollutants. This information may include, inter
alia:

(a) Information, including labelling, on risk assessment and
hazard;

(b) Information on risk reduction;

(c) Information to encourage the elimination of persistent
organic pollutants or a reduction in their use, including,
where appropriate, information on integrated pest management,
integrated crop management and the economic and social impacts of
this elimination or reduction; and

(d) Information on alternatives to persistent organic pollutants,
as well as an evaluation of the risks that such alternatives pose
to human health and the environment, and information on the economic
and social impacts of such alternatives.

Conclusion

Notes

See Also

References and Further Reading

About the Author/s and Reviewer/s

Author: international

Mentioned in these Entries

Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants.


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