UN Considers Global Chlorpyrifos Ban Under Stockholm Convention
April–May 2025 – Stockholm Convention COP-12 Meeting
The United Nations is moving toward a global ban on chlorpyrifos, a widely used pesticide, due to its serious threats to human health and the environment. The chemical is under review for inclusion in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention, which would prohibit its production and use worldwide, with limited exemptions.
Why a Ban is Proposed
Chlorpyrifos is classified as a Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP). It is:
• Toxic to humans and wildlife
• Environmentally persistent
• Capable of long-range transport
The POPs Review Committee concluded that global action is necessary, citing its cross-border health and ecological risks.
Proposed Exemptions
Despite the proposed ban, temporary exemptions may be allowed for specific uses:
Agriculture
• Rice: planthoppers, stemborers, leaf rollers
• Citrus: scale insects
• Peanuts: grubs
• Sugarcane: beetles
• Locust control
Animal Health
• Tick control on cattle
Wood Preservation
• Protection against borers and termites in building foundations
Next Steps
If approved during COP-12, countries will be obligated to phase out chlorpyrifos, except for approved exemptions. The decision will follow the Convention’s precautionary approach, grounded in scientific assessment and risk evaluation.
Reference: ECHA – CLH Consultations, June 2025
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