The 2025 BAT/BEP Expert Meeting under the Stockholm Convention took place from 18–20 November 2025 at International Environment House-2, Geneva, Switzerland. This meeting will gather technical experts, government representatives, and NGOs to advance global guidance on reducing releases of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
Under the Stockholm Convention, Best Available Techniques (BAT) and Best Environmental Practices (BEP) guide countries and industries on preventing or minimizing harmful POP emissions. BAT covers the latest and most effective technologies, while BEP focuses on operational practices and environmental safeguards.
Objectives of the 2025 Meeting
Experts will work collaboratively to:
• Review and update BAT/BEP guidance for intentional POP uses listed under Annexes A and B.
• Strengthen guidance on unintentional POP releases from industrial processes under Annex C.
• Finalize updates on the management and remediation of contaminated sites.
• Set new workplans and decide which guidance documents will advance to the next Conference of the Parties.
Importance for Industries and Regulators
Outcomes of the meeting:
• Reviewed COP‑12 decisions and latest developments in POPs management.
• Agreed to update BAT/BEP guidance for SCCPs and include MCCPs.
• Expanded PFAS guidance to cover PFOS, PFOA, and long-chain PFCAs.
• Updated guidance on UV‑328 reflecting latest exemptions.
• Established Task Teams to implement revisions during 2025–2026.
• Scheduled a review for Chlorpyrifos guidance in June 2026.
• Ensures BAT/BEP guidance keeps pace with emerging chemicals and industrial uses.
The meeting outcomes will:
• Shape global standards for using, managing, and disposing of POP-related chemicals.
• Support compliance for industries such as automotive, chemicals, electronics, plastics, and waste management.
• Align industrial processes with the latest science and pollution prevention technologies.
• Influence of regulatory directions that governments and supply chains will implement worldwide.
Recommended Actions for Stakeholders
• Review your chemical inventory and processes for POP-listed substances or potential unintentional emissions.
• Monitor updates emerging from the 2025 meeting, as they may impact material handling, waste disposal, and remediation obligations.
• Consider nominating experts to the Stockholm Convention’s Toolkit & Expert Roster for future technical contributions.
• Integrate upcoming guidance into supply-chain compliance, sustainability planning, and risk management systems.
• The updates from this meeting are expected to strengthen global environmental protection efforts and drive industry compliance with evolving POPs regulations.
Reference: BAT or BEP Meeting
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