New Action Plan Calls for Swift Elimination of Toxic PCBs by 2028

At its 12th Conference of the Parties (COP-12) held in April–May 2025, the Stockholm Convention released an updated action plan to help countries eliminate polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)—toxic industrial chemicals banned due to their severe health and environmental impacts.

Key Updates from COP-12

🔹 New Technical Guidance

Countries now have access to updated tools for:

• Identifying and analyzing PCBs
• Developing and updating national PCB inventories

This supports compliance with the Convention’s key targets:

• Phase-out of PCB use by 2025
• Environmentally sound management and disposal by 2028

🔹 Early Strategy Implementation

Although formal review was planned for 2027, the Secretariat recommends countries adopt new measures immediately to accelerate progress.

🔹 International Collaboration

• A key working group led by Moldova developed the new strategy
• An expert meeting was held in Geneva, October 2024, with EU backing

Urgent Actions for Parties

Governments are called to:

• Update national PCB inventories
• Identify PCB-containing materials (e.g. cable coatings, caulks, paints)
• Ensure safe disposal using Basel Convention guidelines
• Submit consistent progress reports aligned with international waste treaties

Support for Developing Countries

Transitioning nations will receive technical and financial assistance to:

• Build capacity for safe PCB removal
• Meet monitoring and reporting requirements

A comprehensive report on implementation challenges and funding needs has also been submitted to guide donor support.

Compliance Reminder

Parties must fulfill obligations under Part II of Annex A of the Convention and finalize all PCB phase-out actions by 2028.

Looking Ahead

The COP urges immediate national action to eliminate PCBs and protect human and environmental health. The Secretariat will provide ongoing support and report on global progress at COP-13.

Reference: Stockholm Convention COP-12

 

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