Overcoming barriers to waste trade

One way of combating such trade is through the system called Prior Informed Consent (PIC) for Certain Hazardous Chemicals in International Trade. Operated by FAO and UNEP, PIC is a procedure that helps participating countries learn more about the characteristics of potentially hazardous chemicals that may be shipped to them, initiates a decision-making process on the future import of these chemicals and helps disseminate this decision to other countries. The aim is to promote a shared responsibility between exporting and importing countries in protecting human health and the environment (see the Convention on harmful chemicals and pesticides (Rotterdam Convention), page 202).