On December 31, 2024, the European Commission issued Regulation (EU) 2023/1656, announcing the amendment of the PIC Regulation (EU No 649/2012) by adding 40 new chemicals to Annex I, including 35 pesticides and 5 industrial chemicals.
Understanding PIC
The PIC has been implemented across the European Union since March 1, 2014, serving as a specific enforcement form of the Rotterdam Convention. This regulation strictly governs the import and export of hazardous chemicals between the EU and third countries, clarifying the obligation to notify exports of specific hazardous chemicals within the EU.
Annex V of the PIC regulation lists substances that are completely banned from export within the EU, all of which have ceased production. Annex I, on the other hand, lists substances that require prior notification for export. By March 31st each year, importers and exporters must submit annual trade information on the chemicals listed in Annex I to their respective national designated authorities. This information is then aggregated by each EU country and submitted to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), where it is summarized at the EU level and non-confidential information is made public. Meanwhile, ECHA has also upgraded its IT tool, ePIC, to help companies more effectively meet these new export restriction requirements.
