Mandate
The Convention sets out a procedure for Parties to follow if export of chemicals listed in Annexes A and B is to take place. Pursuant to paragraph 2 (b) (iii) of Article 3 of the Convention:
“Each Party to the Convention shall take measures to ensure […] that a chemical listed in Annex A for which any production or use specific exemption is in effect or a chemical listed in Annex B for which any production or use specific exemption or acceptable purpose is in effect, taking into account any relevant provisions in existing international prior informed consent instruments, is exported only:
[…]
iii) To a State not Party to this Convention which has provided an annual certification to the exporting Party. Such certification shall specify the intended use of the chemical and include a statement that, with respect to that chemical, the importing State is committed to:
a. Protect human health and the environment by taking the necessary measures to minimize or prevent releases;
b. Comply with the provisions of paragraph 1 of Article 6; and
c. Comply, where appropriate, with the provisions of paragraph 2 of Part II of Annex B...."
The certification also needs to include any appropriate supporting documentation, such as legislation, regulatory instruments, or administrative or policy guidelines. The exporting Party transmits the certification to the Secretariat within sixty days of receipt.
The term "State not Party to this Convention" is defined in this context to include a State or regional economic integration organization that has not agreed to be bound by the Convention with respect to a particular chemical (paragraph 2 (d)).
Frequency
Every year for each chemical with a specific exemption or acceptable purpose under the Convention that is exported to a State not Party to the Convention.
The exporting Party receiving a certification from an importing non-Party must transmit the certification to the Secretariat within sixty days of receipt.
Format
The Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention, by its decision SC-6/5, adopted the template for the certification of non-party imports, pursuant to paragraph 2 (b) (iii) and 2(d) of Article 3. At its eighth meeting, the Conference of the Parties adopted a revised certification template, which is available in all six official United Nations languages and can be downloaded in English, French and Spanish.
Procedures and processes of the Secretariat
Parties are requested to send the certificate duly completed to the Secretariat by email (brs@brsmeas.org).
Certificates transmitted to the Secretariat are available here.