The Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Regulations

The Prior Informed Consent (PIC) regime in GB regulates the export and import of certain hazardous chemicals.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the PIC DNA for Great Britain. HSE administers the GB PIC regime including the export notification system and providing information on GB PIC.

The GB PIC regime:

The Rotterdam Convention

The UK is a Party to the international Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade.

The aims of the Rotterdam Convention are:

The PIC Regulation implements the Rotterdam Convention in GB but goes further by applying the requirements to chemicals that are banned or severely restricted in GB not just those listed in the Convention.

You can find further information on the Rotterdam Convention website, including the latest PIC circular.

Updated: 2021-07-15