Risk Management Evaluation & Socioeconomic Impacts of MCCPs being added to the Stockholm Convention

Tender description

To determine the economic, social, and environmental impacts and risks of the proposal1 to add “chlorinated paraffins, with carbon chain lengths in the range C14-17 and chlorination levels at or exceeding 45 per cent chlorine by weight”, to the Stockholm Convention. This group is referred to as medium chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) in the UK, EU, and countries such as the US and Canada. The UK has nominated the group to be listed as a Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP), which if successful will result in a global ban on their production and use. To support this nomination, Defra needs to gather evidence on the uses, alternatives, and potential implications of a ban for the UK. This information will be submitted to the Stockholm Convention in the call for evidence for Annex F.2 As the nominating party for MCCPs, the UK is also responsible for preparing the Risk Management Evaluation (RME) for consideration by The POPs Review Committee (POPRC). This is compiled from the Annex F forms received by the Convention following the invitation sent to all Parties to the Convention and stakeholders. Objectives: Phase 1: Produce an RME at a UK level, suitable to be used to complete an Annex F form, assessing the effects to the UK of a Stockholm Convention restriction on the production and use of MCCPs. This can then be used as a foundation for the global RME draft needed in phase 2. Phase 2: Prepare the draft RME for MCCPs for submission to the POPRC secretariat. This will take account of Annex F submissions from all Parties and observers provided in the POPRC call for evidence. It should synthesise available information to propose the most appropriate risk management. Phase 3: Support Defra in responding to comments received from Parties and stakeholders throughout the 3 commenting rounds. Where appropriate, incorporate these responses into the RME. Provide support to Defra at meetings, when the draft RME is discussed.