Benzene, a key hazardous chemical regulated under the EU’s Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Regulation, dominated European Union exports and imports in 2023. This substance accounted for 98% of total exports and nearly 99% of imports. The PIC Regulation, aligned with the Rotterdam Convention, aims to safeguard health and the environment by regulating the global trade of hazardous substances.
What is the PIC Regulation?
The Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Regulation governs the import and export of hazardous chemicals that are banned or severely restricted within the EU. This framework ensures transparency and shared responsibility in the international trade of chemicals, enabling importing countries to manage risks effectively.
Benzene’s Predominance in 2023
In 2023, benzene as a constituent in concentrations of 0.1% or more by weight, comprised 98% of the EU's 65.1 million tonnes of hazardous chemical exports and 99% of the 65.7 million tonnes of imports. Benzene’s inclusion in Annex I of the PIC Regulation in mid-2022 underpinned this shift.
Decline in Pesticide Exports
Exports of pesticides—a major category under the PIC Regulation—continued a two-year decline, decreasing by 10% from 2022 to 2023. This decline reflects evolving regulatory frameworks and market shifts prioritizing safer alternatives.
Reporting Obligations and Data Trends
Article 10 of the PIC Regulation mandates annual reporting by EU importers and exporters, with data consolidated by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). In 2023, 532 companies across 23 EU countries reported exports, while 207 companies from the same member states declared imports.
Top Trade Partners
Key non-EU trade partners for hazardous chemicals included the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. These countries remain major recipients and suppliers of regulated substances.
The trade of hazardous chemicals, dominated by benzene, underscores the critical role of the PIC Regulation in ensuring safe and informed chemical transactions. As stricter global standards emerge, the EU’s compliance mechanisms set an example for managing hazardous substances responsibly.
