Seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. The present scenario note, which was prepared in consultation with the presidents of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, sets out a proposal for the conduct of the seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention, the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention and the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention to assist participants in preparing for the meetings.

Note by the Secretariat

The annexes to the present note contain a tentative schedule of work for the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (annex I) and a list of possible contact and other groups (annex II). The tentative schedule of work, which was agreed to by the bureaux of the conferences of the Parties to the three conventions at their joint meeting on 5 November 2024, is provisional and could be subject to changes before or during the two weeks of the meetings. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the notes by the Secretariat on election of officers (UNEP/CHW.17/2, UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/2 and UNEP/POPS/COP.12/2), an overview table of all the elections expected to take place during the seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is set out in annex I to the present note. Annex II, III and IV further outline the past membership of the Bureaux of the conferences of the Parties and the regional rotation between the Rapporteur and the President, as well as the past membership of subsidiary bodies under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, respectively. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note sets out a provisional list of meeting documents for the seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention. The documents listed in the annex are grouped according to the items on the provisional agenda for the meeting to which they pertain. Documents that have three document symbols are joint documents that are submitted for consideration by the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. In order to facilitate consideration of the credentials of the representatives of the Parties present at the seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, and the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Secretariat has prepared a table listing those States and political or regional economic integration organizations that have deposited with the depositary their relevant instruments expressing their consent to be bound by these conventions, as at 20 January 2025. This table is attached as an annex to the present note.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on improving the functioning of the prior informed consent procedure (UNEP/CHW.17/4), the annex to the present note sets out a report on challenges in the implementation of the prior informed consent procedure and best practices, possible approaches and initiatives to improve its functioning, as well as options for possible ways forward, prepared by the lead country in consultation with the small intersessional working group (SIWG) on improving the functioning of the prior informed consent procedure, reflecting the outcome of the first meeting of the SIWG. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical guidelines (UNEP/CHW.17/5), the annex to the present note sets out the draft compilation of available information on low persistent organic pollutant content values for hexabromocyclododecane, prepared by the small intersessional working group on persistent organic pollutant wastes, under the leadership of Canada. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical guidelines (UNEP/CHW.17/5), annex I to the present note sets out the draft analysis of the chemicals recommended by the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Review Committee for listing under the Stockholm Convention and of how technical guidelines could be updated or developed if these chemicals are listed under the Stockholm Convention. Annex II sets out an overview of the technical guidelines on POPs wastes adopted by Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention. The draft analysis was prepared by the Secretariat, in consultation with the small intersessional working group on persistent organic pollutant wastes. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical guidelines (UNEP/CHW.17/5), the annex to the present note sets out the draft technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of waste batteries other than waste lead-acid batteries, for consideration by the Conference of the Parties. This version of the draft technical guidelines reflects the outcome of the second meeting of the small intersessional working group on waste batteries, held in Geneva, from 18 to 22 November 2024. Following the meeting, the draft technical guidelines were revised by the co-lead countries and the Secretariat, as agreed at the meeting. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical guidelines (UNEP/CHW.17/5), the annex to the present note sets out the draft updated technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of [used and] waste pneumatic tyres which was prepared by the Secretariat, in consultation with the small intersessional working group on waste tyres, for consideration by the Conference of the Parties. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on cooperation with the World Customs Organization on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (UNEP/CHW.17/6), annex I to the present note sets out a summary report on the progress of the work of the World Customs Organization on the Harmonized System related to the Basel Convention and annex II sets out the draft proposal for amendments to the Harmonized System with respect to slag, ash and residues containing selenium and tellurium, which was prepared by the Secretariat.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on national reporting (UNEP/CHW.17/7), the annex to the present note sets out possible revisions to table 9 of the reporting format and to the manual for completing the format for national reporting, taking into account comments received on them from Parties, for consideration by the Conference of the Parties at its seventeenth meeting. For ease of reference, the possible additions are underlined and the possible deletions are stroked. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on national reporting (UNEP/CHW.17/7), the annex to the present note sets out the revised practical guidance on the development of inventories of plastic waste. The changes made to the guidance , which the Conference of the Parties took note of in its decision BC-15/3, have been tracked so that the revisions can be easily identified. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on national reporting (UNEP/CHW.17/7), the annex to the present note sets out the revised practical guidance on the development of inventories of obsolete pesticides and pesticide-container waste. The changes made to the guidance , which the Conference of the Parties took note of in its decision BC-15/3, have been tracked so that the revisions can be easily identified. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on national reporting (UNEP/CHW.17/7), the annex to the present note sets out the revised practical guidance on the development of inventories of waste batteries containing lithium. The changes made to the guidance, which the Conference of the Parties took note of in its decision BC-15/3, have been tracked so that the revisions can be easily identified. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on national reporting (UNEP/CHW.17/7), the annex to the present note sets out, in section I, a table listing reporting and non-reporting Parties for the years 2021 and 2022, and in section II, details on the provision by Parties of information on the generation, import and export of hazardous wastes and other wastes in their national reports for these years. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on electronic approaches to the notification and movement documents (UNEP/CHW.17/8), the annex to the present note sets out the report prepared by the Secretariat, in consultation with the small intersessional working group, outlining further recommendations on electronic approaches to the notification and movement documents for consideration by the Conference of the Parties. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on further consideration of plastic waste (UNEP/CHW.17/9), the annex to the present note sets out further activities that could be conducted under the Basel Convention in response to developments in scientific knowledge and environmental information related to plastic waste, as well as those considered by the intergovernmental negotiating committee referred to in paragraph 1 of resolution 5/14 of the United Nations Environment Assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on amendments to Annexes II, VIII and IX on e-waste (UNEP/CHW.17/10), the Secretariat prepared revised draft updates of the documents listed in paragraph 1 of decision BC-16/12 in order to reflect adjustments consequential to the adoption of those amendments. The annex to the present note sets out the draft updated practical guidance for the development of inventories of waste electrical and electronic equipment. Please refer to document UNEP/CHW.17/10/Add.1 for an overview of the revised draft updates made to the document pursuant to decision BC-16/12. In addition, the annex includes revisions made on the basis of the use of guidance in accordance with decision BC-13/8, on national reporting. The updates and adjustments have been tracked so that they can be easily identified. The updates and adjustments have been tracked so that they can be easily identified. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on amendments to Annexes II, VIII and IX on e-waste (UNEP/CHW.17/10), the Secretariat prepared draft updates of the documents listed in paragraph 1 of decision BC-16/12 in order to reflect adjustments consequential to the adoption of those amendments. The annexes to the present note set out the draft updated revised fact sheets on the following specific waste streams: in annex I, the factsheet on electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) and in annex II, the factsheet on waste vehicles. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on amendments to Annexes II, VIII and IX on e-waste (UNEP/CHW.17/10), the Secretariat prepared revised draft updates of the documents listed in paragraph 1 of decision BC 16/12 in order to reflect adjustments consequential to the adoption of those amendments. The annex to the present note sets out the draft updated technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of wastes consisting of, containing or contaminated with hexabromocyclododecane. Please refer to document UNEP/CHW.17/10/Add.1 for an overview of the revised draft updates made to the document pursuant to decision BC-16/12. In addition, the annex includes adjustments to reflect revisions to the names of other technical guidelines referred to in the document. The updates and adjustments have been tracked so that they can be easily identified. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on amendments to Annexes II, VIII and IX on e-waste (UNEP/CHW.17/10), the Secretariat prepared revised draft updates of the documents listed in paragraph 1 of decision BC 16/12 in order to reflect adjustments consequential to the adoption of those amendments. The annex to the present note sets out the draft updated technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of wastes consisting of, containing or contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated terphenyls, polychlorinated naphthalenes or polybrominated biphenyls including hexabromobiphenyl. Please refer to document UNEP/CHW.17/10/Add.1 for an overview of the revised draft updates made to the document pursuant to decision BC-16/12. In addition, the annex includes adjustments to reflect revisions to the names of other technical guidelines referred to in the document. The updates and adjustments have been tracked so that they can be easily identified. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on amendments to Annexes II, VIII and IX on e-waste (UNEP/CHW.17/10), the Secretariat prepared revised draft updates of the documents listed in paragraph 1 of decision BC 16/12 in order to reflect adjustments consequential to the adoption of those amendments. The annex to the present note sets out the draft updated guidance document on environmentally sound management of used and end-of-life computing equipment. The updates made are shown with strikethrough for deletions and underlining for updated/additional text, as appropriate. Please refer to document UNEP/CHW.17/10/Add.1 for an overview of the revised draft updates made to the document. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on amendments to Annexes II, VIII and IX on e-waste (UNEP/CHW.17/10), the Secretariat prepared revised draft updates of the documents listed in paragraph 1 of decision BC 16/12 in order to reflect adjustments consequential to the adoption of those amendments. The annex to the present note sets out the draft updated revised guideline on environmentally sound testing, refurbishment and repair of used computing equipment. The updates made are shown with strikethrough for deletions and underlining for updated/additional text, as appropriate. Please refer to document UNEP/CHW.17/10/Add.1 for an overview of the revised draft updates made to the document. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on amendments to Annexes II, VIII and IX on e-waste (UNEP/CHW.17/10), the Secretariat prepared revised draft updates of the documents listed in paragraph 1 of decision BC 16/12 in order to reflect adjustments consequential to the adoption of those amendments. The annex to the present note sets out the draft updated revised guideline on environmentally sound material recovery and recycling of end-of-life computing equipment. The updates made are shown with strikethrough for deletions and underlining for updated/additional text, as appropriate. Please refer to document UNEP/CHW.17/10/Add.1 for an overview of the revised draft updates made to the document. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on amendments to Annexes II, VIII and IX on e-waste (UNEP/CHW.17/10), the Secretariat prepared revised draft updates of the documents listed in paragraph 1 of decision BC 16/12 in order to reflect adjustments consequential to the adoption of those amendments. The annex to the present note sets out the draft updated report with environmentally sound management criteria recommendations. The updates made are shown with strikethrough for deletions and underlining for updated/additional text, as appropriate. Please refer to document UNEP/CHW.17/10/Add.1 for an overview of the revised draft updates made to the document. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on amendments to Annexes II, VIII and IX on e-waste (UNEP/CHW.17/10), the Secretariat prepared revised draft updates of the documents listed in paragraph 1 of decision BC 16/12 in order to reflect adjustments consequential to the adoption of those amendments. The annex to the present note sets out the draft updated report on strategies, actions and incentives to promote environmentally sound management of end-of-life computing equipment. The updates made are shown with strikethrough for deletions and underlining for updated/additional text, as appropriate. Please refer to document UNEP/CHW.17/10/Add.1 for an overview of the revised draft updates made to the document. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on amendments to Annexes II, VIII and IX on e-waste (UNEP/CHW.17/10), the Secretariat prepared revised draft updates of the documents listed in paragraph 1 of decision BC 16/12 in order to reflect adjustments consequential to the adoption of those amendments. The annex to the present note sets out the draft updated manual on steps to establish and implement environmentally sound Management for used and waste computing equipment. The updates made are shown with strikethrough for deletions and underlining for updated/additional text, as appropriate. Please refer to document UNEP/CHW.17/10/Add.1 for an overview of the revised draft updates made to the document. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on further consideration of plastic waste (UNEP/CHW.17/9), the annex to the present note sets out further activities that could be conducted under the Basel Convention in response to developments in scientific knowledge and environmental information related to plastic waste, as well as those considered by the intergovernmental negotiating committee referred to in paragraph 1 of resolution 5/14 of the United Nations Environment Assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance (UNEP/CHW.17/12), the annexes to the present note set out information on the activities of the Committee to improve implementation and compliance with Article 9 of the Convention to prevent and combat illegal traffic. Annex I sets out the conclusions of the Committee and further information on the work of the Committee in relation to scoping the extent of illegal traffic, annex II sets out the conclusions of the Committee and further information on the work of the Committee to enhance coordination and increase the flow of information between competent authorities and enforcement entities, and on the actions of Basel Convention regional and coordinating centres (BCRCs) and international organizations aimed at assisting Parties in enhancing coordination between their competent authorities and enforcement entities, annex III sets out the conclusions of the Committee and further information on the work of the Committee on Parties’ responses to question 1 (c) of the reporting format for 2019 and 2021, a review of national legislation and other measures adopted by Parties to implement and enforce the Convention and the outcome of Parties’ self review of their legislation, setting out classifications of Parties’ compliance performance in relation to the obligations set out in Article 9 of the Convention, prepared using the legislator’s checklist, annex IV sets out the conclusions of the Committee following its dialogue on illegal traffic with BCRCs, international organizations and compliance bodies of other multilateral environmental agreements, and annex V sets out the conclusions of the Committee and further information on the work of the Committee on the actions of BCRCs and international organizations aimed at disseminating guidance and tools developed under the Convention that aim to prevent and combat illegal traffic. The present note, including its annexes, has not been edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance (UNEP/CHW.17/12), the annexes to the present note set out information on the activities of the Committee to improve implementation and compliance with paragraph 4 of Article 4 and paragraph 5 of Article 9 of the Convention on national legislation. Annex I sets out the conclusions of the Committee and further information on the work of the Committee in relation to Parties’ self-review of legislation implementing the Basel Convention, annex II sets out the conclusions of the Committee and further information on the work of the Committee in relation to the activities of other entities aimed at assisting Parties in developing legislation implementing the Basel Convention, and dialogue with Basel Convention regional centres and international bodies and organizations, and annex III sets out the conclusions agreed on by the Committee and further information on the work of the Committee in relation to the review of legislation. The present note, including its annexes, has not been edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance (UNEP/CHW.17/12), the annexes to the present note set out technically updated versions of the Guide to the Control System and the Manual for the Implementation of the Basel Convention, by including, as relevant, references to the Ban Amendment, the plastic wastes amendments, the e waste amendments, the glossary of terms, and technical guidelines and new guidance adopted since the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties. Both guidance documents reflect comments provided by Parties in the period between the first and second parts of the sixteenth meeting of the Committee. The present note, including its annexes, has not been edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance (UNEP/CHW.17/12), the annexes to the present note set out information on the activities of the Committee to improve implementation and compliance with the obligation to designate competent authorities and a focal point pursuant to Article 5 of the Convention, including any common difficulties or issues being faced by Parties with respect to the obligation to inform the Secretariat, within one month of the date of decision, of any changes made by them to the designation of such country contacts. The present note, including its annex, has not been edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance (UNEP/CHW.17/12), the annexes to the present note set out information on the activities of the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance with the Basel Convention to enhance cooperation with the Compliance Committee of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. Annex I to the present note sets out information on activities to enhance cooperation with the Compliance Committee of the Rotterdam Convention to facilitate compliance through the exchange of views and information between the committees on activities, operations and processes of joint interest, including as appropriate during joint sessions of the meetings of the committees, and recommendations to the Conference of the Parties. Annex II sets out information on activities, as part of its mandate to improve timely and complete national reporting under paragraph 3 of Article 13 of the Basel Convention and in cooperation, as appropriate, with the Compliance Committee of the Rotterdam Convention, to monitor United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework processes with a view to assessing the extent to which Parties with national reporting needs are including actions to address them in their cooperation frameworks, identifying best practices and, on the basis of the assessment, developing recommendations for the consideration of the Conference of the Parties.The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. In decisions BC 16/26, RC-11/13 and SC-11/25, on the venue and dates of the next meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the conferences of the Parties decided that their next meetings, to be held back to back, from 28 April to 9 May 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland, would include a high-level segment of no more than one day’s duration.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on providing further legal clarity, (UNEP/CHW.17/13), the annex to the present note sets out an explanatory note in English on the revised amendment proposals on Annex IV developed by the expert working group on the review of Annexes, as set out in the annex to document UNEP/CHW.17/13/Add.1. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on providing further legal clarity (UNEP/CHW.17/13), the annex to the present note sets out a compilation of comments received from Parties on the revised proposals to amend Annex IV to the Basel Convention, as set out in the annex to document UNEP/CHW.17/13/Add.1. The comments received from observers are available on the website of the Convention. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on providing further legal clarity (UNEP/CHW.17/13), the annexes to the present note set out the draft recommendations of the expert working group regarding the review of Annexes I and III (status as at 1 December 2023) developed by the expert working group on the review of Annexes. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the revised proposal by the Russian Federation to amend paragraph 2 of Article 6 of the Basel Convention (UNEP/CHW.17/15), the annex to the present note set out an explanatory note in English along with tracked changes to paragraph 2 of Article 6 in the six languages of the United Nations reflecting the proposed amendment, for the convenience of Parties. The explanatory note is reproduced as received. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the revised proposal by the Russian Federation to amend paragraph 2 of Article 6 of the Basel Convention (UNEP/CHW.17/15), the annex to the present note sets out a compilation of comments received from Parties on the revised proposal. The comments received from observers are available on the website of the Convention. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical assistance and capacity-building for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (UNEP/CHW.17/16-UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/18-UNEP/POPS/COP.12/15), the annex to the present note sets out a report on the implementation of the technical assistance plan for the period 2022–2025 in the biennium 2024–2025. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical assistance and capacity-building for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (UNEP/CHW.17/16-UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/18-UNEP/POPS/COP.12/15), the annex to the present note sets out the technical assistance plan for the implementation of the three conventions for 2026–2029. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

Report on the technical assistance needs of developing country Parties and Parties with economies in transition for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions and the technical assistance available from developed country Parties and others

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the notes by the Secretariat on regional centres under the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (UNEP/CHW.17/17 and UNEP/POPS/COP.12/16), the annexes to the present note set out reports by the Secretariat on the activities of the Basel and Stockholm conventions regional centres.

Note by the Secretariat

As mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.17/18), the annex to the present note includes the draft guidance document on the environmentally sound refurbishment and repair of used and waste equipment of television screens, audio and video equipment and on the environmentally sound management of waste equipment of television screens, audio and video equipment. This version of the draft guidance document reflects the outcome of the first meeting of the working group of the Partnership for Action on Challenges relating to E-waste, held in Geneva, from 11 to 13 February 2025. Following the meeting, the draft guidance document was amended by the Secretariat, as agreed at the meeting. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.17/18), the annex to the present note includes the draft guidance document on the environmentally sound refurbishment and repair of used and waste equipment of refrigerators, cooling and heating equipment and on the environmentally sound management of waste equipment of refrigerators, cooling and heating equipment. This version of the draft guidance document reflects the outcome of the first meeting of the working group of the Partnership for Action on Challenges relating to E-waste, held in Geneva, from 11 to 13 February 2025. Following the meeting, the draft guidance document was amended by the Secretariat, as agreed at the meeting. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.17/18), the annex to the present note sets out a report by the working group of the Partnership for Action on Challenges relating to E-waste on progress made in the implementation of the activities set out in its programme of work for 2024–2025. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in section C of the note by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.17/18), the annex to the present note sets out the further revised draft of the overall guidance document on the environmentally sound management of household waste. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in section D of the note by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.17/18), the annex to the present note sets out the report on the activities of the working group of the Partnership on Plastic Waste. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.17/18), the annex to the present note sets out a progress report on the activities of the Environmental Network for Optimizing Regulatory Compliance on Illegal Traffic. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the mobilization of resources under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions from non-State actors (UNEP/CHW.17/19-UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/19-UNEP/POPS/COP.12/18), the annex to the present note sets out a report on the findings on the possible development of a non-State actor resource mobilization strategy, including key considerations and possible elements for the development of such a strategy. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note sets out a report by the United Nations Environment Programme on activities of the Special Programme to support institutional strengthening at the national level for implementation of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management and the Global Framework on Chemicals. The report is reproduced as submitted. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on cooperation and coordination with the Minamata Convention on Mercury (UNEP/CHW.17/21–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/20–UNEP/POPS/COP.12/23), annex I to the present note sets out a report on the main joint cooperative activities undertaken in 2023 and 2024 by the secretariats of the Minamata Convention on Mercury and of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm conventions Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in areas of mutual interest. The report was prepared jointly by the two secretariats. Annex II to the present note contains an outline on the main joint activities planned for 2025 and the biennium 2026–2027, developed by the two secretariats. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.17/22–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/21–UNEP/POPS/COP.12/24), the annex to the present note sets out in section I a report providing detailed information on the international cooperation and coordination activities undertaken by the Secretariat with international bodies, including intergovernmental organizations, international and regional organizations, other multilateral environmental agreement secretariats, international non-governmental organizations, and networks from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2024. Section II of the annex contains information on cooperation with other entities for activities with an international scope from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2024. The activities described in the report are either specific to one Convention or relevant to two or three conventions. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.17/22–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/21–UNEP/POPS/COP.12/24), the annex to the present note sets out an exploratory study on interlinkages between the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions prepared by the Secretariat. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.17/22–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/21–UNEP/POPS/COP.12/24), the annex to the present note sets out a report on the contributions of the chemicals and waste international agreements and frameworks to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.17/22–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/21–UNEP/POPS/COP.12/24), the annex to the present note sets out a report by the Secretariat of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the work of the organization on ship recycling. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.17/22–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/21–UNEP/POPS/COP.12/24), the annex to the present note sets out an update on the intergovernmental negotiating committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, submitted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) secretariat of the intergovernmental negotiating committee. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.17/22–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/21–UNEP/POPS/COP.12/24), the annex to the present note sets out an update on the ad hoc open-ended working group on a science-policy panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution since 2023, submitted by the Secretariat of the open-ended working group. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the clearing-house mechanism for information exchange (UNEP/CHW.17/23-UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/22-UNEP/POPS/COP.12/25), the annex to the present note sets out the workplan for the implementation of the clearing-house mechanism for the biennium 2026–2027. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on “Mainstreaming gender” (UNEP/CHW.17/24–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/23–UNEP/POPS/COP.12/26), annex I to the present note sets out an internal review of the implementation of the Gender Action Plan of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions for 2013-2023 conducted by the Secretariat. Annex II sets out a draft of a new gender action plan, also prepared by the Secretariat. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on synergies in preventing and combating illegal traffic and trade in hazardous chemicals and wastes (UNEP/CHW.17/25–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/20–UNEP/POPS/COP.12/26), the annex to the present note sets out case studies prepared by the Secretariat on action taken by Parties to implement and enforce the trade control measures of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on “From Science to Action” (UNEP/CHW.17/26–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/25–UNEP/POPS/COP.12/28), the annex to the present note sets out information on workshops and other actions taken to implement the road map for further engaging Parties and other stakeholders in informed dialogue to enhance science-based actions under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. In decisions BC-16/28, RC-11/15 and SC-11/27, on programmes of work and budgets for the biennium 2024–2025, the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, among other things:

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on programmes of work and proposed budgets for the biennium 2026–2027: combined proposal (UNEP/CHW.17/27–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/26–UNEP/POPS/COP.12/29), the annex to the present note sets out budget activity fact sheets for the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions developed by the Secretariat. They are consistent with the action proposed in the working documents for the meetings and should be read in conjunction with the aforementioned note and the information document on programmes of work and proposed budgets for the biennium 2026–2027: proposed operational budgets for the two funding scenarios (UNEP/CHW.17/INF/69/Rev.1–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/INF/39/Rev.1–UNEP/POPS/COP.12/INF/58/Rev.1).

Note by the Secretariat

1. By its decision BC-10/28, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal adopted financial rules for the operation of the Conference of the Parties, its subsidiary bodies and the Secretariat. Paragraph 1 of rule 3, which deals with the budget, requires the Executive Secretary to dispatch information on actual income and expenditure for each year of the previous biennium and estimates of actual expenditures in the current biennium, to all Parties to the Convention at least 90 days before the opening of the meeting of the Conference of the Parties at which the budget for a given biennium is to be adopted.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the programmes of work and budgets for the biennium 2026–2027: combined proposal (UNEP/CHW.17/27–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/26–UNEP/POPS/COP.12/29), the annex to the present note contains the report of the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme to the respective conferences of the Parties on the implementation of the memorandums of understanding for the reporting period 1 January 2023 to 30 November 2024. A revised version of the report has been received on 4 March 2025. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. Meetings of the Conference of the Parties shall take place at the seat(s) of the Secretariat, unless the Conference of the Parties decides otherwise or other appropriate arrangements are made by the Secretariat in consultations with the Parties. In the case of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the seat of the Secretariat is at Geneva, Switzerland. In the case of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, the seats of the Secretariat are at Geneva, Switzerland, and Rome, Italy.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in UNEP/CHW.17/INF/74–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/INF/45– UNEP/POPS/COP.12/INF/63, Governments wishing to submit offers to host the 2027 meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, were invited to submit such offers to the Secretariat if possible by 28 January 2025.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the organization of the high-level segment of the 2025 meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (UNEP/CHW.17/INF/35–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/INF/47–UNEP/POPS/COP.12/INF/67), the Secretariat has prepared a thought starter containing background information on the theme of the high-level segment and guiding questions to facilitate the ministerial roundtable discussions and the interactive panel discussions.

Note by the Secretariat

As mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical guidelines (UNEP/CHW.17/5), the annex to the present note sets out the draft updated technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of waste lead-acid batteries. This version of the draft updated technical guidelines reflects the outcome of the second meeting of the small intersessional working group on waste batteries, held in Geneva, from 18 to 22 November 2024. Following the meeting, the draft technical guidelines were revised by the co-lead countries and the Secretariat, as agreed at the meeting. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.17/22–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/21–UNEP/POPS/COP.12/24), the annex to the present note sets out a report prepared by the Secretariat entitled “Addressing chemicals of concern in plastics through multilateral environmental agreements”. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance (UNEP/CHW.17/12), the annexes to the present note set out the decisions adopted by the Committee during its sixteenth meeting (Geneva, 23–24 June and 29 June–2 July 2024, and Online, 14–18 October 2024) pertaining to the thirteen submissions under consideration. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on synergies in preventing and combating illegal traffic and trade in hazardous chemicals and wastes (UNEP/CHW.17/25–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.12/24–UNEP/POPS/COP.12/27), the annex to the present note sets out a workplan outlining timelines and associated actions, to strengthen Parties’ capacity to provide information about confirmed cases and experience related to preventing and combating illegal traffic and trade in hazardous chemicals and waste. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. The annex to the present note sets out a list of bodies and agencies that had not previously been admitted to meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their disposal and that are requesting admission to participate in such meetings as observers in accordance with rule 7 of the rules of procedure for meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention, as at 9 April 2025.