---

Paraquat: Exports

Answer

Defra is aware that Syngenta manufactures paraquat in Huddersfield, for export only.

The export of paraquat from Great Britain (GB) is regulated under the GB Prior Informed Consent (PIC) regulatory regime for the export and import of certain hazardous chemicals. Companies intending to export any of these chemicals from GB must notify the importing country via the exporter's Designated National Authority. For GB, the Designated National Authority is The Health and Safety Executive.

We believe it is essential that the use of pesticides that are known to be hazardous to human health or the environment should be subject to scientific risk assessment, mitigation and regulatory protections. That is why we support notification of the export of Paraquat under GB PIC and support its listing under the Rotterdam convention. This ensures that importing countries are able to make informed decisions before giving the required explicit consent before exports can be carried out.

In addition, Defra is progressing Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) funded projects assessing the impacts more broadly of pesticides on human health and the environment in a number of developing countries. We will continue to support developing countries to use pest management techniques which are most beneficial for them based on evidence and the expressed desires of the countries.

We take our trade and international obligations for human health and the environment seriously and continue to monitor action in other countries and learn from their experiences.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

HL2481

Session

2022-23

Related items

Paraquat: Exports
Thursday, 10 November 2022
Written questions
House of Lords

Subjects

Developing countries Exports Huddersfield Syngenta Paraquat

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk