Overview of the Stockholm Convention - POPs covered under the Stockholm Convention 

The Stockholm Convention is not static and allows for the identification and inclusion of new chemicals in its Annexes. Initially, 12 POPs were recognised as causing adverse effects on human health and the environment and included in Annexes A, B and C to the Convention: Aldrin, Chlordane, DDT, Dieldrin, Endrin, Heptachlor, Hexachlorobenzene, Mirex, Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Polychlorinated dibenzo-pdioxins, Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDF), and Toxaphene.

Further POPs were added to Annexes A, B and C to the Convention following decisions adopted by the governing body, the Conference of the Parties, at various meetings. The latest information on the new POPs listed under the Convention is available here.

In taking decisions to amend the Annexes to the Convention and list new POPs, the COP also decides whether specific exemptions are necessary for Parties and, if chemicals are listed in Annex B, whether acceptable purposes are needed for the production and use of these chemicals.