Fiji moves to improve chemical safety in agriculture sector

Cabinet has agreed that Fiji should become a party to the Rotterdam Convention, citing the country’s limited technical capacity to respond to chemical accidents, spills, or misuse.

In a Fiji Government statement, Cabinet confirmed its approval for Fiji to accede to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade.

The Government noted that Fiji relies heavily on imported pesticides and industrial chemicals, particularly in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors. However, it lacks sufficient technical expertise, monitoring systems, and emergency response protocols to effectively manage chemical accidents such as spills or misuse.

The statement said joining the Rotterdam Convention would strengthen national chemical management systems, particularly in relation to the importation, trade, and use of hazardous chemicals and pesticides in the agricultural and industrial sectors.

The Convention promotes shared responsibility and cooperation among countries in the international trade of hazardous chemicals, enabling governments to make informed decisions and improve safeguards for human health and the environment.

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