Illegal Trade in Chemicals

This novel publication provides an overview of the knowledge gap and enforcement challenges in the illegal trade of toxic, hazardous and severely restricted chemicals, as well as in non-existing or low areas of chemical regulations.

The potential and real economic, social and environmental costs of the illegal trade in chemicals are far from trivial, and legitimate businesses, national economies, and human health and the environment are suffering the effects.

Through analyzing the governance and markets of the illegal chemicals and waste trade, this report illuminates failures and best practices of its enforcement. The findings of this report inform a set of considerations for policymakers and competent authorities at the national, regional and international levels of engagement, and for communities and users of these chemicals and related products. 

This report was prepared by UNEP and GRID-Arendal in partnership with IPEN, CIEL, INTERPOL, SAICM, Container Control Programme, and Hej!Support.