New Persistent Organic Pollutants listed under the Stockholm Convention
SHE Alert 6, 4 March 2026
On 16 February 2026, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) issued a notice informing industries and interested stakeholders of three newly listed Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) for elimination under the Stockholm Convention.
The newly listed chemicals include:
Chlorpyrifos – a pesticide that has already been banned in South Africa.
Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LP-PFCAs) – industrial chemicals commonly used to repel water, oil and dirt.
Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) – chemicals used to make plastics flexible and durable, often found in PVC pipes, cables, conveyor belts and sealants.
The notice also references UV-328, a UV stabiliser already included on the Stockholm Convention’s elimination list and primarily used in the aerospace industry.
Possible Exemptions
At the Stockholm Convention’s Conference of Parties (COP-12), certain specific exempted applications were approved for LP-PFCAs and MCCPs. Countries that are parties to the Convention, including South Africa, may register for these exemptions where necessary. These exemptions will be subject to conditions, specific requirements and defined end dates.
Information request to Industry
As part of the process, the DFFE has requested that companies who use, manufacture, import or export these POPs in their pure form submit relevant information to the department by 16 March 2026.
The information collected will assist the DFFE in assessing industry reliance on these substances and determining whether South Africa should apply for any of the permitted exemptions under the Convention.
What this means for the Mining and Industrial sectors
The notice is particularly relevant for organisations operating in mining and heavy-industrial sectors, where some of these chemicals are still used.
For example:
MCCPs are commonly used in conveyor belts in underground coal mines.
In heavy industry, MCCPs may also appear in metalworking fluids and related applications.
Companies operating in these sectors should review their operations and supply chains to determine whether these substances are present and whether a submission to the DFFE is required.
Understanding POPs
Persistent Organic Pollutants are toxic, carbon-based chemicals that persist in the environment for long periods, bioaccumulate in human and animal tissue, and can travel long distances through air and water. Well-known examples include DDT and PCBs.
Because of their environmental and health risks, POPs are subject to strict international controls and elimination measures under the Stockholm Convention.
Next steps for Industry
Organisations potentially affected should:
Assess whether these substances are used, produced, imported or exported in their operations.
Determine whether their use falls within any potential exemption categories.
Submit the required information to the DFFE before 16 March 2026 if applicable.
Companies should assess whether these substances are used in their operations and, if so, ensure the required information is submitted to the DFFE by the deadline.