Over 25 megatonnes of hazardous chemicals have been traded illegally between 2004 and 2019, despite regulations in place to mitigate their trade, suggests new global research. 

The study examined the trade of 46 chemicals listed under the Rotterdam Convention, a UN framework for countries to better handle the international trade of certain hazardous chemicals. 

They found that of the 64.5 megatonnes of hazardous chemicals traded in 2004–2019, around 25.7 megatonnes were traded illegally. 

They say that some countries export chemicals that are banned or restricted in their own territories to other countries. 

The authors say coordinated efforts, including enhanced enforcement, are needed to ensure compliance to the convention and to address the widespread and large global trade and illegal trade of highly hazardous chemicals.

More details are accessible here.