The Rotterdam Convention on the procedure for prior informed consent applicable to certain pesticides and hazardous chemicals, the object of international trade (www.pict.int) offers its Parties. a first line of defence against hazardous chemicals. It promotes international effort for the protection of human health and the environment, and allows countries to decide whether they wish to import the hazardous chemicals or pesticides listed in the convention. Colombia plays an active part in the negotiation processes, and is working jointly with the national authorities designated for the next COP.