National Action Plan of the Republic of Uzbekistan to meet the requirements of the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants for 2022-2024

Unofficial translation NATIONAL ACTION PLAN OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STOCKHOLM CONVENTION ON PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS FOR 2022-2024 № Task name Mechanism of implementations Terms of execution Responsible performers Expected results I. Improving legislation in the field of chemical safety 1. Ensuring the fulfillment of obligations arising from the requirements of international conventions and the Republic of Uzbekistan's membership in international organizations. 1.Analysis of obligations arising from the requirements of international conventions and membership of the Republic of Uzbekistan in international organizations. 2.Development of a draft regulatory document providing for amendments and additions to the "List of State bodies and other organizations responsible for fulfilling obligations under international treaties and membership of the Republic of Uzbekistan in international organizations». 3. Approval of the draft document with interested ministries and departments. 4. Submission of a draft document to the Cabinet of Ministers in accordance with the established procedure. February 2022 March 2022 April 2022 June 2022 Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, concerned ministries and departments Accomplishment obligations of the Republic of Uzbekistan under the Stockholm Convention, as well as creating an opportunity to achieve the following: establishment of a persistent organic pollutants management system in the republic (inventory management, monitoring of the systematic use of persistent organic pollutants and their impact on public health and the environment, as well as implementation of measures to reduce them, etc.); ensuring environmental safety of storage warehouses and burial sites toxic ones substances, as well as territories of agricultural airfields; creation of a unified database on chemicals in circulation in the republic, including hazardous chemicals, systematic study of the impact of hazardous chemicals on public health and the environment, and implementation of measures to replace them with safer types; № Task name Mechanism of implementations Terms of execution Responsible performers Expected results provision of scientific and practical research in the field of chemicals management, including hazardous persistent organic substances, and development international cooperation; raising awareness of chemicals, including hazardous persistent organic pollutants, among the general public. 2. Study of the feasibility of developing the “On chemical safety” draft law of the Republic of Uzbekistan. 1. Preparation of analytical information based on the results of studying international experience, international documents and legislative documents of foreign countries. 2. Preparation of a draft law concept that provides justification for the need to adopt the draft law and expected results. 3. Approval of the concept of the draft law with interested ministries and departments. 4. Development of the draft law structure. April-May 2023 June-August 2023 September October 2023 Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, JSC “Uzkimyosanoat”, concerned ministries and departments Preparation of a draft law concept that provides justification for the need to adopt the draft law and expected results. 3. Introduction to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Waste" of norms regulating relations in the field of handling hazardous waste containing 1. Conducting an inventory of existing legislative documents regulating relations in the field of hazardous waste management containing persistent organic pollutants. February March 2022 April Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, concerned ministries and departments Implementation of provisions Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants into national legislation. № Task name Mechanism of implementations Terms of execution Responsible performers Expected results persistent organic pollutants. 2. Development of a draft law providing for the introduction of a new chapter in the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Waste", regulating relations in the field of waste management containing persistent organic pollutants. 3. Approval of the draft law with interested ministries and departments. 4. Submission of a draft law to the Cabinet of Ministers in accordance with the established procedure. 2022 June 2022 October 2022 4. Development and implementation of the «Road map» for preparing for accession to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in international trade (Rotterdam, 10 September 1998). 1. Development of a “Road map”. 2. Approval of the “Road Map” with relevant ministries and departments. 2. Introduction of the “Road Map” to the Cabinet of Ministers. 3. Implementation of the “Road Map”. March 2022 April 2022 May 2022 in the estimated time frame Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, concerned ministries and departments Consideration of issues ratification of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in international trade. 5. Improvement sanitary rules, norms and hygiene standards and regulations in the field of technical regulation in the field of 1. Study of foreign experience in the field of management persistent organic pollutants. 2. Inventory of bylaws and technical manuals in the field of management of obsolete and May 2022 June 2022 Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Committee for Ecology of the Development and implementation sanitary rules, norms and hygiene standards, regulatory documents in the field of technical regulation, as well as technical guidelines for determining the impact of the persistent organic № Task name Mechanism of implementations Terms of execution Responsible performers Expected results management persistent organic pollutants. prohibited pesticides, including persistent organic pollutants. 3. Development of the necessary regulatory legal acts and technical guidelines based on the inventory results. 4. Ensuring the acceptance of documents in accordance with the established procedure. July September 2022 December 2022 Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, State Committee of Industrial Safety of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Uzbek Agency for Technical Regulation pollutants on human health and the environment. 6. Development of a classifier for waste, including persistent organic pollutants. 1. Study of international experience. 2. Development waste classifier that sets the types of waste depending on the origin, aggregate state, level of danger and possibilities of waste use. May 2023 Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, State Committee of Industrial Safety of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Navoi mining and metallurgical combinat (NMMC), Development of a classifier for toxic waste, waste including persistent organic pollutants. № Task name Mechanism of implementations Terms of execution Responsible performers Expected results Almalyk mining and metallurgical complex, JSC “Uzkimyosanoat”, concerned ministries and departments 7. Creating a mechanism of ban and prevention illegal import of chemicals listed in Annexes A and B of the Convention, including materials and electrical equipment containing polychlorobiphenyls or polychlorodiphenyls (PCBs or PCDs). 1. Investigation of cases of import of certain chemical substances into the territory of the Republic, materials and electrical equipment containing PCBs. 2. Study of foreign experience in setting import and export restrictions materials and electrical equipment containing PCBs. 3. Development of a draft regulatory document providing for the creation of these restrictions. 4. Approval of the draft document with interested ministries and departments. 5. Submission of a draft document to the Cabinet of Ministers in accordance with the established procedure. November 2023 Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, State Committee of Industrial Safety of the Republic of Uzbekistan Develop a mechanism to regulate the prevention and prohibition of illegal imports of chemicals listed in Annexes A and B of the Convention. № Task name Mechanism of implementations Terms of execution Responsible performers Expected results 8. Regulation of the operation, storage and disposal of PCB containing electrical equipment. 1. Study of foreign experience in the operation, storage and disposal of PCB-containing electrical equipment. 2. Conduct negotiations with foreign experts, parties to the Convention. 3. Development of relevant regulatory documents. 4. Approval of the draft document with interested ministries and departments. 5. Submission of a draft document to the Cabinet of Ministers in accordance with the established procedure. November 2024 Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, State Committee of Industrial Safety of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, JSC “Uzeltexsanoat”, concerned ministries and departments Formation of a legal framework for regulating the operation, storage and disposal of PCB-containing electrical equipment. II. Improving institutional, laboratory, scientific and technical capacities in the field of persistent organic pollutants management 9. Attraction of technical assistance funds (grants) for the Republic of Uzbekistan to fulfill its obligations under the Stockholm Convention. 1. Development projects to implement the necessary measures in the framework of the Republic of Uzbekistan's fulfillment of its obligations under the Stockholm Convention. 2. Determine the necessary funds for project realization. 3. Provision of developed projects to the Global Environment Facility and other international donors, potential grantees and conduct negotiations. Starting in 2022 Constantly Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, concerned ministries and departments Attraction of grant funds and technical assistance in the field of persistent organic pollutants management. 10. Strengthening the material and technical base 1. Drawing up a list of necessary equipment. May 2022 Committee for Ecology of the Strengthening the material and technical base of structural divisions of № Task name Mechanism of implementations Terms of execution Responsible performers Expected results and human resources of territorial laboratories for conducting research inventory of special disposal and storage facilities for toxic chemicals and other toxic substances, agricultural airfields, areas contaminated with persistent organic pollutants, PCB containing electrical equipment. 2. Realization projects aimed at strengthening the material and technical base of laboratories. 3. Рrovision of laboratories with modern equipment. 4. Involvement of qualified specialists in state analytical laboratories. 5. Organization of advanced training of laboratory specialists. During 2022 2024 Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Uzhydromet, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan the Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Create the necessary analytical infrastructure for effective management of persistent organic pollutants. Obtaining an accreditation certificate for laboratories. 11. Consideration of establishing a national or regional analytical laboratory to assess the effects of persistent organic pollutants (dioxins and furans) impact on public health and the environment. 1. Study the issue organizations of a national or regional analytical laboratory. 2. Conducting negotiations with foreign countries. 3. Develop proposals for the establishment of an analytical laboratory based on public-private partnership, coordinate them with interested ministries and departments and submit them to the Cabinet of Ministers. September 2022 January 2023 Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Uzhydromet, concerned ministries and departments Creating the necessary analytical infrastructure for evaluation impacts of persistent organic pollutants on public health and the environment. 12. Development and adaptation of methods for performing content measurements persistent organic pollutants, 1. Development of a schedule for developing, adapting, mastering and updating methods for measuring persistent organic pollutants in food, December 2022 Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Development of analytical methods for determining the concentration of residual amounts of persistent organic pollutants in environmental objects, food, waste and electrical equipment. № Task name Mechanism of implementations Terms of execution Responsible performers Expected results including furans and dioxins in environmental objects and PCBs in electrical equipment. environmental objects and electrical equipment. 2. Organization of work on the development of measurement methods according to the schedule. 3. Conducting state registration of measurement techniques in accordance with the established procedure. According to the schedule Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Uzhydromet, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Uzbek Agency for Technical Regulation, concerned ministries and departments 13. Development and strengthening of research capacity in the field of chemical management. 1. Creation of the Scientific and Technical Council for Ecology and Environmental Protection under the Ministry of Innovation. 2. Organization of scientific research on such topics as inventory of persistent organic pollutants affecting public health and ecosystems, creation of alternative safer chemicals, low-and waste-free technologies. May 2022 Annually Ministry of Innovative Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan Creating a scientific basis for: sources of persistent organic pollutants and their releases to the environment; the presence of persistent organic pollutants in human bodies and the environment, the level of pollution; dissemination and transformation of persistent organic pollutants in the environment; socio-economic consequences; reduce and eliminate emissions, a common source accounting methodology, and analytical methods for measuring persistent organic pollutant emissions. 14. Establishment of a National register of chemicals, including the National register of 1. Development and adoption of regulatory documents on state registration of chemical substances. 2. Development of forms and procedures for mandatory statistical November 2023 State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Statistics, Establishment of a national register of chemicals, including a National register of persistent organic pollutants. Formation of statistical reports on the form 1-PCDs, 1-PCDs / PCDF approved № Task name Mechanism of implementations Terms of execution Responsible performers Expected results persistent organic pollutants. reporting on persistent organic pollutants. 3. Receiving statistical reports. Formation of the National register of persistent organic pollutants based on the analysis of statistical reports. 4. Collection and cataloging of information on the volumes (emissions, waste) of POPS, produced and used in the Republic of Uzbekistan of persistent organic pollutants (stocks, emissions, waste), on the content of persistent organic pollutants in environmental objects. Starting in 2024 Starting in 2024 Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, State Committee of Industrial Safety of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, JSC “Uzkimyosanoat” by the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Statistics. 15. Compiling a Best available techniques catalog for eliminating obsolete pesticides and reducing persistent organic pollutants. 1. Collection and analysis of information on persistent organic pollutants. 2. Developing plan on compiling a Best available techniques catalog. 3.Drawing up of the Best available techniques catalog. August 1 2023 October 1 2023 According to the plan Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Innovative Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Integration the best ones international practices as a result of the development of a Best available techniques catalog for eliminating obsolete pesticides, reducing PCDD/PCDF, HCB, and PCDs emissions. № Task name Mechanism of implementations Terms of execution Responsible performers Expected results Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, State Committee of Industrial Safety of the Republic of Uzbekistan, JSC “Uzkimyosanoat”, Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology 16. Professional training and retraining of personnel on the identification and assessment of objects containing persistent organic pollutants, identification and restoration of contaminated territories. 1. Organization of training courses on the basis of the Center for retraining and advanced training of employees engaged in activities in the field of Environmental Protection under the Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan. constantly Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan Introduction of issues related to the management of persistent organic pollutants in the system of environmental education. № Task name Mechanism of implementations Terms of execution Responsible performers Expected results Inclusion of persistent organic pollutants management topics in training programs. 17. Organization at industrial enterprises a monitoring system for storage and processing of waste generated in the course of production activities. 1.Development of a draft technical specification for the organization at industrial enterprises a monitoring system for storage and processing of waste generated in the course of production activities. 2.Development design of the information base. 3. System development and commissioning. 2023 2023 Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, concerned ministries and departments Ensuring monitoring of storage and processing of waste generated in the course of production activities at industrial enterprises of the Republic. Implementation of digitalization of waste management. III. Inventory, identification of contaminated sites (chemicals included in Annex A, B and C of the Convention) and their environmentally sound management 1. 18. Inventory of storage and disposal sites for obsolete and banned pesticides, including persistent organic pollutants, studying them of import, export and usage. 1. Determination places with high levels of pollution by provefield research activities, including hazard assessment. Identification of selected pesticide samples. 2. Introduction of storage and burial sites of obsolete and prohibited pesticides, including persistent organic pollutants, into the unified system of state cadastres in accordance with the established procedure. 3. Assignment of geographical coordinates to objects identified as a result of inventory and construction 2024 Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, concerned ministries and departments Defining types persistent organic pollutants, creation of an electronic map that displays places of storage and burial, land plots contaminated with persistent organic pollutants. № Task name Mechanism of implementations Terms of execution Responsible performers Expected results on their basis of an electronic map of storage, burial sites and land plots contaminated with persistent organic pollutants. 4. Development of coordinated and sound proposals for rehabilitation measures. 5. Making requirements and recommendations to relevant organizations. 2. 19. Identification of sites and electrical equipment contaminated with PCDs, inventory and labeling of PCD-containing electrical equipment. 1. Development of an inventory management program. 2. Organization of inventory according to the program. 3. Taking appropriate measures based on the inventory results: Identification and compilation of a register of contaminated PCDs and used, decommissioned and held in reserve sites PCDs containing electrical equipment with subsequent submission of the register to the Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Development and introduction to the Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan of a schedule for phased decommissioning PCDs containing electrical equipment and replacement of old electrical equipment. May 2023 Within the established time frame Within the established time frame Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, JSC “Uzeltexsanoat”, Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan Forming register of contaminated sites, used, decommissioned and held in reserve PCDs containing electrical equipment, containing more than 50 ppm PCDs. Phased decommissioning of PCBs containing electrical equipment. № Task name Mechanism of implementations Terms of execution Responsible performers Expected results Identification and labeling of equipment containing more than 50 ppm PCDs. 3. 20. Conducting environmental monitoring of priority sources of persistent organic pollutants within the framework of industrial monitoring of the natural environment. 1. Development, coordination and approval of the program of industrial monitoring of the natural environment. 2. Monitoring of persistent organic pollutants. 3. Analysis of monitoring results and their presentation to the Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan. December 2023 According to the program Annually, until March 1 Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, economic entities with high and medium risk of environmental impact Economic entities with high and medium risk of environmental impact Development of a database on priority sources of persistent organic pollutants and their impacts. 4. 21. Creation of a system for monitoring compliance with the requirements of environmentally safe management of waste containing PCDs in the energy, chemical, automotive and metallurgical sectors. 1. Еnabling persistent organic pollutants management requirements when issuing a conclusion of the state ecological expertise. 2. Organization of compliance with the requirements of state expertise during inspections economic activity at subjects. From 2023 Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan Ensuring timely prevention of environmental pollution by highly toxic waste containing PCDs. IV. Reduce and prevent unintended emissions of dioxins and furans № Task name Mechanism of implementations Terms of execution Responsible performers Expected results 5. 22. Study of issues related to the creating a centralized system for collecting, disposing and eliminating medical waste, taking into account foreign experience. 1. Study of foreign experience in the field of medical waste management. 2. Development of infrastructure in the field of medical waste management, development of proposals for the creation of public private partnerships in public medical institutions through the gradual transfer of functions for the disposal of medical waste to the private sector and taking measures for their implementation. November 2022 Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan Realization of public-private partnership projects to create a centralized system for collecting, disposing and eliminating medical waste. 6. 23. Study of issues related to the organization of a centralized system for collecting, disposing and eliminating PCDs containing electrical equipment. 1. Study of foreign experience in the collection, utilization and disposal of PCD-containing electrical equipment. 2. Study of the feasibility of creating enterprise for collection, disposal and disposal of PCD containing electrical equipment and submission of relevant proposals to the Cabinet of Ministers. March 2023 JSC “Uzeltexsanoat”, Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan Development of proposals for the organization of infrastructure for the collection, disposal and disposal of PCD containing electrical equipment. 7. 24. Development of a separate solid waste collection system in Tashkent. 1. Conducting educational activities among the population. 2. Study the issue of limiting the use of disposable plastic tableware and develop proposals for appropriate measures. 3. Create ecological retail outlets. constantly December 2022 Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Khokimiyat of Tashkent city Ensuring efficient separation of solid household waste, improving the sanitary and epidemiological situation in cities and districts of the republic as a result of attracting the population to separate collection of solid household waste. Waste processing enterprises will save money spent on additional № Task name Mechanism of implementations Terms of execution Responsible performers Expected results 4. Organization of the system separate waste collection in educational institutions in Tashkent. 5. Taking measures to organize a system of separate collection of solid household waste in other regions of the republic based on the results of the work performed. 2022-2025 separation of solid household waste and increase the volume of secondary material resources involved in economic turnover. V. Organization of information exchange, reporting and performance evaluation 8. 25. Implementation of educational and cultural educational programs on prevention the negative impact of persistent organic pollutants on public health and the environment, ensuring the exchange of experience. 1. Organization environmental events dedicated to the persistent organic pollutants. 2. Organization of an exchange of experience (internship) in the field of persistent organic pollutants. constantly Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Higher and secondary specialized education of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent chemical technological institute, Union of Youth of Uzbekistan, NGOs, Raising the level of knowledge and forming the ecological culture of the population in the field of waste management of persistent organic pollutants, ensuring cooperation in this area with the public and civil society institutions. № Task name Mechanism of implementations Terms of execution Responsible performers Expected results mass media 9. 26. Increase public awareness of persistent organic pollutants, ensure public participation in addressing issues related to the impact of persistent organic pollutants on human health and the environment. 1. Ensuring the openness of data about persistent organic pollutants through the dissemination of information through meetings, conversations, briefings, seminars and through the media. 2. Conduct a public discussion of regulatory documents adopted in the field of persistent organic pollutants. 3. Development of public environmental control in the management of chemicals. 4. Organization of interviews with leading national and foreign experts on persistent organic pollutants. constantly Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, State Committee of Industrial Safety of the Republic of Uzbekistan, NGOs, Mass media Improving the level of public knowledge in the field of waste management of persistent organic pollutants, increasing their involvement in the management of persistent organic pollutants, ensuring cooperation in this area with the public and civil society institutions. 27. Submission to the Conference of the Parties of a national report on the results of measures to monitor the implementation of commitments by the Republic of Uzbekistan. 1. Develop an evaluation program, checklist, or forms. 2. Development of the evaluation procedure. 3. Creating a reporting mechanism. Within the established time frame Committee for Ecology of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, concerned ministries and departments Preparation and submission of a national report on the results of measures to monitor the implementation of commitments. 28. Participate in the processes of preparing a 1. Prepare proposals for the inclusion of new chemicals in the Based on an analysis of the Committee for Ecology of the Establish cooperation with the Convention Secretariat to prevent the Note: The financing of the activities envisaged in the Action Plan will be carried out at the expense of budget funds allocated to responsible executors, their extra-budgetary funds, financial and technical assistance from international donors. № Task name Mechanism of implementations Terms of execution Responsible performers Expected results list of new substances under the Convention. Annex to the Convention in accordance with the established requirements and send them to the Secretariat. 2. Ensuring the participation of specialists (experts) in events organized by the Secretariat to discuss proposals from parties to supplement the Convention's annexes with new chemicals. handling of chemicals and their impact on human health and the environment Based on requests from the Secretariat Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent chemical technological institute, Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan negative effects of hazardous chemicals on human health and the environment.