Each year, companies trading hazardous chemicals across EU borders face a key compliance milestone under the EU Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Regulation.

March 31, 2026, is the deadline to report 2025 trade volumes to designated national authorities (DNAs).
The PIC Regulation implements the Rotterdam Convention within the EU and governs exports of chemicals that are banned or severely restricted in the EU. It applies across sectors – from plant protection products and biocides to industrial chemicals and other regulated substances.
In force since March 1, 2014, the Regulation contains two important inventories: Annex I and Annex V. Annex I is the list of substances that shall be notified before export. Annex V lists the substances that are completely prohibited from export. Part 1 covers persistent organic pollutants (POPs), while Part 2 includes substances prohibited from export and use (excluding POPs).
Companies intending to export chemicals listed under PIC to non-EU countries must notify their intention to export and obtain expert permission before shipment. But PIC is more than an administrative requirement; it is a mechanism for transparency and shared responsibility in global chemical trade. Export notifications, explicit consent procedures, and annual quantity reporting ensure that importing countries are fully informed and able to make decisions that protect human health and the environment.
Companies need to:
- Confirm whether substances are listed in Annex I
- Ensure export notifications and consents are in place
- Accurately tracking annual trade volumes per non-EU country
- Submit reports via the European Chemicals Agency ePIC IT system
With over 300 listed entries and ongoing regulatory updates, early preparation is essential to avoid last-minute compliance risks. A proactive review now can prevent reporting gaps later.
If you are unsure whether your portfolio is affected or you need support navigating PIC notification and reporting requirements, our regulatory team is ready to assist via services@cirs-group.com.
This article was originally published on our LinkedIn page on February 25, 2026.
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