commerce

The Rotterdam Convention regulates international trade with certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides. According to it, such substances may only be imported into a country if that country has been informed of the hazards in advance and has given its consent ("Prior Informed Consent"). Over 160 countries have ratified the Rotterdam Convention to date.

The planned free trade agreement known as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), if improperly designed, could result in a softening of EU environmental standards.

The purpose of tradable land planning permits is to control the use of new land for settlement and transport. Municipalities would be restricted in developing greenfield land outside of existing built-up areas for new settlement and transport projects. The UBA is currently conducting a countrywide pilot project with selected municipalities.