Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are established toxins and are being outlawed or restricted throughout the world. Stockholm convention on POPs is the treaty which aims at elimination of these toxins. The treaty was finalised in Johannesburg in December 2000 after a marathon discussion lasting two and a half years.

On May 23, 2001, ninety one countries and the European Commission signed the treaty. But India is yet to sign it. According to the treaty, international action will be taken to eliminate 12 POPs, which include dioxins and furans. This will be done by setting up control mechanisms to cover the production, import, export and disposal and use of POPs, and make money available to developing countries to phase out these chemicals. A review committee has been set up to find out if new chemicals need to included in the existing list of POPs. Currently, of the 12 POPs, nine are banned in India. The remaining