Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were widely used in electrical transformers and industrial applications but pose serious health and environmental risks. Their production and use have been controlled under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) since 2004.

PCBs are one of the original twelve POPs listed under Annex A of the Stockholm Convention. The Stockholm Convention prohibits any new production and use of PCBs. Part II of Annex A to the Stockholm Convention also requires each Party to:

• Eliminate the use of PCBs in equipment (containing greater than 50 ppm) by 2025; and
• Environmentally sound waste manage/dispose of liquids containing PCBs and equipment contaminated with PCBs having a PCB content above 50 ppm, in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 6 and part II of Annex A of the Convention, as soon as possible and no later than 2028.

UNDP provides technical support to developing countries that are either undertaking their first PCBmanagement projects or countries that have completed their first PCB management project but would like to undertake additional replacement and disposal and/or management, decontamination and disposal of contaminated equipment and oils.