In 2023, substances containing benzene dominated EU exports and imports of hazardous chemicals, accounting for 98% of exports (65.1 million tonnes) and 99% of imports (65.7 million tonnes). Exports of other hazardous chemicals increased by 8%, while imports dropped by 56% in 2023. Pesticide exports continued to decline, with a 10% decrease from 2022 to 2023.

Data for the report (Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Regulation on imports and exports of chemicals that are banned, or severely restricted, in the European Union) was provided by 532 (export)/207 (import) companies in 23 EU countries. Four EU countries (Cyprus, Estonia, Luxembourg and Malta) and the UK (Northern Ireland) declared that they had no trade in chemicals under the PIC Regulation.

Benzene is a critical industrial chemical due to its use as a precursor in the production of various products. Benzene as a constituent of other substances in concentrations equal to, or greater than 0.1 % by weight was included in Annex I of PIC in 2022, entering into force on 1 July 2022.

• European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Helsinki, Finland