In preparation for the entry into force of the
1998 Protocol on Heavy Metals, the Executive Body
for the Convention established the Expert Group
on Heavy Metals in 2002. The Expert Group held two
meetings and two scientific workshops. Led by Germany,
the Expert Group has addressed the technical needs
of the reviews and assessments required by the 1998
Aarhus Protocol on Heavy Metals. It has drafted
procedures, methods and proposed timing for the
scheduled evaluations of limit values, the review
of sufficiency and effectiveness and the review
of additional heavy metals, product control measures
or products/product groups. The work has taken into
account activities of relevant bodies under the
Convention and synergies with the abatement of particulate
matter.
The Expert Group’s work-plan was aimed at
making preparations for the review of the Protocol
on Heavy Metals. The timing for the start of this
review will be decided by the Parties to the Protocol
at their first meeting at the twenty-second session
of the Executive Body in December 2004.