The General Office of the State Council has recently issued the “Action Plan for the Treatment of ”, which provides a comprehensive plan for the treatment of new pollutants.

The production and use of toxic and hazardous chemical substances are major sources of new pollutants. Currently, the main new pollutants of widespread concern at home and abroad include persistent organic pollutants, endocrine disruptors and antibiotics, which are controlled by international conventions.

The Programme specifies that by 2025, the environmental risk screening of chemical substances of high concern and high production (use) will be completed. Furthermore, the environmental risk assessment of a number of chemical substances will be concluded, and environmental risk control measures such as banning, restricting and limiting emissions will be implemented for new pollutants under key control. In general, the capacity to manage new pollutants will be significantly enhanced.