The Chemical Review Committee (CRC-22) of the Rotterdam Convention, meeting in Rome, adopted a Decision Guidance Document on the insecticide methyl parathion. It is an organophosphorus insecticide used on crops such as cereals, fruits, vegetables and cotton, and is highly toxic to humans, birds, honeybees and aquatic life. Brazil and the European Union have already banned its production, sale and use. The document now goes to the Conference of the Parties (COP); if approved, methyl parathion will be placed under the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure for international trade.