The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is inviting laboratories worldwide to participate in the Fifth Round of the Global Interlaboratory Assessment on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Mercury (2026), under the GEF-funded Global Chemicals Monitoring Programme (GCMP).

This biennial initiative plays a critical role in strengthening the comparability and quality of global monitoring data, supporting the implementation of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and the Minamata Convention on Mercury. By participating, laboratories contribute to a coordinated global effort to generate robust, harmonized data on toxic chemicals in the environment and human populations.

Who can join?
Public, academic, research, non-profit, and qualified private laboratories involved in environmental or biological monitoring of POPs and mercury.

Why participate?

• Benchmark and strengthen analytical performance
• Contribute to global knowledge and policy-relevant data
• Collaborate across regional and international laboratory networks

List of the target Chemicals: POPs listed in the annexes of the Stockholm Convention until 2025 and total mercury will be covered in this round of the assessment. 

List of the target matrices: Test materials for POPs will include (i) core matrices—air extracts, water, and milk powder—and (ii) standard solutions. Test materials for total mercury will include (i) air extracts and (ii) SRM sediments.  

📅 Deadline:
Registration is open until 15 May 2026

Should you have any question related to this registration application, please contact science.chemicals [at] un.org with subject: "Registration Interlaboratory Assessment 2026".

Access the registration form HERE.