This Ordinance is organized in 4 sections and two Annexes listing, respectively, the substances and preparations that are banned or subject to severe restrictions in Switzerland and the substances and severely hazardous pesticide formulations subject to the prior informed consent procedure. The first section defines the aim of the Ordinance, which is to establish a notification and information system for the import and export of certain substances and preparations, the use of which is banned or subject to severe restrictions owing to their effects on human health or on the environment. It enables Switzerland to participate in the international notification procedure and the international prior informed consent procedure (PIC procedure) for certain hazardous chemicals and preparations in accordance with the PIC Convention. The first section also identifies the substances to which it applies (and do not apply). The second section sets up the obligations pending on Exporters (export notification, restrictions, accompanying information and customs declaration) and on Importers (import restrictions). The third section identifies in the FOEN the national authority designated for Switzerland, under Article 4 of the PIC Convention, to act on its behalf in the performance of the administrative functions required by this Convention. It further identifies the duties of the authority. The last section is dedicated to final provisions which cover the power of FOEN to enforce the Act or to delegate its duties and powers; the enforcement by the customs offices and calling-in of the FOEN; the calculation and payment of fees for administrative acts by the FOEN. In December 2020 the Federal Council added six active ingredients of plant protection products (carbendazim, fluzilazole, ioxynil, isoproturon, triasulfuron and triflumuron) and one industrial chemical (perfluorooctanoic acid, its salts and precursor compounds) to Annex 1. The addition of the perfluorooctanoic acid, its salts and precursor compounds in Annex 1 of the ChemPICO Ordinance has taken place on 1 June 2021.