IOPC Funds delivers HNS Reporting Workshop for Nordic States

On 5 February 2026, the IOPC Funds delivered a workshop for Nordic States on the reporting of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) in the context of the 2010 HNS Convention. The workshop was held in Copenhagen, Denmark, and was attended by representatives from Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland.

The purpose of the workshop was to provide an in-depth, interactive demonstration of the online HNS Reporting Platform and to gather feedback to support further improvements to the system ahead of the entry into force of the 2010 HNS Convention.

The IOPC Funds’ team, comprising HNS Project Manager Gillian Grant, Policy Officer Yuji Okugawa, and Information Technology Officer, Stuart Colman, outlined ongoing preparations for the entry into force of the HNS Convention, the IOPC Funds’ role in this process, and the establishment of the future HNS Fund. The team provided a comprehensive overview of the HNS Reporting Platform for government users and HNS receivers.

A hands-on session enabled participants to enhance their understanding of the platform’s functionality and architecture. Discussions also covered insurance certificates,  and the status of HNS reporting by Contracting States in 2025.

The workshop was well received, with participants taking the opportunity to ask a wide range of questions on the HNS Reporting Platform and other matters of interest.

To date, eight States have ratified the HNS Protocol to the original 1996 HNS Convention, and commitments from several others indicate that further ratifications will follow this year. Twelve States are required to accede to the Protocol for it to enter into force and become the 2010 HNS Convention. It is anticipated that this will take place in the near future, approximately 18 months after the entry criteria of the Convention have been met.