EU Bans Methoxychlor and Hexabromocyclododecane Under POPs Regulation
The European Commission has announced the addition of methoxychlor and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) to the list of prohibited substances under the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation (EU) 2019/1021. These amendments, published in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2570 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2555, will take effect on October 17, 2024.
Methoxychlor: Added to POPs Regulation
Starting from October 17, 2024, methoxychlor, a pesticide widely used in agriculture, will be added to Annex I of the POPs Regulation. It will be prohibited in the EU, with a concentration limit of 0.01 mg/kg (0.000001% by weight) in substances, mixtures, or articles. Methoxychlor’s addition to the list reflects growing concerns over its environmental and health impacts.
Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD): New Amendments
The entry for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) in the POPs Regulation is also being amended due to concerns over its continued presence in recycled plastics and products made from these materials. While HBCDD has been phased out in new products, it is still found in recycled materials used in children’s toys, food contact articles, and packaging materials like polystyrene. As a result, the regulation aims to reduce HBCDD concentrations in such products to the lowest possible levels to protect human health and the environment.
Impact of the Amendments
Both methoxychlor and HBCDD will be banned in the EU from October 17, 2024. This means that industries using or manufacturing products containing these chemicals will need to comply with new restrictions. Manufacturers and suppliers in the EU will need to ensure that their products meet these standards by the deadline to avoid regulatory penalties.
The inclusion of methoxychlor and HBCDD in the POPs Regulation is a significant step toward protecting human health and the environment. Companies that use recycled materials or produce products containing these chemicals must revise their processes to comply with the new regulations and ensure they are not using prohibited substances.