The European Commission has announced plans to implement exemptions for the use of UV-328 under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). These exemptions will come into effect on February 26, 2025, and are designed to help industries transition while alternatives to UV-328 are being developed.

Specific Exemptions for UV-328

UV-328 (CAS No. 25973-55-1), commonly used in various industries for its protective properties in plastics, coatings, and paints, will face usage restrictions. However, specific exemptions have been outlined, allowing for continued use in certain sectors. These exemptions include:

• Land Vehicles: UV-328 can be used in land-based motor vehicles until February 26, 2030.
• Blood Collection Tubes: The chemical can be utilized in mechanical separators for blood collection tubes until 2030.
• Polarizer Films: UV-328 will still be permissible in triacetyl cellulose films used in polarisers until 2030.
• Photographic Papers: The use of UV-328 in photographic paper will also be allowed until 2030.

In addition, spare parts for land-based motor vehicles, industrial machines, and liquid crystal displays (LCDs) used in various sectors will also be allowed to contain UV-328 until the end of their service life or 2044, whichever comes first. Specific industries such as agriculture, forestry, and construction will be able to use spare parts containing UV-328.

Extended Use of Spare Parts and LCDs

UV-328 is essential in LCDs for devices used in critical sectors such as agriculture and medical applications. Under the proposed exemptions, LCDs containing UV-328 can be used until their service life ends. The same applies to medical devices under the scope of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 and devices covered by Regulation (EU) 2017/746.

Articles already containing UV-328 in the European Union before the expiration of these exemptions may continue to be used.

Background on UV-328 Restrictions

The 11th Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention in Geneva in May 2023 added UV-328, along with methoxychlor and Dechlorane, to Annex A of the Stockholm Convention. The conference recognized that the lack of suitable alternatives in the plastics and coatings industries necessitated specific exemptions to allow for a smoother transition.

These exemptions will offer industries more time to find and adopt alternatives, while still adhering to the overall goals of reducing the presence of persistent organic pollutants.

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