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The European Union continues to strengthen its regulatory stance on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) under Regulation (EU) 2019/1021, targeting substances that pose long-term risks to human health and the environment. In its latest updates, the EU has introduced significant changes concerning PFHxS, Methoxychlor, and HBCDD. Here’s what manufacturers and compliance professionals need to know.
PFHxS Added to EU POPs List (Effective August 28, 2023)
On August 8, 2023, the EU published Regulation (EU) 2023/1608, amending Annex I Part A of the POPs Regulation to include:
- Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)
- PFHxS salts
- PFHxS-related compounds (including degradable substances that contain the structural element C6F13S-)
Key Implications:
- PFHxS and related compounds are widely used in textiles, firefighting foams, and coatings.
- The amendment allows exemptions for intermediate use or essential applications under strict control.
- PFHxS is known for its high persistence and bioaccumulation potential, prompting its global restriction under the Stockholm Convention.
Methoxychlor & HBCDD Thresholds Updated (Effective October 17, 2024)
In a follow-up amendment published on September 27, 2024, the European Commission introduced two new controls:
- 1 Methoxychlor
- Now listed under Annex I (Part A)
- Threshold: 0.01 mg/kg in any material
- Previously used in agriculture as a pesticide, its toxicity and environmental persistence led to global restriction proposals
- 2 HBCDD (Hexabromocyclododecane)
- Lowered UTC threshold from 100 mg/kg to 75 mg/kg for most products
- Exception: Recycled EPS/XPS polystyrene insulation materials (remains 100 mg/kg)
- Aimed at supporting circular economy goals while minimizing emissions
Industry Sectors Impacted by EU POPs Regulation Update
- Electronics: Flame retardants, insulation materials, printed circuit boards
- Construction: Polystyrene insulation, recycled materials
- Agriculture: Pesticide manufacturers and suppliers
Why These Amendments Matter
- Health Protection: Reduces human and wildlife exposure to known carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and bioaccumulative toxins
- Circularity with Control: Recycled HBCDD usage shows EU’s support for circular economy within defined safety limits
- International Alignment: Matches EU standards with Stockholm Convention obligations
Compliance Deadlines Recap
- PFHxS: Already in effect since August 28, 2023
- Methoxychlor & HBCDD: Enforceable from October 17, 2024
Businesses must screen their BOMs, engage suppliers, and update documentation to stay compliant.
How Acquis Helps You Stay Compliant
Navigating these regulatory shifts can be complex. That’s where Acquis comes in:
- Supply Chain Data Collection & Material Declaration Management
- Regulatory Threshold Analysis for POPs, PFAS, REACH, and more
- On-demand reporting to support audits and inspections
- Compliance automation tools tailored to electronics and manufacturing industries
Ready to future-proof your POPs compliance? Contact us for a free risk assessment.