The EU has confirmed the reduction of the HBCDD limit

On March 21, 2024, the EU Commission approved the revised draft of POPs Regulation regarding hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD). The unintentional trace contaminant limit for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) in substances, mixtures and articles has been confirmed to be reduced from 100mg/kg to 75mg/kg.The official effective date of this revised draft needs to wait for the official announcement of the EU official Journal.

The comparison between the current regulation and the revised draft requirements is as follows:

Current regulation

1.For the purposes of this entry, point (b) of Article 4(1) shall apply to concentrations of hexabromocyclododecane equal to or below 100 mg/kg (0,01 % by weight) where it is present in substances, mixtures, articles or as constituents of the flame-retarded articles, subject to review by the Commission by 22 March 2019.

Revised draft requirement

1.For the purposes of this entry, Article 4(1), point (b), shall apply to concentrations of hexabromocyclododecane equal to or below 75 mg/kg (0,0075 % by weight) where it is present in substances, mixtures, articles or as constituents of the flame-retarded articles. For the use of recycled polystyrene in the production of EPS and XPS insulation material for use in buildings or civil engineering works, point (b) shall apply to concentrations of hexabromocyclododecane equal to or below 100 mg/kg (0,01 % by weight). The exemptions laid down in this point (1) shall be reviewed and assessed by the Commission by 1 January 2026.

There is no change in the point 2 and 3.

2.Expanded polystyrene articles containing hexabromocyclododecane already in use in buildings before 21 February 2018 in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/293 and Commission Implementing Decision No 2016/C 12/06, and extruded polystyrene articles containing hexabromocyclododecane already in use in buildings before 23 June 2016 may continue to be used. Article 4(2), third and fourth subparagraphs shall apply to such articles.

3.Without prejudice to the application of other Union provisions on the classification, packaging and labelling of substances and mixtures, expanded polystyrene placed on the market after 23 March 2016 in which hexabromocyclododecane was used shall be identifiable by labelling or other means throughout its life cycle.

CTT proposal
CTT will continue to pay attention to the updating progress of POPs regulation, and also recommends relevant enterprises to check the supply chain and do compliance control in advance.CTT can provide enterprises with one-stop comprehensive solutions for consulting, testing and training. For more detailed information, please contact us.