China
will enforce its ban on the flame
retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) from December 26, 2021.
HBCDD has a variety of uses:
- Expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded
polystyrene (XPS) for insulation and construction - Back-coatings for upholstery and other
interior textiles - Automotive applications.
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The ban prohibited the manufacture, use,
import and export of HBCDD.
China signed the 2001 Stockholm Convention on
Persistent Organic Pollutant Chemicals (POP chemicals). The Ministry of Ecology
and Environment (MEE) then formally adopted the Convention’s listing of HBCDD into
Chinese law on December 26, 2016, essentially creating a blanket ban on the
substance. However, a five-year exemption was concurrently announced to permit
its use in limited circumstances. These include:
- EXP and XPS for buildings
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That five-year extension has now elapsed, and
the ban will be enforced from December 26, 2021.
In June 2021, the MEE instructed relevant government
ministries to carry out surveillance activities relating to the prohibition, starting
from the announcement date of December 26, 2016. These will be reported to the
MEE before March 31, 2022.
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