Geneva (March 5, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 034.25, examining the EU’s consultation on replacing unintentional trace contaminant (UTC) limits for several flame retardants. The proposals are open for comments until March 18, 2025.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of synthetic brominated compounds, primarily used as flame retardants in consumer electronics, textiles and furnishings. A four-week European Commission consultation over the proposal to replace certain specifications for five PBDE flame retardants was announced on February 18, 2025.
The flame retardants are all listed under Part A of Annex 1 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants (the POP Recast Regulation).
The five PBDE flame retardants are:
– Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (TetraBDE)
– Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PentaBDE)
– Hexabromodiphenyl ether (HexaBDE)
– Heptabromodiphenyl ether (HeptaBDE)
– Decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE)
PBDEs should not, in principle, be present in food contact materials and articles. For this reason, they are exempt from the draft delegated regulation. UTC limits have also been proposed for toys, childcare articles and products for the general public when they contain recovered materials.
SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 034.25 includes a helpful table with highlights of the proposed changes to point 2 under ‘Specific exemption on intermediate use or other specification’ requirements for each of the five PBDEs.
Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 034.25 for more details.
SGS chemical testing
SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS chemical testing services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Consults On Revised Specifications for Flame Retardants Under POP Recast Regulation SafeGuardS.
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For further information contact:
Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420
Website: http://www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
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