SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 160.23 to provide stakeholders with an overview of the lower limits for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) being proposed by the European Union (EU) under Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants (POP Recast Regulation).
The European Commission announced a consultation on the proposal in November 2023 that will continue until December 26, 2023. If accepted, it will strengthen the limit value for HBCDD as an unintentional trace contaminant (UTC) in substances, mixtures, articles or as a constituent of flame-retarded articles.
HBCDD is an important additive brominated flame retardant (BFR) in expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation materials. It also has applications in textiles, packaging materials (EPS) and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) for electrical and electronic applications.
Due to new applications relating to recycled polymeric materials that have been flame retarded, there are now concerns over the presence of restricted BFR in a variety of consumer products, including:
– Children’s toys
– Food contact materials and articles
– Polystyrene packaging
SGS publishes SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about market and regulatory changes that may impact their business. SafeGuardS 160.23 contains more details of changes to the POP Recast regulation and a table detailing the highlights of the draft regulation pertaining to HBCDD.
Stakeholders should review SGS’s original SafeGuardS for more information.
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 Over Lower Limit for HBCDD under POP Recast Regulation SafeGuardS.
Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.
For further information contact:
Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420
Email: cp.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.