On October 14, 2024, CDX announced updates to the EU Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP) regulation, following significant amendments introduced by the European Commission on September 27, 2024. These changes implement new restrictions and modify existing thresholds for specific substances.

Key Amendments

1. Amendment (EU) 2024/2555

The first amendment focuses on hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), a flame retardant commonly used in electronics such as televisions and computer monitors. The allowed concentration threshold for HBCDD as an unintentional trace contaminant (UTC) has been reduced from 100 mg/kg to 75 mg/kg in substances, mixtures, or flame-resistant products. However, recycled polystyrene utilized in the production of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation materials will still have a higher limit of 100 mg/kg.

2. Amendment (EU) 2024/2570

The second amendment adds methoxychlor to Part A of Annex I of the POPs Regulation. Methoxychlor, including any possible isomer of dimethoxydiphenyltrichloroethane, is frequently used as an insecticide in agriculture and home gardens. The new regulation establishes a stringent concentration limit of 0.01 mg/kg (0.000001% by weight) for methoxychlor in various products.

Implementation Timeline

Both amendments were effective from October 17, 2024, twenty days after their publication. Businesses will need to adjust their processes accordingly to comply with the new regulations.

For more details, please refer to the official publications: [Amendment (EU) 2024/2555](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202402555) and [Amendment (EU) 2024/2570](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202402570).