EU Aligns with Stockholm Convention, Adds Dechlorane Plus to POPs Regulation

The European Commission has proposed a delegated regulation to list Dechlorane Plus in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 (POPs Regulation), aligning EU law with the global listing adopted under the Stockholm Convention in May 2023.

Background: A Persistent Threat

Dechlorane Plus, a flame retardant, is recognized for its:

• Environmental persistence
• Bioaccumulation in living organisms
• Documented toxicity

It was added to Annex A of the Stockholm Convention at COP-11, with specific exemptions, prompting the EU to act.

Legal Basis and Process

The EU regulation is based on Article 15(1) of the POPs Regulation, which allows the Commission to align EU rules with international POPs decisions. In 2022, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) submitted a restriction dossier, supported by the RAC and SEAC committees.

Key Details of the Regulation

• Substance: Dechlorane Plus (syn- and anti-isomers)
• CAS Numbers: 13560-89-9, 135821-03-3, 135821-74-8
• EC Number: 236-948-9
• Trace Limit: 1 mg/kg (0.0001%) in substances, mixtures, and articles
• Effective Date: 26 February 2025

Exemptions and Deadlines

Review and Public Consultation

• Review Date: By 1 April 2028 (ahead of 2029 COP meeting)
• Stakeholder Consultations: 14 June 2023, 29 Nov 2023, 7 June 2024
• Public Input: Gathered via the Have Your Say portal

International Alignment

The regulation ensures EU compliance with:

• The Stockholm Convention on POPs
• The Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution

Reference: European Commission Delegated Regulation under Regulation (EU) 2019/1021