A new proposal has been introduced in the EU, to further restrict the presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in waste. To support a circular economy, secondary raw materials from waste were encouraged in all sectors for further use with better quality and without containing persistent organic pollutants.

This proposal aims to modify annexes IV and V of the POPs regulation by increasing the counts on the list of substances to be restricted in waste. Also, it covers updates to the concentration limit values for some substances on the list.

The committee recommends that (13Z)-Hexadec-13-en-11-yn-1-yl acetate, a pheromone used in repellents and attractants, be approved (product-type 19). However, it believes that the approval should be restricted to the specific use and application method specified by the applicant. 

Substances under the proposal:

• • perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts and related compounds

Substances under the proposal:

• • waterproof textiles and fire-fighting foams. 

The Council’s amendments to the Commission proposal are mainly to limit values for dioxins and furans (PCDDs/PCDFs). The limit value for dioxins and furans at 10 μg/kg. Probably the limit restriction will take place by 1 January 2025.

Adding some substances to annex IV of the POPs regulation (Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on persistent organic pollutants) would support to comply with Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants as well.

Reference: https://echa.europa.eu