Dechlorane Plus Listed for Global Elimination Under Stockholm Convention

The Stockholm Convention has officially listed Dechlorane Plus (CAS No. 13560-89-9), including its syn- and anti-isomers, under Annex A. This designation mandates the elimination of its production and use due to the chemical's persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Despite this, time-bound exemptions have been granted for critical applications in several countries.

Key Regulatory Measures and Timeline

• Ban Effective Date (EU): 26 February 2025
• UTC Limit: Maximum concentration of 1 mg/kg (0.0001% by weight) allowed as an unintentional trace contaminant.
• Existing Articles: Items already in use before the exemption expiry may continue to be used, but cannot be sold after the exemption ends.

International Implementation Status

• European Union: Full alignment with the Stockholm Convention; ban effective in early 2025.
• United Kingdom: Similar restrictions adopted in accordance with the Convention.
• United States: Has not ratified the Stockholm Convention; no federal-level restrictions currently in place.

Country-Specific Exemptions

Japan

• Use: Space and defence (heat insulators)
• Expiry: 26 February 2030
• Quantity: ~1 ton/year
• Justification: No viable substitute; essential for defence-related performance.

South Africa

• Use: Replacement parts and repair in automotive electronics
• Expiry: Until 2044 (certain parts no later than 2041)
• Quantity: 58.31 g/year (~10,000 parts for 5,000 vehicles)
• Justification: Legacy support; transition period needed; alternatives not yet developed.

Türkiye

• Uses: Aerospace, space and defence, medical imaging, replacement parts
• Expiry: All uses until 26 February 2030; some parts until 2044
• Justification: No available alternatives; time required for transition.

Transition with Safeguards

While Dechlorane Plus is being globally phased out, exemptions granted to Japan, South Africa, and Türkiye reflect a recognition of practical challenges in certain high-technology and defence sectors. These exemptions are strictly time-limited and subject to future review, aiming to minimize environmental and health risks while enabling innovation in safer alternatives.

This approach balances urgent environmental protection with essential industrial needs and reinforces global cooperation in managing hazardous substances.

Reference: Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants – Dechlorane Plus