EU POP: Lower Limit for HBCDD

On September 27th, 2024, the European Union published Regulation (EU) 2024/2555 to amend EU POP Regulation by lowering the limit for Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) to 75 mg/kg. The restrictions enter into force on the twentieth day after publication.

Background
Since 2016, Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) is listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 with an Unintentional Trace Contaminant (UTC) limit value of 100 mg/kg (0,01 % by weight) where it is present in substances, mixtures, articles or as constituents of the flame-retarded articles.

Due to recycling activities, HBCDD might occur in recycled plastics and products made therefrom. Concerns are raised that recycled material still contain HBCDD. To reduce the presence of HBCDD in various waste streams and its relevance for recycling activities the concentration of HBCDD should be as low as possible and is set at 75 mg/kg. This aims to minimise exposure and thus protect human health and the environment.

Apart of this, it is expected that the recycling EPS will grow in volume in the next decades. Therefore, the limit for recycled polystyrene in the production of EPS and XPS insulation material was set at 100 mg/kg.

*This exemption shall be reviewed and assessed by the Commission by 1 January 2026

No specific transition period is granted as this Regulation enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Additional Information:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ%3AL_202402555

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