EU Signals Intention to Restrict Deca-BDE

The European Union (EU) has made clear its intention to restrict the use of decabromodiphenyl ether (Deca-BDE) (CAS No. 1163-19-5).

On May 4, 2016, the World Trade Organization (WTO) circulated a notification from the EU prohibiting the placing of Deca-BDE on the market as a substance. In addition, the EU is seeking to restrict the use of Deca-BDE to no more than 0.1% in articles and mixtures, including consumer products.

This new entry under Annex XVII to REACH is expected to be adopted in the second half of 2016, and it is anticipated it will become effective in early 2018.

Deca-BDE is widely used as an additive flame retardant in articles containing plastic and textile materials. Furthermore, it has applications in adhesives, coatings, inks and sealants.

The proposal, attached to WTO document 16-2502, lists a number of exemptions. These include, but are not limited to, the use of Deca-BDE as a substance, a constituent of substance or mixture in the manufacture of:

• Articles that were manufactured before the effective date of the regulation
• Electrical and electronic equipment within the scope of Directive 2011/65/EC
• Spare parts for motor vehicles falling under Directive 2007/46/EC
• Agricultural and forestry vehicles within the scope of Regulation (EU) 167/2013
• Machinery within the scope of Directive 2006/42/EC

REACH places responsibility on industry to manage the risks that chemicals, or consumer articles, may pose to public health and to the environment. Companies are therefore advised to seek specialist assistance in making sure they comply with all REACH regulations. SGS offers a one-stop solution for companies ensuring their production and distribution systems remain compliant with REACH legislation.

SGS REACH Services
SGS offers a comprehensive suite of services to help our customers comply with their obligations under REACH, from initial REACH registration to consulting, testing, auditing and verification services to support ongoing compliance. Learn more about SGS’s REACH Services. (www.sgs.com/en/consumer-goods-retail/packaging/reach)

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Proposes to Restrict Deca-BDE under REACH SafeGuardS. (www.sgs.com/en/news/2016/05/safeguards-09816-eu-proposes-to-restrict-deca-bde-under-reach)

Subscribe here: www.sgs.com/subscribesg, to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Hing Wo Tsang
Global Hardlines Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420
Email: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: sgs.com/cgnr

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This release was published on openPR.