EU Officially Revises POPs Regulation to Strengthen Control of Brominated Flame Retardants

On October 28, 2025, the European Commission formally adopted Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1482, introducing significant amendments to provisions related to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) under the EU Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation (EU 2019/1021).

Background

PBDEs, known for their persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and toxicity, were listed for elimination under the Stockholm Convention as early as 2009. Despite gradual phase-out in EU production, PBDEs continue to enter new products (e.g., furniture, textiles) through recycled materials. The current regulation permits an unintentional total residual limit of 500 mg/kg for PBDEs in mixtures or articles. On July 24, 2025, the European Commission proposed a revision to significantly tighten concentration limits for brominated flame retardants (PBDEs) and submitted it to the European Parliament and Council for review. The amendment was officially published in the EU Official Journal on October 28, 2025.

Key Revisions

Under the new rules, the total concentration limits for tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, and decabromodiphenyl ethers (collectively PBDEs) in mixtures or articles will be substantially tightened:

1. General products (excluding food contact materials)

The combined limit for the five PBDEs is reduced from 500 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg, effective immediately.

2. Recycled material products

Transitional arrangements apply:

Current 500 mg/kg limit remains until December 30, 2025;
Reduced to 350 mg/kg from December 30, 2025;
Further tightened to 200 mg/kg from December 30, 2027.

3. Toys and child care articles (e.g., seats, sleep, feeding, hygiene, and mobility products)

Regardless of recycled material use:

Must meet 350 mg/kg by December 30, 2025;
10 mg/kg required by May 17, 2027, aligning with general products and eliminating exemption loopholes.

4. Food contact materials

Exempt from this regulation but must comply with food-grade regulations (EU) 10/2011 and (EU) 2022/1616, where PBDEs are prohibited in principle.

The revised regulation will enter into force on November 17, 2025. Companies exporting relevant products to the EU should immediately audit their supply chains and conduct PBDE screenings to avoid trade barriers.

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