EU Amends POPs Regulation Limits for Five PBDE 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:

Hazards of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)

PBDEs, once widely used as brominated flame retardants, are highly persistent and bioaccumulative, posing significant hazards. For humans, they can disrupt the endocrine system, affect children's intellectual and pubertal development, harm reproductive functions, increase cancer risk, and damage the nervous and immune systems. Environmentally, they are difficult to degrade, easily spread, and can bioaccumulate through the food chain, threatening the survival of flora and fauna. Therefore, they are strictly regulated by various international and regional standards.

How to Respond?

PBDEs have been extensively used as flame retardants in electronic products, textiles, and foam plastics. Due to recycling activities, PBDEs have also been found in recycled materials, especially in toys and childcare products. In response to the EU's urgent amendment tightening these measures, manufacturers should avoid adding PBDEs during production. Companies currently using these flame retardants should quickly find alternative materials and strengthen control over recycled materials and processes, paying particular attention to toys and childcare products (used for sitting, sleeping, relaxing, hygiene, dressing, body care, feeding, sucking, transporting, and protection) to comply with the new requirements.

CIRS Testing advises companies to conduct thorough risk material assessments and testing confirmations, proactively planning their product compliance routes. CIRS Testing can provide a one-stop compliance solution for EU POPs, including consultation, training, and testing, helping you ensure your products meet the latest regulatory requirements and avoid trade risks.

About CIRS

CIRS Group is a leading provider of comprehensive regulatory compliance services and solutions for chemicals, cosmetics, food and food-related products, agrochemicals, and medical devices. Its chemical team consists of experts with extensive knowledge in chemistry, toxicology, environmental science, and related fields. They are well-versed in various international regulations, including but not limited to EU REACH, CLP, GHS, TSCA, and K-REACH. Our chemical compliance services in the EU cover:

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via test@cirs-group.com.

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