Regulation (EU) 2022/2291 Set UTC Limit for Hexachlorobenzene
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On November 23, 2022, the EU Commission released the Regulation (EU) 2022/2291 in the Official Journal of the European Union amending Part A of Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021, in which Unintentional Trace Contaminant (UTC) limit is set for hexachlorobenzene. The Regulation 2022/2291 shall enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication and be applicable in all Member States.

Hexachlorobenzene usually presents as an impurity in certain substances, mixtures and articles, including pesticides, chlorinated solvents, inks, coatings, paints and toners, wood applications, textile applications and plastics.

In order to clarify the legal situation and facilitate enforcement as regards the use of substances, mixtures or articles containing hexachlorobenzene as an unintentional trace contaminant, a UTC limit of 10 mg/kg (0,001 % by weight) should be set for hexachlorobenzene.

The following is the amendments to Hexachlorobenzene:

Substance

CAS No.

EC Number

Special Exemption

Hexachlorobenzene

118-74-1

200-273-9

For the purposes of this entry, Article 4(1), point (b), shall apply to concentrations of hexachlorobenzene equal to or below 10 mg/kg (0,001 % by weight) where it is present in substances, mixtures or articles.

About POPs Regulation

In 2004, the European Parliament and the Council released Regulation (EC) No. 850/2004 on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) which regulates POPs commonly used in industry sectors and consumer goods. On June 25, 2019, the EU published Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 which came into force on July 15, 2019. The Regulation (EC) No 850/200 was repealed simultaneously.

The objective of this Regulation is to protect human health and the environment from POPs by phasing out and minimizing those substances because of their hazards.

Targeted substances are organic substances that persist in the environment and are bio-accumulative which pose threats to human health and the environment, such as pesticides, flame retardants, PFAS compounds, etc.

Warm Reminds

POPs are one of the key inspection points in EU law enforcement in recent years. The Rapid Exchange of Information System (RAPEX) has reported irregular cases in violation of EU Regulation on POPs. Enterprises shall keep an eye on relevant Regulations to avoid losses caused by non-compliance.

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Reference

Official Journal