Amendment to Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 (POPs)

Following the favourable conclusion of the public consultation in July 2024, the European Commission officially adopted Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1930, which includes Dechlorane Plus and its isomers in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

Dechlorane Plus (EC 236-948-9) is a polychlorinated flame retardant that is widely used in electronics, construction materials, and the automotive and aerospace industries. It was added to the Candidate List (SVHC-CL) under the REACH Regulation in 2018, when it was designated a POP due to its persistence, bioaccumulation and toxic properties.

In 2023, due to these characteristics, it was also included in Annex A (elimination category) of the Stockholm Convention, which requires the cessation of its production and use, except for specific exemptions.

Specifically, the delegated regulation prohibits the manufacture, placing on the market and use of Dechlorane Plus in substances, mixtures or articles:

• above 0.1% by weight (1,000 mg/kg) until 15 April 2028;
• above 0.0001% by weight (1 mg/kg) from 15 April 2028 onwards. After this date, the limit will become significantly more stringent.

Certain exemptions and transitional periods are provided for the following:

• aerospace and defence applications;
• medical diagnostic and radiotherapy devices;
• spare parts for vehicles and fixed industrial machinery in the agriculture, forestry, construction and maritime sectors (until the end of their service life or 31 December 2043);
• analytical, control and monitoring instruments.

The Regulation will apply from 15 October 2025, i.e. 20 days after its publication. Pursuant to Article 4(2) of the POPs Regulation, a 6-month transitional period is provided for articles containing newly listed substances produced before or on the date on which the measure comes into effect.