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I. Core Event of Regulatory Update
On September 27, 2024, the European Commission published the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2555, which amends the table in Part A of Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 (commonly known as the POP Regulation). The key adjustment focuses on the provisions regarding Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) and its main diastereoisomers.
II. Specific Adjustments to HBCDD Limits
This amendment modifies the clause "Specific exemption on intermediate use or other specification of these substances" (Point 1 in Column 4) for HBCDD and its main diastereoisomers, and clarifies the new limit requirements for two types of scenarios, as detailed in the table below:
| Applicable Scenarios | New Limit Standard |
|---|---|
| Substances, mixtures, articles, or as constituents of flame-retarded articles | ≤ 75 mg/kg (i.e., ≤ 0.0075% by weight) |
| Recycled polystyrene used in the production of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) and XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) insulation materials for buildings or civil engineering works | ≤ 100 mg/kg (i.e., ≤ 0.01% by weight) |
Note: The exemptions specified in Point 1 of this clause shall be reviewed and assessed by the European Commission by January 1, 2026.
III. Effective Date of the Regulation
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2555 will officially enter into force on October 17, 2024.
IV. Tips on Affected Sectors
This update to HBCDD limits will have a direct impact on consumer product enterprises within the EU that are involved in the production of flame-retardant materials, the utilization of recycled polystyrene, and the manufacturing of EPS and XPS insulation materials for construction or civil engineering. Relevant enterprises need to proactively adjust their production processes and raw material control measures in line with the new limit standards in advance to ensure product compliance.
