EU revises rules on polybrominated flame retardants under POP Recast Regulation

SGS highlights the EU’s recent revisions to the scope and unintentional trace contaminant (UTC) limits for several flame retardant chemicals under the POP Recast Regulation. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) November 14, 2025 - Geneva - SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 162.25, focusing on the EU’s amendments to the scope and unintentional trace contaminant limit (UTC) values for five flame retardant chemicals in its persistent organic pollutants (POP) Recast Regulation.

These polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants are used in a wide range of products, including electronics, electrical equipment, vehicles and building materials. These POP chemicals are harmful to human, animal and environmental health due to their bioaccumulative and toxic properties.

The EU published Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1482 on October 28, 2025, revises the UTC values for the following POP chemicals listed under Part A of Annex 1 to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021:
• Tetrabromodiphenyl ether
• Pentabromodiphenyl ether
• Hexabromodiphenyl ether
• Heptabromodiphenyl ether
• Decabromodiphenyl ether

Amending point 2 under ‘Specific exemption on intermediate use or other specification’ for these chemicals, the Regulation excludes food contact materials and articles, as these should not, in principle, be present in such products under existing regulations. UTC limits are specified for toys, childcare articles and consumer products that contain recovered materials.

SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could affect their business. SafeGuardS 162.25 includes further information on related restrictions to the five PDBEs under other regulations, along with a useful table summarizing the scope, specifications and effective dates for EU 2025/1482.

Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 162.25 for more details.

SGS chemical testing
SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS chemical testing services. [www.sgs.com/en/services/chemicals-testing]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Revises Entries for Polybrominated Flame Retardants under POP Recast Regulation SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2025/11/safeguards-16225-eu-revises-entries-for-polybrominated-flame-retardants-under-pop-recast-regulation]

Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. [www.sgs.com/subscribes]

For further information, contact:
Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

Our brand promise - when you need to be sure - underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).

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