What are Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)?

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic chemical substances that resist natural breakdown, remain in the environment for long periods, and build up in living organisms. Examples include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT, and dioxins. POPs can travel long distances through air and water, affecting ecosystems and human health worldwide.

What is the EU POPs Regulation (EU 2019/1021)?

The EU POPs Regulation, also known as Regulation (EU) 2019/1021, is the European Union’s legal framework for controlling persistent organic pollutants. It enforces the Stockholm Convention by restricting or banning POPs production, use, and disposal to prevent environmental contamination.

Which industries are most affected by POPs legislation?

Industries such as electronics, automotive, textiles, and construction are most affected by persistent organic pollutant (POP) regulations. These sectors often use materials containing POPs, such as flame retardants, lubricants, or plasticizers, and must comply with EU POPs restrictions to continue selling products in the European Union.

How can companies ensure compliance with the EU POPs Regulation?

To comply with the EU POPs Regulation, companies should collect full material disclosures (FMDs) from suppliers, perform chemical screening to detect POPs, and use Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Compliance software. Ongoing monitoring of new POPs listings under the Stockholm Convention helps maintain compliance as regulations evolve.

REACH Annex XIV Updated: 12 Substances Given Sunset Dates

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has updated Annex XIV of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation, and assigned sunset dates to 12 new substances of very high concern (SVHCs). These SVHCs and their respective ‘sunset dates’ are:

Sunset date: July 4, 2020

1. 1-Bromopropane (n-propyl bromide)

2. Diisopentylphthalate

3. 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, di-C6-8-branched alkyl esters, C7 rich

4. 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, di-C7-11-branched and linear alkyl esters

5. 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dipentylester, branched and linear

6. Bis(2-methoxyethyl) phthalate

7. Dipentylphthalate

8. N-pentyl-isopentylphthalate

Sunset date: October 4, 2020

9. Anthracene oil

10. Pitch, coal tar, high temperature

Sunset date: January 4, 2021

11. 4-(1,1,3,3-Tetramethylbutyl)phenol, ethoxylated

12. 4-Nonylphenol, branched and linear, ethoxylated

Is your company affected by the REACH Regulation? Find out in our REACH Knowledge Article.

These SVHCs were added to the Authorization List for reasons including toxicity for reproductive health, carcinogenic properties and endocrine disrupting properties.

After the sunset date, industry users will no longer be able to import these substances into the EEA without the permission of the ECHA. Companies wishing to continue using the substance in the EEA after the Sunset Date must make an application to the ECHA to do so in advance of the ‘Latest Application Date’. The dates for all SVHCs currently on the Authorization List can be found on the ECHA website.

Updates of this nature to the Authorization List mean companies could experience substantial supply chain interruptions if they do not prepare for compliance in advance of the deadline.

To learn more about how companies should respond to the complexities of the REACH Regulation, click here to download the whitepaper REACH: Applying the New Article Interpretation.

With our team of regulatory experts on hand, Assent Compliance helps companies remain compliant with restricted substance regulations like REACH. Contact us with any questions or comments.

Sue Fortunato-Esbach

Director, Regulatory & Sustainability

Sue is committed to helping companies fulfill their legal requirements by translating legal complexity into technical efficiency. Based in Frankfurt, Germany, Sue brings extensive experience in the Read More

Sue Fortunato-Esbach | Director, Regulatory & Sustainability

Sue is committed to helping companies fulfill their legal requirements by translating legal complexity into technical efficiency. Based in Frankfurt, Germany, Sue brings extensive experience in the electronics and industrial manufacturing industries. She is an experienced all-rounder in product comp...