Update – Restriction proposal submitted by ECHA for Decabromodiphenyl ether (deca-BDE)
On 1 August, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) submitted a restriction proposal for Deca-BDE. The agency is proposing a restriction on the manufacture, use and placing on the market of the substance and of mixtures and articles containing it. A decision whether to include the proposed restriction in the Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation is not expected before mid-2016.
On 17 September, ECHA submitted the restriction report which initiates a six months public consultation. Downstream users of Deca-BDE are encouraged to participate in the consultation within the first two months of the consultation period and no later than 17 March 2015.
ECHA has suggested derogations for articles on the second hand market, for electrical and electronic equipment within the scope of the RoHS Directive (Directive 2011/65EU) and for articles used in the aviation sector. ECHA notes that these derogations could potentially be withdrawn, if not sufficiently justified.
This EU process is running in parallel with a UNEP review to determine whether Deca-BDE should be listed as a Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) under the Stockholm Convention. BSEF believes that a full and impartial assessment of the relevant, reliable scientific evidence does not justify listing Deca-BDE as a POP.
For all enquiries please contact:
Mayssa Badr, BSEF Secretariat
Email: Mayssa.Badr@bm.com
Tel.: +32 (0)2 743 66 98