On June 26, 2024, the European Union opened a public consultation for a proposed update to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants under Regulation (EU) 2019/1021. The proposal seeks to regulate dechlorane plus and its isomers under specific restrictions, set to take effect on February 26, 2025. Stakeholders can submit feedback until July 24, 2024, through the official website provided below.
Persistent organic pollutant - dechlorane plus (europa.eu)
Details of the Recent Additions to Annex I:
Substance | CAS No | EC No | Specific exemption on intermediate use or other specification |
Dechlorane Plus | 13560-89-9 | 236-948 -9 |
(a) aerospace, space and defence applications, until 26 February 2030; (b) medical imaging applications, until 26 February 2030; (c) radiotherapy devices and installations, until 26 February 2030; (d) spare parts for any of the following:
where dechlorane plus was initially used in their production, until the end of their service life or until 31 December 2043, EN 2 EN whichever comes earlier. (e) The Commission shall assess the need for a prolongation of the specific exemptions in points (a), (b), (c) and (d) at the latest by 1 April 2028. (f) Articles containing Dechlorane Plus already in use in the Union before or on the date of expiry of the relevant exemption laid down in paragraph 2(a) to (d) may continue to be used. (g) Placing on the market and use of spare parts containing Dechlorane Plus referred to in point (d)(iv) and already produced in the Union or imported before or on 31 December 2043 shall be allowed |
Dechlorane Plus’s syn-isomer | 135821-03-3 | ||
Dechlorane Plus’s anti-isomer | 135821-74-8 |
Background of Dechlorane Plus
Dechlorane Plus, widely used in electronics, construction, and automotive industries, has been designated as a persistent organic pollutant due to its long-lasting, bioaccumulative, and toxic properties. At the 2022 Geneva Convention, parties unanimously agreed to include it in Annex A, requiring a cessation of its production and use, with few exceptions.
To facilitate industry adaptation, the European Union has postponed the ban's effective date to February 26, 2025. This extension allows products that have already been marketed following specific exemptions to continue in use, ensuring a smoother operational transition.