In June, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published six reports on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). These reports summarize the occurrence of POPs in products, waste streams, and stockpiles, alongside related waste management activities across European Union Member States.
Overview of ECHA's Findings
The reports offer detailed insights into the manufacture, market placement, and stockpiling of listed POP substances across six countries: France, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Portugal.
Key restricted substances identified across various EU products and stockpiles include:
- Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
- Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD)
- Decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE)
Summary Table of Stockpiles with Listed Substances
| PRODUCT CATEGORY | COMMON DETECTED POPs | SPECIFIC APPLICATION | REPRESENTATIVE STATISTICAL DATA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical & Transmission Equipment | Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) | Transformer, Dielectric fluids | Lithuania: 2 stockpiles of "still in operation" electrical equipment, totalling 12.55 tonnes and 31.375 tonnes |
| Construction & Demolition Materials | Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) | Joint sealants/fillers used in buildings, Sealed double-glazed window units | Germany: a single shipment of 999 tonnes of waste insulation material containing HBCDD (at a concentration of 1,900 mg/kg) |
| Firefighting & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctane Sulfonic acid (PFOS) | Aqueous Film-Forming Foam, Oil- and water-repellent protective workwear | France: Declared up to 98 stockpiles of PFOA-containing firefighting foams in 2025, totalling 2,685.65 tonnes |
| Electrical, Electronic & Plastic Products | Decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE), Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (TetraBDE) | Plastic casings, Components of electrical/electronic appliances | Portugal: Imported 9,779 tonnes and 14,655 tonnes of DecaBDE in 2019 and 2020, respectively, probably as flame retardant |
How SGS Helps Manufacturers Ensure Chemical Safety and Regulatory Compliance
With regulatory scrutiny intensifying and consumers demanding greater supply chain transparency, managing chemical risks is more critical than ever. SGS provides comprehensive solutions to safeguard your operations:
- Advanced Chemical Testing: In-depth analysis of plastics, coatings, and electronic components for PFAS, bisphenols, phthalates, flame retardants, and chlorinated paraffins.
- EU Regulatory Compliance: Expert guidance through complex frameworks—from REACH and RoHS to strict POPs restrictions—ensuring seamless and safe market access.
Ensure your electronics meet chemical regulations and sustainability standards with tailored testing, certification and compliance support.
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