The European Union amended Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1482 published on October 28, 2025. It aims to reduce the presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) – tetraBDE, pentaBDE, hexaBDE, heptaBDE and decaBDE – in mixtures, products and articles made from recycled materials, toys and childcare products. This provides stronger protection for human health and the environment.
The new regulation sets gradual concentration limits for these substances. For general products, the total amount of PBDEs will not exceed 10 mg/kg as of November 17, 2025. For mixtures and articles made from recycled materials, the limit will first be reduced to 500 mg/kg, then to 350 mg/kg and finally to 200 mg/kg. For toys and childcare products, the limit will be reduced to 10 mg/kg by 2027.
These restrictions do not apply to electrical and electronic equipment covered by the RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. The regulation contributes to the EU’s fulfillment of its international obligations under the Stockholm Convention and the 1979 Protocol.
