Proposed Inclusion of Methoxychlor in EU Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation

Following the decision at the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention in May 2023, the European Commission has proposed including methoxychlor in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2019/1021. This addition mandates the elimination of methoxychlor production and use within the EU to protect human health and the environment from its harmful effects.

Terms of the Proposed Regulation

The proposed regulation aims to amend Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 by including methoxychlor. The key provisions of this proposed regulation are as follows:

1. Inclusion in Annex I: Methoxychlor will be added to Annex I of the regulation, which lists substances that are subject to prohibition, phase-out, or restriction due to their persistent organic pollutant properties.
2. Concentration Limits: The regulation sets a concentration limit for methoxychlor in substances, mixtures, or articles at 0.01 mg/kg. This means that any presence of methoxychlor above this threshold in these materials will be prohibited.
3. Implementation of International Decisions: The amendment follows the decision made at the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention to list methoxychlor in Annex A of the Convention without any specific exemptions. This decision obligates parties to eliminate the production and use of methoxychlor.
4. Consultation and Feedback: The Commission has opened a public consultation period from 30 May 2024 to 27 June 2024, inviting stakeholders and the public to provide feedback on the proposed amendment. This feedback will be taken into account in finalizing the regulation.

The Commission encourages all interested parties to submit their views. Feedback will be considered in finalizing the initiative and will be published on the EU website, adhering to the feedback rules.

Expert Consultation

Prior to proposing this amendment, the Commission consulted with an expert group, which includes representatives from EU member states, the European Chemicals Agency, the chemicals industry, and civil society. Meetings were held on 14 June 2023 and 29 November 2023, where the draft act was reviewed, and relevant comments were incorporated.

This initiative reflects the EU's commitment to enforcing stringent environmental regulations and safeguarding public health by minimizing exposure to hazardous chemicals.