The UK government has launched a consultation on proposed amendments to the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation 2026, signalling forthcoming compliance changes across the chemicals value chain. Open from 18 March to 13 May 2026, the Defra-led consultation proposes adding five substances to Annex I of the regulation, which would result in their prohibition in Great Britain, subject to specific exemptions and unintentional trace contaminant (UTC) limits. The initiative aligns with the UK’s obligations under the Stockholm Convention and will affect how substances are manufactured, used and placed on the market. Professionals across manufacturing, recycling, and downstream sectors are being urged to assess potential impacts and contribute evidence.
The consultation proposes listing five additional POPs: medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs), UV-328, Dechlorane Plus and chlorpyrifos. These substances are used across a wide range of industrial applications. MCCPs function as plasticisers and flame retardants in PVC and metalworking fluids. LC-PFCAs, part of the PFAS family, have been used in coatings, electronics and firefighting foams. UV-328 is a UV stabiliser in plastics and coatings, while Dechlorane Plus is a flame retardant used in cables, connectors and electronics. Chlorpyrifos, a pesticide, has not been authorised in the UK since 2020 but would now be formally prohibited under POPs legislation. Implementation is expected by 16 December 2026, in line with international deadlines set under the Stockholm Convention .
A key element of the proposed UK POPs Regulation 2026 amendments is the introduction of UTC limits. These thresholds define the maximum allowable concentration of a POP when present unintentionally in substances, mixtures or articles. For example, Defra proposes UTC limits for MCCPs of up to 3 per cent in substances and mixtures and 0.45 per cent in articles, though these figures remain under consultation. For LC-PFCAs, limits are significantly lower, reflecting higher risk profiles, while UV-328 and Dechlorane Plus would each have a proposed limit of 10 mg/kg. Time-limited exemptions are also proposed for critical applications, including aerospace, defence, medical devices and semiconductors. These derogations are designed to support continuity in essential sectors while enabling a phased transition to safer alternatives.
The consultation highlights potential regulatory interaction with UK REACH. UV-328, for instance, is already subject to authorisation requirements, and its inclusion under POPs legislation would likely supersede this regime. Defra is also seeking evidence on alignment with EU POPs rules. Differences in UTC limits, definitions and exemption timelines could create divergence between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, where EU rules continue to apply under the Windsor Framework. While the government does not currently anticipate significant trade impacts, it is actively requesting stakeholder input on supply chain and market implications.
Beyond new substances, the consultation proposes tightening UTC limits for PFOS, an արդեն regulated POP, reflecting updated scientific understanding and analytical capabilities. It also seeks evidence on EU changes to PBDE limits and broader engagement processes for identifying future POPs. Stakeholders across manufacturing, waste management and chemicals regulation are encouraged to provide data on usage, alternatives, transition timelines and costs.
Organisations handling affected substances or complex supply chains should review the draft proposals and assess potential compliance gaps. Early engagement will be critical to influence final thresholds, exemptions and implementation timelines.
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