Flame Retardants

UK Government Consults On Reforms To Fire Safety Of Domestic Upholstered Furniture

The UK government has launched a final consultation on reforming furniture fire safety regulations, proposing a shift from open-flame testing to smoulder-based requirements. This transition aims to significantly reduce industry reliance on chemical flame retardants, necessitating product redesign and supply chain adjustments to meet new safety and circularity standards.

1 Apr 2026, 19:34gov.ukUnited Kingdom

EU Council Prepares TBPH Submission For Listing Under Stockholm Convention Annex A

The EU has approved a formal submission to list the flame retardant TBPH for global elimination under the Stockholm Convention. This move signals a definitive regulatory trajectory toward a worldwide phase-out, requiring manufacturers to prioritize substitution in plastic and textile applications.

29 Mar 2026, 17:35data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

Japan Announces Registration of Flame-Retardant Labelling Registrants Under Fire Service Act

Japan has officially updated its list of registered flame-retardant labelling entities under the Fire Service Act as of March 2026. Companies must ensure their supply chain partners or internal units are correctly registered to maintain compliant fire-safety labelling and market access for flame-retardant products.

29 Mar 2026, 05:42kanpo.go.jpJapan

IARC Monographs Classify TCPP, Butyraldehyde, and Cumyl Hydroperoxide as Group 2A/2B Carcinogens

IARC has classified the flame retardant TCPP as probably carcinogenic (Group 2A) and butyraldehyde and cumyl hydroperoxide as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B). These findings will likely drive future GHS reclassifications and regulatory restrictions, particularly for TCPP in consumer-facing polyurethane foam applications.

28 Mar 2026, 20:33iarc.who.intGlobal

EU COREPER I Agenda Sets Adoption of EU TBPH Listing Submission Under Stockholm POPs Convention

The EU is formalizing its position to support a global ban on the flame retardant TBPH under the Stockholm Convention. This signals an impending global phase-out, necessitating early supply chain screening and substitution planning for affected plastic and textile applications.

26 Mar 2026, 12:21data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

South Korea MCEE Consults on Adding Methoxychlor, Dechlorane Plus and UV-328 to POPs Regulation

South Korea is consulting on adding Methoxychlor, Dechlorane Plus, and UV-328 to its POPs regulation to align with the Stockholm Convention. Impacted industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics, should prepare for mandatory phase-outs and evaluate substitution timelines for specific-use exemptions.

26 Mar 2026, 11:33opinion.lawmaking.go.krSouth Korea

China Proposes Revised Standard GB 16413 on Safety Requirements for Non-Metallic Products in Coal Mines

China has proposed a revised national standard (GB 16413) expanding safety requirements for all non-metallic products used in underground coal mines, including conveyor belts, pipes, and resin bolts. Manufacturers must prepare for mandatory limits on lead and arsenic content, stricter flame-retardant and antistatic performance, and new smoke density and toxicity testing protocols.

21 Mar 2026, 16:25members.wto.orgChina

Great Britain Consultation On 2026 Amendments To Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation

The UK is consulting on banning five new substances—including MCCPs and LC-PFCAs—and tightening existing restrictions under the GB POPs Regulation through May 2026. Impacted companies should evaluate supply chain exposure to these substances now to prepare for upcoming prohibitions on manufacture, use, and market placement.

20 Mar 2026, 10:08gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Japan FDMA Amends Washing-Durability Standard for Flame-Retardant Performance

Japan's FDMA has updated the washing-durability testing standards for flame-retardant products, effective March 18, 2026. Manufacturers must immediately align testing protocols with revised JIS references and laundering procedures to maintain compliance for flame-retardant materials.

19 Mar 2026, 19:24kanpo.go.jpJapan

New Zealand EPA Seeks Feedback on Restricting Stockholm POPs Chlorpyrifos, MCCPs and LC-PFCAs

New Zealand is consulting on banning or strictly limiting chlorpyrifos, MCCPs, and LC-PFCAs by December 2026 to align with Stockholm Convention obligations. Businesses must audit supply chains across electronics, automotive, and textiles to manage accelerated phase-outs or secure time-limited exemptions for essential uses.

18 Mar 2026, 18:53epa.govt.nzNew Zealand

Japan Amends Technical Standards for Handling Dechlorane Plus

Japan has amended technical handling and labeling requirements for Dechlorane Plus under the Chemical Substances Control Law as of March 2026. Affected firms must verify site-level containment, emission tracking, and documentation protocols to ensure continued compliance for this persistent organic pollutant.

18 Mar 2026, 12:43laws.e-gov.go.jpJapan

Nordic Swan Ecolabel Opens Consultations On Rechargeable Batteries And Food-Contact Disposables Criteria

Nordic Ecolabelling is consulting on updated criteria for rechargeable batteries and food-contact disposables through March 2026. Manufacturers should review proposed chemical bans and safety testing requirements to maintain market access via Nordic public procurement and eco-labeling.

11 Mar 2026, 17:29nordic-swan-ecolabel.orgDenmarkFinlandNorwaySweden

Canada Amends CEPA Export Control List To Add Dechlorane Plus, Ferbam and Certain PFAS

Canada has expanded its Export Control List to include Dechlorane Plus, Ferbam, and various PFAS and flame retardants, aligning domestic law with international treaty obligations. Businesses must implement tracking and notification procedures for the export of these substances in mixtures and manufactured goods to ensure compliance with new permit requirements.

2 Mar 2026, 15:36gazette.gc.caCanada

US Study Finds Toxic Chemicals in Hair Extensions, Exposing Gaps in Cosmetics Regulation

A new study identifying hazardous chemicals in hair extensions is intensifying pressure for expanded US federal cosmetics regulation and stricter state-level enforcement. Companies should anticipate broader oversight of cosmetic accessories and ensure compliance with California’s 2025 chemical bans to manage emerging product liability and market access risks.

27 Feb 2026, 15:38healthpolicy-watch.newsUnited States

Study Highlights Significant Chemical Safety Concerns in Hair Extensions Market

A comprehensive study identifying hazardous chemicals in hair extensions is accelerating legislative efforts in New York, New Jersey, and at the federal level to regulate this category. Companies must anticipate mandatory ingredient disclosure and potential bans on substances like flame retardants and phthalates as policy shifts toward stricter product safety standards.

22 Feb 2026, 15:22silentspring.orgUnited States

Council of the EU Seeks Comments on Listing TBPH Under the Stockholm Convention

The EU is advancing a proposal to list TBPH under the Stockholm Convention, signaling the start of a formal process toward a global phase-out. A successful listing will mandate worldwide bans or severe restrictions, necessitating urgent supply chain assessments and the identification of alternative flame retardants.

17 Feb 2026, 14:22data.consilium.europa.euEuropean UnionGlobal

HEAL Supports EU Harmonised Classification Proposals for TDCP and TCPP as Reproductive Toxicants and Endocrine Disruptors

Stakeholders are advocating for the EU harmonised classification of flame retardants TDCP and TCPP as reproductive toxicants and endocrine disruptors. This signals a high probability of future REACH restrictions and stricter safety labelling for consumer articles, particularly in the furniture and childcare sectors.

16 Feb 2026, 19:24env-health.orgEuropean UnionDenmarkNorway

UK Government Clarifies No New PFAS Standards Planned for Furniture

The UK Government has confirmed it has no plans to introduce specific new statutory standards for PFAS or POPs in furniture, opting instead to rely on existing UK REACH and Stockholm Convention frameworks. Businesses should focus on the broader shift toward fire safety reforms that encourage reduced chemical flame retardant use rather than anticipating furniture-specific PFAS restrictions in the near term.

13 Feb 2026, 13:15qna.files.parliament.ukUnited Kingdom

EU Proposes Council Decision to Submit TBPH for Listing Under the Stockholm Convention

The European Commission has proposed nominating the brominated flame retardant TBPH for global elimination or restriction under the Stockholm Convention, with a formal submission targeted for April 2026. This move initiates a multi-year process toward a global phase-out, signaling that businesses should prioritize transitioning away from TBPH in plastic and textile applications to mitigate long-term supply chain and compliance risks.

13 Feb 2026, 12:48eur-lex.europa.euEuropean UnionGlobal

Japan To Designate Chlorpyrifos, MCCPs And Long-Chain PFCAs As Class I Substances Under CSCL

Japan will designate chlorpyrifos, MCCPs, and long-chain PFCAs as Class I Specified Chemical Substances, with a de facto ban on manufacture and import expected by late 2026. Companies must urgently assess supply chains and initiate substitution for these substances, which are widely used in textiles, lubricants, flame retardants, and consumer products.

13 Feb 2026, 07:53meti.go.jpJapan