Flame Retardants

US Ninth Circuit Remands EPA’s TSCA DecaBDE Waste and Recycling Rule Without Vacatur

In May 2026, the US Ninth Circuit ordered EPA to revisit its 2024 TSCA risk-management rule for decabromodiphenyl ether, finding the agency had not adequately justified leaving key waste, recycling, wastewater, and sewage-sludge pathways unregulated while keeping the rule in force. The decision increases the likelihood of additional TSCA controls on decaBDE-contaminated waste and effluents, so manufacturers and waste, recycling, wastewater, and biosolids operators should reassess their exposure points and prepare for strengthened disposal and recycling requirements.

15 May 2026, 15:09courthousenews.comUnited States

Norway Nominates DBDPE as New POP Under the Stockholm Convention

In late April 2026 Norway’s environment agency submitted a nomination to list the brominated flame retardant decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) as a new persistent organic pollutant under the Stockholm Convention. If this proceeds towards a global ban or restriction, producers and downstream users of DBDPE in sectors such as vehicles, aviation, construction materials and textiles will face rising substitution pressure and potential future market-access constraints.

5 May 2026, 06:52miljodirektoratet.noNorwayGlobal

EU Council Decision Authorises Proposal to List TBPH in Annex A of the Stockholm POPs Convention

In March 2026 the EU Council adopted a decision authorising the Union to propose listing the flame retardant TBPH as a persistent organic pollutant in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention. This signals growing regulatory pressure and a likely move toward global elimination of TBPH, so companies using this additive should map uses and begin assessing alternatives ahead of potential future restrictions.

4 May 2026, 20:04eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Coreper Clears Council Decision on TBPH Submission to Stockholm Convention Annex A

In late March 2026, EU ambassadors (Coreper) cleared the Council Decision setting the Union’s position to request listing of TBPH in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. This signals that an EU-backed global phase-out proposal for TBPH is now in its final EU decision-making phase, increasing long-term substitution and POPs-compliance pressure for companies using the substance.

28 Apr 2026, 16:21data.consilium.europa.euEuropean UnionGlobal

Belgium (Wallonia) Launches Consultation On Emerging Pollutants In Walloon Soils

In April 2026 the Walloon Public Service launched a public consultation on draft recommendations for managing emerging pollutants in Walloon soils, covering PCBs, dioxins, phthalates, flame retardants, bisphenols and other persistent substance families. While non-binding for now, this consultation signals tighter future expectations for soil investigations under the 2018 Soil Decree and gives operators a short window to influence how these chemicals will be prioritised and assessed in Wallonia.

21 Apr 2026, 14:37environnement.wallonie.beBelgium

Germany (UBA) Publishes GerES VI House Dust Study on Phthalates and Flame Retardants

In April 2026, the German Environment Agency published a GerES VI report analysing house dust from participating households for phthalates, phthalate substitutes, flame retardants and synthetic musk fragrances. Although it does not itself change regulation, this 195-page survey provides up-to-date exposure data for substances such as DEHP and diisononyl phthalate that is likely to inform future risk assessments and product-chemistry strategies for indoor environments.

15 Apr 2026, 13:56umweltbundesamt.deGermany

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

The UK has proposed a fundamental shift in furniture fire safety standards, moving from open-flame to smoulder-based testing requirements. This reform aims to phase out heavy reliance on chemical flame retardants, requiring manufacturers to redesign products for improved circularity and chemical compliance.

1 Apr 2026, 19:34gov.ukUnited Kingdom

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

The EU has formally approved the submission of the flame retardant TBPH for global elimination under the Stockholm Convention. This move initiates a definitive international phase-out trajectory, requiring manufacturers to accelerate the identification and validation of alternatives for 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 updated its official registry of flame-retardant labelling entities under the Fire Service Act as of March 2026. Businesses must verify that their manufacturing partners or internal units are correctly registered to ensure continued market access and compliance 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 designated the flame retardant TCPP as probably carcinogenic and two other industrial intermediates as possibly carcinogenic. These findings are expected to accelerate global regulatory restrictions and mandatory hazard reclassifications, impacting supply chains for polyurethane foams and chemical intermediates.

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

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

The European Union is formalizing its support for a global ban on the flame retardant TBPH under the Stockholm Convention. This development signals an impending international phase-out, necessitating proactive supply chain audits 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 proposing to ban Methoxychlor, Dechlorane Plus, and UV-328 to align national persistent organic pollutant controls with the Stockholm Convention. Affected sectors including automotive and electronics must secure supply chains and accelerate substitution efforts before time-limited exemptions expire.

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 is expanding mandatory safety and environmental standards for all non-metallic products used in underground coal mines through a proposed revision of GB 16413. This shift introduces stricter chemical restrictions and smoke toxicity testing that will require significant supply chain validation and technical adjustments for mining equipment manufacturers.

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

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

The UK is consulting through May 2026 on prohibiting five major substance groups, including MCCPs and LC-PFCAs, under the GB Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulation. Businesses should evaluate supply chain exposure immediately to mitigate the risk of total market bans and ensure compliance with diverging UK and EU chemical standards.

20 Mar 2026, 10:08gov.ukUnited Kingdom

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

Japan has updated the washing-durability testing standards for flame-retardant materials under the Fire Service Act, effective immediately. Manufacturers must align testing protocols with revised industrial standards to maintain product compliance and ensure continued market access for fire-safe 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 updated technical handling and labeling requirements for Dechlorane Plus under the Chemical Substances Control Law as of March 2026. Affected businesses must implement rigorous site-level containment, emission tracking, and documentation protocols to maintain market access 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 revised criteria for rechargeable batteries and food-contact disposables through March 2026. Manufacturers should evaluate proposed chemical restrictions and safety testing requirements to maintain eligibility for Nordic public procurement and eco-labeling schemes.

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, various PFAS, and flame retardants, aligning domestic export restrictions with international treaty obligations. Businesses must now integrate export notification and permit requirements into their supply chain compliance programs for substances found in mixtures and finished goods.

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 2025 chemical bans to manage emerging product liability and market access risks.

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