On 31 March 2016, the Official Journal of the European Union published Regulation (EU) 2016/460 to amend on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) involving Annexes IV (List of substances subject to waste management provisions set out in Article 7) and V (waste management provisions).

According to Regulation (EU) 2016/460, Regulation (EC) No 850/2004 on POPs is amended as the following:

1. Add “HBCDD” in the table of Annex IV (List of substances subject to waste management provisions set out in Article 7);

2. In Annex V to Regulation (EC) No 850/2004, Part 2, the table is replaced, mainly adding restriction on maximum content and operation requirements.

On 2 March 2016, the Official Journal of the European Union published Regulation (EU) 2016/293 amending Regulation (EC) No 850/2004 on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as regards Annex I. It includes specific exemption on intermediate use or other specifications for hexabromocyclododecane (‘HBCDD’). The amendment also includes requirements for HBCDD in Annexes IV and V.

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Meanwhile, it gives a transitional period of 6 months which allows for sufficient time for companies and competent authorities to adapt to new requirements. In other words, the regulation shall apply since 30 September 2016. C&K Testing advises businesses to note HBCDD contained in the products so as to control risks.