EU Amends POPs Regulation to Revise PBDE Limits under (EU) 2025/1482
Published: October 28, 2025
Effective Date: From November 17, 2025 (phased implementation)
Regulation: POPs Regulation – Persistent Organic Pollutants
On October 28, 2025, the European Union published Regulation (EU) 2025/1482, amending the POPs Regulation Annex I to revise concentration limits for five polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs): Tetra-BDE, Penta-BDE, Hexa-BDE, Hepta-BDE, and Deca-BDE.
The revision aims to accelerate the phase-out of these substances in the EU while maintaining controlled use of recycled materials in a circular economy framework.
Updated PBDE Concentration Limits
| Substance | Scope | Limit | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tetra-BDE | Non-recycled mixtures and articles (non-food grade) | ≤ 10 mg/kg (total) | Nov 17, 2025 |
| Penta-BDE | Recycled mixtures and articles (non-food grade) | ≤ 500 mg/kg (total) | Nov 17, 2025 |
| Hexa-BDE | Recycled mixtures and articles (non-food grade) | ≤ 350 mg/kg (total) | Dec 30, 2025 |
| Hepta-BDE | Recycled mixtures and articles (non-food grade) | ≤ 200 mg/kg (total) | Dec 30, 2027 |
| Deca-BDE | Recycled mixtures and articles (non-food grade) | ≤ 500 mg/kg (total) | Nov 17, 2025 |
| Deca-BDE | Recycled toys and childcare articles (non-food grade) | ≤ 350 mg/kg (total) | Dec 30, 2025 |
| Deca-BDE | Non-recycled mixtures and articles (non-food grade) | ≤ 10 mg/kg (total) | May 17, 2027 |
PBDEs are persistent organic pollutants commonly used as flame retardants in electronic, textile, and foam materials. Due to their persistence and bioaccumulative properties, they pose potential risks to human health, particularly for children.
Manufacturers using recycled polymers or resins should review existing supply chains, verify compliance with the new limits, and implement testing or documentation updates before the effective dates.
Request Free Sample Report