Ban on Harmful Chemical Substances: New Rules for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Waste Come into Effect

The new regulation on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) comes into force, establishing a legally binding obligation to protect human health and the environment from some of the most harmful chemical substances in waste. Although POPs are generally no longer used in new products, they are still found in waste resulting from the disposal of certain industrial and consumer products after the end of their lifespan.
The new regulation establishes, for the first time, limits for some of these chemical substances in waste and makes them stricter for others that have already been regulated. Existing limits have been made stricter for five substances, and new limits have been agreed for four new substances that can be found, for example, in waterproof textiles and fire-fighting foams, in treated wood, and other materials. Limiting the presence of these chemical substances in waste will prevent their re-entry into the economy.
The new rules send a strong message about the EU’s commitment to address persistent organic pollutants in waste and to lead the way towards a toxic-free environment at an international level. Most of the provisions of the regulation will come into effect 6 months after its entry into force on December 29.
Contributing to the enhancement of the supply of safe secondary raw materials free from toxic substances, the regulation also plays an important role in achieving the objectives of the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Zero Pollution Action Plan, and the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.