POPs Update: EU Proposes to List TBPH in Annex A to the Stockholm Convention

On 30 April 2026, the Official Journal of the European Union published Council Decision (EU) 2026/878. The Decision provides for the submission of a proposal to the Stockholm Convention, recommending the listing of bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) in Annex A to the Convention, accompanied by the information required under Annex D to the Convention.

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is an important international treaty for the global control of POPs. Annex A is generally associated with elimination-type control, with a focus on eliminating the production and use of the listed chemicals. If the proposal is subsequently reviewed and adopted under the Convention procedure, the regulatory impact of TBPH may further be reflected in the EU POPs Regulation, as well as in the regulatory systems of other countries and regions that have joined the Stockholm Convention. At this stage, however, the Decision does not mean that TBPH has already been formally included in the EU POPs Regulation, nor does it directly establish specific limit values or prohibition/restriction requirements.

Potentially Relevant Products and Materials

Considering the use of TBPH as an additive flame retardant, relevant enterprises may pay particular attention to the following materials and products:

● Flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used in wires and cable insulation

● Rigid polyurethane (PUR) used in the construction sector

● Flexible PUR used in upholstery applications

● Housings of electrical and electronic products, cable sheaths, connectors and soft plastic parts

● Other materials or components that may contain added flame retardants, such as plastics, rubber, resins, coatings, sealants and foam parts

CTT Reminder

At present, TBPH is still at the proposal stage under the Stockholm Convention and has not yet resulted in final prohibition or restriction requirements. Relevant enterprises are advised to keep monitoring developments under the POPs Convention and the possible subsequent implementation through the EU POPs Regulation, review the potential use of TBPH in their supply chains in advance, and conduct compliance risk assessments in combination with product export markets, customer restricted substance lists and supplier management requirements.

CTT can provide regulatory consulting, product testing, supply chain risk screening and compliance training services in accordance with global regulations and various chemical control requirements. For more information or testing needs, please feel free to contact us.