Latest Amendments to EU POPs – Key Substances Recently Added

Introduction

The European Union’s regulation on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is one of the most stringent frameworks in the world for controlling toxic substances. Designed to protect human health and the environment, the EU POPs Regulation continuously evolves as new scientific data emerges.

In 2025, the EU introduced important amendments to this regulation, adding new substances to the list of restricted chemicals. These updates carry far-reaching implications for industries such as electronics, textiles, and coatings, as well as for importers and distributors operating in the EU.

This article explores the newly added POPs substances, their impact on industry, and the compliance steps businesses should take to remain aligned with EU requirements.

What Are POPs and Why Do They Matter?

POPs are chemicals that:

– Persist in the environment for long periods,
– Accumulate in living organisms, and
– Cause adverse health and ecological effects.

Because they travel across air, soil, and water, POPs can spread globally, even to regions where they have never been used. Many are linked to cancer, immune system suppression, reproductive disorders, and ecosystem disruption.

The EU POPs Regulation is the legal instrument that brings the Stockholm Convention on POPs into EU law, while also going beyond the treaty in certain areas. This ensures that the EU remains at the forefront of protecting citizens and ecosystems from harmful chemicals.

The 2025 Amendments – Substances Recently Added

The latest amendments in 2025 introduced several substances of concern:

1. Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and its salts
  – Where it’s used: Firefighting foams, stain-resistant coatings for textiles, carpets, and leather.
  – Why restricted: PFHxS is part of the PFAS family (‘forever chemicals’), known for persistence and bioaccumulation. It poses risks to thyroid health and immune systems.

2. Dechlorane Plus (DP)
  – Where it’s used: Flame retardant in electronics, plastic casings, and adhesives.
  – Why restricted: Classified as a persistent pollutant with evidence of long-range transport and bioaccumulation in wildlife.

3. Methoxychlor
  – Where it’s used: Historically as a pesticide (mostly phased out).
  – Why restricted: Highly persistent in soils and waterways, with evidence of endocrine-disrupting properties.

These additions show a clear regulatory trend: the EU is tightening controls on PFAS and flame retardants, while also eliminating legacy pesticides that continue to pose risks.

Who Is Affected? Industry Impact

The ripple effects of these amendments will be felt across multiple industries:

Electronics & Electrical Equipment: Dechlorane Plus restrictions will require manufacturers to review flame retardant materials in connectors, circuit boards, and casings.

Textiles & Coatings: PFHxS bans impact waterproof and stain-resistant treatments in fabrics, carpets, and upholstery.

Agriculture & Pest Control: Methoxychlor is largely obsolete, but companies with legacy stock must ensure safe disposal.

Recycling & Waste Management: A major challenge lies in preventing restricted POPs from re-entering the market via recycled materials.

Importers & Distributors: Companies bringing products from outside the EU must double down on supply chain due diligence, as many markets still allow these substances.

How to Stay Compliant – A 5-Step Roadmap

Screen Your Products – Conduct a Bill of Materials (BOM) review to identify if PFHxS, Dechlorane Plus, or Methoxychlor are present.

Engage with Suppliers – Request updated material declarations and ensure suppliers understand the new restrictions.

Update Compliance Records – Revise Declarations of Conformity (DoCs) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Manage Legacy Stock and Waste – Establish safe treatment and disposal practices for products containing banned POPs.

Stay Ahead of Future Changes – Track EU POPs updates—especially PFAS-related restrictions, which are expected to expand further.

EU vs. Global POPs Regulations

[Insert Infographic: World Map – POPs Regulatory Status Across EU, UK, US, Canada]

The EU is not alone in tightening POPs controls, but it remains among the most proactive regions:

United States: POPs managed under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The US hasn’t ratified the Stockholm Convention, leading to slower adoption of restrictions.

United Kingdom: Currently aligned with EU POPs, but post-Brexit divergence is possible.

Canada: Implements restrictions under CEPA and the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012.

Infographic Idea: A world map comparing the regulatory status of PFHxS, Dechlorane Plus, and Methoxychlor across EU, UK, US, and Canada.

Looking Ahead – Preparing for Future POPs Restrictions

The 2025 amendments are just part of a much bigger regulatory picture:

PFAS Mega-Restriction Coming – The EU is considering a near-total ban on thousands of PFAS compounds, with only a few essential-use exemptions.

Stronger Enforcement – Member States are increasing inspections, especially targeting imports and online marketplaces.
Shift to Safer Alternatives – Companies that proactively switch to sustainable, POPs-free materials will gain an edge in both compliance and market trust.

Conclusion

The 2025 amendments to the EU POPs Regulation mark another decisive step in the EU’s fight against harmful chemicals. With PFHxS, Dechlorane Plus, and Methoxychlor now restricted, businesses across electronics, textiles, and other industries must take immediate action to review supply chains, update compliance records, and prepare for stricter enforcement.

For companies that act quickly, compliance is more than just a regulatory obligation—it’s an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in sustainability and build resilience in a rapidly changing regulatory landscape.

👉 Action Point for Businesses: Review your BOMs and supplier data today to ensure your products are ready for the new EU POPs requirements.