Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

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The EU POPs Regulation (2019/1021, replacing 850/2004) imposes the world’s strictest bans on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Ultra-toxic chemicals that never break down, bio-accumulate, and travel globally. These include:

• Decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE) – once common flame retardant in plastics, textiles, furniture foam  
• Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) – in rubber, sealants, paints, metalworking fluids  
• PFOS, PFOA, and other legacy PFAS – in waterproof textiles, food packaging, firefighting foam  
• Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) – in polystyrene insulation and upholstery  
• Pentachlorophenol (PCP) – wood preservatives and textiles  
• Plus, dozens more added every year

Maximum limit: 10 mg/kg for intentional use and often just 1–50 mg/kg as unintentional trace contaminant. Recycled materials (especially recycled plastics and textiles) are the biggest hidden trap. Many exceed limits without anyone noticing until enforcement hits.

Consequences are absolute: total sales ban across the entire EU/UK, mandatory withdrawal and destruction of all non-compliant stock, fines running into millions, customs blocks, criminal liability, and permanent loss of trust from retailers. Major buyers & OEM's now routinely demand POPs test reports or absence declarations. One failed batch can end supplier relationships forever.

Professional POPs screening, recycled-material mapping, and supply-chain accountability are no longer optional. They are the only way to stay in business. One overlooked gram of DecaBDE or SCCP can cost you tens of millions and your entire European market overnight. 

Perform a risk assessment  or Book a compliance review and get ahead of the next enforcement wave before it’s too late.