EU Abandons Plans to Restrict MCCPs and TBBP-A under RoHS Directive

On 10 December 2024, the European Commission officially decided not to proceed with the inclusion of medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs – CAS No 85535-85-9) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBP-A – CAS No 79-94-7) under the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive. The substances, widely used as flame retardants and plasticizers in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), had been under consideration due to concerns about their persistence in the environment and potential health risks.

Timeline of the Proposal

The decision marks the end of a multi-year process:

• 2019: MCCPs and TBBP-A were identified as candidates for restriction under RoHS due to their classification as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and bioaccumulative properties.

• 2021: The European Commission initiated a formal assessment to determine the need to restrict these substances under RoHS.

• 2022-2023: Public consultations and technical evaluations took place. Industry stakeholders raised concerns about regulatory overlap with existing measures under the REACH Regulation.

• 10 December 2024: Following these evaluations, the Commission concluded that the risks posed by MCCPs and TBBP-A are adequately addressed under REACH and that making additional restrictions under RoHS are not necessary.

Reason for the Decision

The Commission found that:

• The REACH Regulation already provides sufficient control of MCCPs and TBBP-A, including their risks and uses.

• Adding these substances to the RoHS Directive would lead to regulatory redundancy without significant additional environmental or health benefits.

Conclusion

While the proposal to restrict MCCPs and TBBP-A under the RoHS Directive has been abandoned, the substances remain regulated under REACH. The decision reflects the Commission’s efforts to balance regulatory efficiency with environmental and health protection.