Global Ban on Dangerous Flame Retardant TBPH

What the problem is
Bis(2‑ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) is a brominated flame‑retardant that is very persistent, bio‑accumulative, toxic and can travel long distances. Because of these properties, TBPH is considered a “persistent organic pollutant” (POP) and is a substance of very high concern in the EU. The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is the international treaty that aims to eliminate or restrict such chemicals worldwide. The EU wants to ensure that TBPH is treated at the global level, so that EU companies are not at a disadvantage and the environment and health are protected.

How the problem is being solved
The European Commission will submit a formal proposal to the Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention to list TBPH in Annex A (elimination) or Annex B (restriction). The proposal will include a scientific dossier that shows TBPH meets the Convention’s screening criteria for persistence, bio‑accumulation, long‑range transport and adverse effects. The proposal will be reviewed by the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) and, if accepted, will be taken to the Conference of the Parties (COP). The earliest COP that can decide on the listing is in 2029, after at least three years of review. The EU’s decision is based on Article 218(9) and Article 192 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

What changes as a result of this document

• The EU will formally ask the Stockholm Convention to consider TBPH for listing in Annex A or Annex B.
• The proposal will be communicated to the Convention’s Secretariat by the Commission.
• No immediate regulatory or budgetary impact on the EU; the actual restriction or ban will only be decided later by the Convention and by the EU’s REACH process.
• The decision aligns with existing EU policies on chemicals, water protection and the Zero Pollution Action Plan, and it supports a global level playing field for EU industry.
• The proposal is addressed to the Commission and will be adopted by the Council in Brussels.

The document is the Council Decision 2026/0029 (NLE) that authorises the Commission to submit the TBPH listing proposal to the Stockholm Convention.