Why several flame retardants have been banned worldwide
What this tab covers How it is regulated and what could disrupt supply: hazard classification, rules in the EU, US and India, anti-dumping duties and other trade measures, and supply-risk notes.
Hazards
Classification
UN number
Key risks
varies: ATH not classified; some BFRs and CPs: aquatic chronic 1, PBT; TCEP: reproductive toxicity
UN3077 for environmentally hazardous solids where classified
Persistence and bioaccumulation of older halogenated FRs; brominated dioxins in fires and uncontrolled e-waste burning.
Main rules
Where
Rule
Effect
Global
Stockholm Convention: PBDEs (2009, decaBDE 2017), HBCD (2013), SCCPs (2017), Dechlorane Plus (2023)
California TB 117-2013 and state laws on FRs in furniture and children's products
lower FR use in furniture foam
India
Rule
Effect
E-Waste (Management) Rules 2022, RoHS limits on PBB and PBDE (0.1%)
aligns electronics with EU
National Building Code 2016 and BIS cable standards (FR-LSH)
drives FR cable demand
Trade measures
China antimony export controls (2024-2025) affect synergist supply (antimony tile)
Supply risk
Bromine is concentrated in Israel, Jordan, the US and China; antimony is dominated by China and on critical mineral lists; regulatory risk is the larger demand-side risk.