# Flame retardants: Regulation

Why several flame retardants have been banned worldwide

Source page: https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/regulation/

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) | global bans with limited exemptions |
| **EU** | RoHS (PBB, PBDE 0.1%); ECHA flame retardant regulatory strategy (2023) | pressure on aromatic BFRs |
| **US** | 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.

## Other sections

- [Summary](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/index.md)
- [Overview](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/overview/index.md)
- [Correlation](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/correlation/index.md)
- [Production route](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/routes/index.md)
- [Production](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/production/index.md)
- [Feedstocks](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/feedstocks/index.md)
- [Cycles](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/cycles/index.md)
- [Trading](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/trading/index.md)
- [Movement](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/movement/index.md)
- [Characteristics](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/characteristics/index.md)
- [Emissions](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/emissions/index.md)
- [Relationships](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/flame_retardants/links/index.md)