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Chemical
EU
Attention: EU Proposes to List TBPH in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention

On 30 April 2026, the Official Journal of the European Union published Decision (EU) 2026/878. The decision clearly states that the European Union, on behalf of its Member States, will submit a proposal to the Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (hereinafter referred to as "the Convention") to recommend the listing of bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (abbreviated as TBPH) in Annex A (Elimination) of the Convention.

PFAS Regulatory Wave: Compliance Challenges & Solutions for Medical Devices

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals", feature extremely stable carbon-fluorine bonds, high bioaccumulation potential and suspected endocrine disrupting properties, leading to stringent regulatory restrictions worldwide. According to OECD statistics, the PFAS family comprises over 10,000 substances. Fluoropolymers including Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), FEP, PFA, PVDF and PCTFE are widely applied in cardiovascular catheters, implant coatings, pacemaker wire insulation, as well as sterile high-barrier packaging for medical devices.

EU Updates RoHS Directive with Revised Lead Exemption Clauses

On November 21, 2025, the Official Journal of the European Union published three Commission Delegated Directives, introducing centralized revisions to multiple lead-related exemptions under the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS 2) Directive (2011/65/EU). These amendments focus on lead applications in alloys, glass/ceramics, and high melting temperature solders.

EU Proposes to Include Three Persistent Pollutants under POPs Regulation

On November 21, 2025, the European Commission released three draft proposals to upgrade and integrate three categories of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)—chlorpyrifos, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (C9-21 PFCAs)—into Part A of Annex I to the EU POPs Regulation (EU) 2019/1021. The move aims to comprehensively prohibit their production, circulation, and use within the EU, with only minimal transitional exemptions granted to a very limited number of industries.