On June 18, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced that it has launched a public consultation procedure on the proposal to list bis (2 - ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) in Appendix A to the Stockholm Convention. Relevant stakeholders may submit their comments before August 13, 2025, to participate in this global environmental decision - making process.
Background and proposal content
The Stockholm Convention aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) through international cooperation. These substances are highly toxic, persistent, and bio - accumulative, posing long - term threats to the environment and human health. TBPH, the subject of this proposal, is a is a new type of brominated flame retardant often used as a substitute for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).
According to the EU's proposal, TBPH is environmentally persistent, bio - accumulative, and has the potential for long - range transport, posing a threat to human health and ecological environments. Studies have found that it may affect the cardiovascular system, lungs, nervous system, thyroid, and liver, and may also biomagnify through the food chain, harming aquatic organisms. Given its high - risk nature, the EU is considering listing it in Appendix A to the Stockholm Convention to promote global control measures and reduce its potential risks.
Public consultation
To facilitate the review of comments on the draft scientific dossier, ECHA has prepared an Excel template. ECHA strongly recommends that reviewers use this template to provide feedback and invites stakeholders to provide information on the use of TBPH and related alternatives.
Further Information
