CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND RETAIL E-SSENTIALS

EU POPs Sets a limit for Pentachlorophenol

FEBRUARY 2021 - ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS, HARDLINES, SOFTLINES, TOYS AND CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS

The European Commission sets a limit value for pentachlorophenol and its salts and esters (PCP). This requirement was published as Regulation (EU) 2021/277¹ in the Official Journal of the European Union. This amends the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation and will take effect from 15 March 2021. 

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is a group of polychlorinated compounds that is used as preservatives for wood, leather and textiles to protect against the attack of moulds, fungus and bacteria. PCP is toxic to human and the environment, in particular to aquatic life. Acute inhalation exposure to PCP in humans may affect the cardiovascular system, blood, liver, and eyes. PCP is also suspected to be carcinogenic.
 
The amendment is the same as the proposal we reported² in September 2020. The requirement of PCP is now equipped with a limit that helps to define the level of unintentional trace contaminants and to facilitate enforcement. Table 1 summarises this amendment.

Table 1. Brief summary of PCP requirement under POPs Regulation

[1]  Regulation (EU) 2021/277

[2]  TÜV SÜD E-ssentials – EU POPs proposed new limit of pentachlorophenol