If you are an exporter of products, such as electric transformers or textiles containing flame retardants, you have to make sure that your products do not contain Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) that are prohibited in the EU. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemical substances that can be used in pesticides, flame retardants in textiles and plastic products, solvents and refrigerants in the chemical industry. POPs persist in the environment, are bio accumulated through the food chain, and can be dangerous to human health and the environment .Therefore the EU has restricted their use.
This document provides an outline to the EU legislation on POPs, based on a UN convention, including a list of substances subject to prohibition.
Additional information on specific legislation on POPs in certain products can be found in the related document section at the right side of this page. The external links section provides links to relevant legislative text and guidance documents.
Publication date: December, 2009
