The 22nd meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC-22) is scheduled to take place in Rome, Italy, from 21 to 25 September 2026, back-to-back with the 22nd meeting of the Rotterdam Convention Chemical Review Committee. POPRC reviews proposals for listing new chemicals in the Stockholm Convention annexes and develops recommendations for the Conference of the Parties. The advance provisional agenda is now available. Compliance teams should monitor POPRC-22 outcomes for potential new POP listings that may affect product formulations.
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat invites submissions on the draft report reviewing the specific exemption for the use of perfluorooctyl iodide (PFOI) for the production of perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) for pharmaceutical product manufacturing. This exemption was listed in Annex A following COP-12 decisions. Comments are due by 22 May 2026.
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat invites comments on the draft report on the assessment of alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (PFOSF), including draft recommendations to the Conference of the Parties. Comments due by 10 June 2026. This review may impact existing PFOS exemptions and acceptable uses under the Convention.
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat has issued an invitation to submit comments on the draft report on the assessment of alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (PFOSF), including draft recommendations to the Conference of the Parties. Comments are due by 10 June 2026. This assessment informs ongoing decisions about PFOS exemptions and acceptable purposes under Annex B of the Convention.
The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has opened a consultation on proposed amendments to the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 as retained in Great Britain. The consultation seeks views on draft Statutory Instrument 'The Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) Regulations 2026' which proposes: (1) adding chlorpyrifos, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs) to the list of prohibited substances in Annex I; (2) changes to the existing entry for perfluorooctane sulfonates (PFOS); and (3) other amendments to implement Stockholm Convention COP-12 decisions. The proposed coming into force date is 16 December 2026. Compliance teams supplying the UK market should review product portfolios for presence of these substances and submit comments on the consultation.
Defra is consulting on proposed amendments to Annex I of the assimilated Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation (EU) 2019/1021. The draft Statutory Instrument proposes to prohibit 5 new POPs in Great Britain, implementing Stockholm Convention COP-12 decisions. The consultation ran from 18 March 2026 to 13 May 2026. The proposed regulations would come into force on 16 December 2026 and include new substance listings and concentration limits aligned with international obligations.
UK opened a public consultation on proposed amendments to the assimilated Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation (EU) 2019/1021. The consultation sought views on draft legislation to prohibit 5 new POPs in Great Britain, implementing UK obligations under the Stockholm Convention. The draft Statutory Instrument proposes amendments to Annex I of the POPs Regulation with a commencement date of December 16, 2026.
UK Defra consultation seeking views on proposed amendments to Annex I of the assimilated POPs Regulation (EU) 2019/1021, including new substance prohibitions. The draft Statutory Instrument implements Stockholm Convention COP-12 decisions listing chlorpyrifos, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs). The consultation has closed and government is analysing feedback.
Defra is seeking comments on the revised indicative list for long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs), PFOA, and PFHxS, their salts and related compounds. This responds to the Stockholm Convention POPs Review Committee's request for input on the latest version of the indicative list. Comments will inform the UK's position on these PFAS compounds under the Stockholm Convention framework. Industries using or manufacturing PFAS-containing materials should participate to ensure their views are represented.
UK Defra has published a call for comments on the revised indicative list for long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs), PFOA and PFHxS, their salts and related compounds. The Stockholm Convention's POPs Review Committee (POPRC) has requested stakeholder input on the latest version of the indicative list, which defines substances covered under the specific exemptions. Companies using or supplying these PFAS substances should review the indicative list and submit comments by the deadline.
The European Commission has adopted a proposal for a Council Decision to submit, on behalf of the European Union, a proposal for listing TBPH (tetrabromobisphenol-A related compound) in Annex A or B to the Stockholm Convention. The scientific dossier will be reviewed at the POPRC meeting in October 2026, with a submission deadline of April 2026. This initiates the formal process under Article 8 of the Convention for considering new persistent organic pollutants for global restriction.
The European Commission has proposed that the EU submit TBPH (bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate), a brominated flame retardant, for listing in Annex A (elimination) or Annex B (restriction) of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. The scientific dossier will be reviewed at the POPRC meeting in October 2026. If listed, TBPH would become subject to global elimination or restriction under the Convention. Companies using TBPH in flame retardant applications should monitor this proposal and prepare for potential future regulatory restrictions.
The European Commission has proposed a Council Decision authorizing the EU to submit a proposal for listing bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) in Annex A or Annex B to the Stockholm Convention. TBPH is a brominated flame retardant used in plastics, electronics, construction materials, and wire insulation. If the Council adopts this decision, the EU will formally submit the TBPH nomination to the Stockholm Convention, initiating the POPRC review process for potential global restriction under the Convention.
The European Commission proposes to submit TBPH (bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate) for listing in Annex A or B of the Stockholm Convention. The scientific dossier will be reviewed at the POPRC meeting in October 2026, with a proposal submission deadline of April 2026. Companies using TBPH as a flame retardant should monitor this nomination process.
Singapore NEA has issued a circular to traders and declaring agents detailing the phase-out requirements for three chemicals newly listed in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention: (i) Chlorpyrifos; (ii) Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins with chain lengths C14-C17 and chlorination levels ≥45% chlorine by weight; (iii) Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (C9-C21), their salts and related compounds. Singapore, as a Party to the Stockholm Convention, is implementing the COP-12 decisions from April/May 2025. Companies trading these substances should review the phase-out timelines and exemption conditions.
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat has published new guidance on sampling, screening, and analysis for persistent organic pollutants. This guidance supports Parties in developing national implementation plans and conducting POPs inventories, complementing the 2020 General guidance on POPs inventory.
The 22nd meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC-22) will take place in Rome, Italy, from October 21, 2026. POPRC is the scientific subsidiary body that reviews proposals for listing new POPs and makes recommendations to the Conference of the Parties. The committee will review pending chemical nominations and develop draft risk profiles and risk management evaluations.
The UK government is calling for comments on a revised draft risk profile for polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBCDD/Fs), excluding polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans. This risk profile is being developed as part of the Stockholm Convention Article 8 process for potential listing in Annex E (release reduction provisions). Stakeholders can provide input on the scientific assessment of these substances as POPs.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1482 amends the EU POPs Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 regarding tetrabromodiphenyl ether, pentabromodiphenyl ether, hexabromodiphenyl ether, heptabromodiphenyl ether and decabromodiphenyl ether. The regulation addresses persistent organic pollutants that were listed under the Stockholm Convention and strengthens controls on brominated flame retardants entering new products through recycled materials.
The Stockholm Convention Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC-21) has issued a call for submission of information on Annex E for polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/PBDFs) and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans. The submission deadline is 5 December 2025. This information collection supports the Committee's risk profile development for potential POPs listing.