POP Regulation

Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP)

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are chemical substances known for their durability and harmful effects on human health and the environment. Due to their slow breakdown, they accumulate in the environment and food chain, posing a global challenge.

What are POPs?

Persistent Organic Pollutants include:

• Pesticides: e.g., DDT, which was once used in agriculture.
• Industrial Chemicals: e.g., Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), used in electrical equipment.
• By-products: Highly toxic dioxins and furans, which are unintentionally formed during combustion or industrial processes.

Background of the Regulation
To minimize the harmful effects of POPs, international measures were adopted under the Stockholm Convention to restrict and ban certain POPs. The European Union initially implemented these decisions through Regulation (EC) No. 850/2004, which was replaced by Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on June 20, 2019.

Key Contents of Regulation (EU) 2019/1021

1. Ban and Restrictions:
   • The manufacture, use, and placing on the market of certain POPs are strictly regulated.
   • The goal is the gradual elimination of these substances.
2. Expansion of the Substance List:
   • The list of substances covered by the POP Regulation is regularly updated. Companies must continuously review their processes and products.
3. Reporting Obligations:
   • Companies are required to provide information on POPs in their products and ensure compliance.

Actions Required for Companies
To act in compliance with the law while maintaining environmental and social standards, companies should: 

• Analyze their supply chains to ensure no POPs are used in products or processes.
• Document POP-free products and create reports as required by the regulation.
• Regularly monitor updates to the substance list and make necessary adjustments.

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