Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

February 2016

On 4 February 2026, the European Commission proposed listing bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) (CAS No. 26040-51-7 and EC No. 247-426-5) as a Persistent Organic Pollutant under the European Commission framework. TBPH is a persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic brominated flame retardant, and this nomination is the first step toward a global phase-out aligned with the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
On 4 February 2026, the European Commission officially proposed the listing of bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) as a Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP).
TBPH is a brominated flame retardant (BFR) that has been identified as highly persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT). It is also capable of long-range environmental transport, having been detected in remote Arctic regions. The EU's nomination is the first step in a global phase-out process. By nominating TBPH now, the EU aims to align its internal REACH restrictions with international law to prevent "regulatory leakage" from non-EU imports.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) European Commission Feb 4, 2016