TBPH and DBDPE Move Forward in Stockholm Convention Review

Two brominated flame retardants, TBPH and DBDPE, have moved to the next stage of assessment under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. At its September 2026 meeting, the Convention’s POPs Review Committee agreed that both proposals met the initial screening criteria and that draft risk profiles should be prepared.

This is a step towards possible international controls, not a new ban. Further scientific assessment and a decision by the parties to the Convention would be needed before either proposal could result in a listing.

Which substances are being assessed?

• Bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (TBPH), EC 247-426-5, covering its individual isomers and combinations of those isomers. The proposal was submitted by the European Union.
• Decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE), EC 284-366-9, and its related substance, 1,1'-ethane-1,2-diylbisbenzene, brominated (CAS 1092834-40-6). The proposal was submitted by Norway.

Both proposals concern flame retardants used in polymer applications. DBDPE has been used as a replacement for decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), which is already listed under the Stockholm Convention. TBPH is used as a flame retardant and plasticiser.

What does this stage mean?

The first screening considers persistence, bioaccumulation, potential for long-range environmental transport and adverse effects. Passing this stage means that the substances warrant further assessment; it does not settle the final outcome.

The next step is to prepare risk profiles under Annex E of the Convention. These examine whether a substance is likely, as a result of long-range environmental transport, to cause significant adverse effects that warrant global action.

Parties and observers have been invited to submit information for this work before 4 December 2026. Later stages may include an assessment of possible control measures, alternatives and socio-economic impacts before any recommendation on listing.

Why this matters for product compliance

For manufacturers and suppliers of polymer materials and components, the review is a reason to check whether these flame retardants are present in their supply chains. Confirmed substance identities and composition data will help companies assess the relevance of any future controls.

The review does not introduce a new product concentration limit, reporting obligation or phase-out deadline. It also does not replace any existing requirements that may already apply under EU or national legislation.

Sources: Stockholm Convention – POPRC.22 meeting and proposal documents ; IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin – summary of the meeting and decisions .