Notifications of Articles in use

The Convention allows notification of POPs in articles in use, i.e. for chemicals occurring as constituents of articles manufactured or already in use before or on the date of entry into force of the obligation with respect to these chemicals.

Notifications of articles in use pursuant to note (ii) of Annex A and note (ii) of Annex B of the Stockholm Convention

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 PartySorted By Party In Ascending OrderChemicalArticle in useDate of notificationAny comments linked to actual notification
CambodiaTetrabromodiphenyl ether and Pentabromodiphenyl ether

Cars with PUR foam in car seats contaminated with TetraBDE and PentaBDE remain in use within the country.

20/01/2016 
CanadaPerfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride Aqueous film forming foams (fire fighting foams)21/12/2010

Although PFOS-based aqueous film forming foams (AFFFs) can no longer be manufactured, or purchased in Canada, there are remaining stocks of PFOS – based AFFFs in Canada.

CanadaLindaneHuman health pharmaceutical for control of head lice and scabies as second line treatment21/12/2010 
CanadaTetrabromodiphenyl ether and pentabromodiphenyl ether (commercial Pentabromodiphenyl ether mixture)Textile and foam-based products such as mattresses, furniture and carpet backing 21/12/2010While manufacture, import and use of C-PentaBDE commercial mixtures are prohibited, some articles containing this commercial mixture could still be in use in Canada
CanadaHexabromodiphenyl ether and heptabromodiphenyl ether (commercial Octabromodiphenyl ether mixture)Products containing acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)plastics such as electronic equipment21/12/2010While manufacture, import and use of C-OctaBDE commercial mixtures are prohibited, some articles containing this commercial mixture could still be in use in Canada
ChinaLindaneHuman health pharmaceutical for control of head lice and scabies as second line treatment31/10/2019 
ChinaPerfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride- Photo masks in the semiconductor and liquid crystal display (LCD) industries.
- Electric and electronic parts for some colour printers and colour copy machines.
- Product for control of red imported fire ants and termites.
31/10/2019 
ChinaHexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)Use of HBCD as a flame retardant for expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads, EPS and extruded polystyrene (XPS) boards in buildings. In addition, HBCD that were produced or used before 26 December 2016 may also be in-use in such products as flame retardant textiles, packaging, and building materials.19/11/2021EPS beads are intermediate products for the production of EPS boards. The HBCD-containing EPS and XPS products remain in use.
JapanChlordane

Termiticide in structures of houses where Chlordane occurs as a constituent.

30/08/2002 
JapanHeptachlor

Termiticide in structures of houses where Heptachlor occurs as a constituent.

30/08/2002 
JapanPerfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride- Photo imaging
- Photo resistant and anti-reflective coatings for semi-conductors
- Etching agent for compound semi-conductors and ceramic filters
- Fire-fighting foam
- Certain medical devices.
02/09/2010 Precursor: Perfluorooctane-1-sulfonyl fluoride (PFOS-F, CAS No. 307-35-7)
JapanHexabromocyclododecane- Flame retarded extruded polystyrene (XPS)
- Flame retarded expanded polystyrene (EPS)
- Flame retarded textiles.
25/11/2014 
JapanDecabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) present in commercial decabromodiphenyl ether - Flame-retardant treatment agent
- Flame-retardant materials for automobiles, aircrafts, and railway vehicles
- Flame-retardant materials for building and equipment 
- Flame-retardant textiles 
- Flame-retardant adhesives and sealing filters 
- Flame-retardant plastic cases for home appliances.
28/11/2018 
JapanShort-chain chlorinated paraffins- Paints (limited to those for waterproof and ant-flammable use)
- Plasticizers for resin and rubber
- Adhesives and sealing filters
- Fatliquoring agent for leather
- Flame-retardant treatment agent
- Lubricating, cutting and hydraulic oils
- Materials for industrial machines
- Tubes for outdoor decoration.
28/11/2018 
New ZealandHexabromocyclododecaneHBCD has been used as a flame retardant mainly in polystyrene building insulation. This includes flame retarded extruded polystyrene and flame retarded expanded polystyrene. There has also been some use of HBCD in flame retarded textiles.20/12/2016Manufacture and import of HBCD and of articles containing HBCD is prohibited in New Zealand. However, articles containing HBCD, primarily polystyrene building insulation, remain in use.
New ZealandPerfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoridePFOS has been widely used in applications providing oil and water resistance to materials such as textiles, upholstery, carpets, apparel, and paper and packaging. It has also been used in firefighting foams and hydraulic fluids.20/12/2016Manufacture, import and use of PFOS has been prohibited in New Zealand since August 2011, and since July 2006 for firefighting foams. However, it is likely that there are some substances and articles containing PFOS remaining in use.
New ZealandHexabromodiphenyl ether and heptabromodiphenyl ether (commercial octabromodiphenyl ether) OctaBDE was used as a flame retardant in a number of types of plastics, primarily in electrical and electronic equipment.20/12/2016Manufacture, import and use of octaBDE has been prohibited in New Zealand since August 2011. However, it is likely that there are some articles containing octaBDE remaining in use.
New ZealandPentachlorophenol and its salts and esters (PCP), and including the metabolite pentachloroanisole.PCP treated timber utility poles and cross-arms, and rail sleepers.20/12/2016In New Zealand, PCP was primarily used for timber treatment purposes but these uses ceased in 1988. All approvals to import, manufacture or use PCP were revoked in 2008. It is known, however, that some PCP treated utility poles are still in use and it is also possible that some rail sleepers containing PCP are still in service.
New ZealandTetrabromodiphenyl ether and pentabromodiphenyl ether (commercial pentabromodiphenyl ether, pentaBDE)PentaBDE was used as a flame retardant in a wide range of consumer products including textile and foam-based products such as mattresses, furniture and carpet backing. Its main use was in polyurethane foam.20/12/2016Manufacture, import and use of pentaBDE has been prohibited in New Zealand since August 2011. However, it is likely that there are some articles containing pentaBDE remaining in use.
New ZealandDecabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) present in commercial decabromodiphenyl etherArticles where DecaBDE has been used as an additive in plastics (such as in electrical and electronic equipment, wires, cables and pipes), in textiles (such as in carpets, upholstery, window blinds and curtains and mattresses), and in adhesives, sealants and coatings - present in New Zealand before 18 December 2018.14/12/2018 
New ZealandShort-chain chlorinated paraffinsArticles where SCCPs have been used as additives in rubber and plastic goods, in adhesives and sealants, and as water-proofing and flame retardant agents for textiles – present in New Zealand before 18 December 2018.14/12/2018 
New ZealandPerfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related compounds Articles where PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related compounds have been used as components, such as coated textiles, papers, fluoropolymer membranes or medical devices, in New Zealand on or before 3 December 202001/12/2020 
NorwayPerfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride

Despite existing regulations (see comments) PFOS and PFOS related compounds as constituents of articles still in use may be found in Norway. 

In 2009, the Norwegian Climate and Pollution agency undertook a screening study to identify possible sources of perfluorinated compounds (PFC) in industrial manufacturing and household applications in Norway. In this study low concentration levels of PFOS was detected in paints and inks, products with non-stick surfaces (i.e. cake forms, irons and pans) and power circuit boards from electronic products.

06/04/2011In Norway, PFOS and PFOS related substances have historically been used in consumer applications to provide grease, oil and water resistance to materials such as textiles including carpets, sports and leisure wear, upholstery, paper and packaging, coatings, and in industrial and household cleaning products. These products were mainly foreign products, imported to Norway. 

In Norway, production, import, export and placing on the market of PFOS and PFOS related compounds in products is restricted by the Product Regulations (www.klif.no/seksjonsartikkel 302l 7.aspx). According to the Product Regulations the manufacture, import, export and sale of impregnation agents and fire-fighting foam containing PFOS or PFOS related compounds in a concentration equal to or higher than 0.005 % by weight is prohibited. The manufacture, import, export and sale of textiles or other coated materials is prohibited if the amount of PFOS or PFOS-related compounds is equal to or higher than 1 ug/mg2. Possession of PFOS containing fire-fighting foam is also forbidden by Norwegian law which specifically requires that such products shall be delivered to an approved facility for final treatment. According the Norwegian Product Register, the use of PFOS in chemicals and chemical mixtures was largely phased out in Norway in 2002, and has since been negligible.

NorwayTetrabromodiphenyl ether and pentabromodiphenyl ether (main components of commercial Pentabromodiphenyl ether (pentaBDE))Norwegian authorities have no information to indicate that pentaBDE is a constituent of articles in use. In the case that such use still occurs it must be anticipated that it relates to products that were on the marked before the ban entered into force in 2004, and that have not yet been phased out.06/04/2011

Production, import, export and placing on the market of all formulations, products, and parts of products containing greater than or equal to 0.1% by weight of pentaBDE is in Norway prohibited through §2-20 of the Product Regulations. This ban entered into force on 1 July 2004, and as lain down in the Waste Regulation also extends to waste. As of 1 January 2004 waste containing more than 0.25% of pentaBDE is defined as hazardous waste and has to be treated according to regulations on hazardous waste. Permissions to export hazardous waste for recycling are not granted.

Historically, the main use of pentaBDE in Norway related to products. Use of pentaBDE as a flame retardant in electrical and electronic equipment, polyurethane foam, textiles and in means of transportation was been identified. However, import, export and use of pentaBDE for all these purposes ceased when the final regulatory action of pentaBDE entered into force in 2004. Available numbers from the textile industry in Norway, suggest that the total use of penta- and octaBDE for textile production, previous to the ban, in the period 1997-2003, was 75 kg/year. This use ceased with the ban in 2004.

NorwayHexabromodiphenyl ether and heptabromodiphenyl ether (main components of commercial octabromodipbenyl ether (octaBDE)) Norwegian authorities have no information to indicate that octaBDE is a constituent of articles in use. In the case that such use still occurs it must be anticipated that it relates to products that were on the marked before the ban entered into force in 2004.06/04/2011

Production, import, export and placing on the market of all formulations, products, and parts of products containing greater than or equal to 0.1 % by weight of commercial octaBDE is in Norway prohibited through §2-20 of the Product Regulations. This ban entered into force on 1 July 2004, and also extends to waste. As of 1 January 2004, and as lain down in the Waste Regulation, waste containing more than 0.25% of octaBDE is defined as hazardous waste and has to be treated according to regulations on hazardous waste. Permissions to export hazardous waste for recycling are not granted. 

Historically, the main use of octaBDE in Norway was related to products. Identified uses include the application of octaBDE as a flame retardant in polymers, high impact polystyrene and in electrical and electronic equipment. However, import, export and use of octaBDE for all these purposes ceased when the final regulatory action of octaBDE entered into force in 2004. Available numbers from the textile industry in Norway, suggest that the total use of penta- and octaBDE for textile production, previous to the ban, in the period 1997-2003, was 75 kg/year. This use ceased with the ban in 2004.

SwitzerlandPerfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluorideMedical diagnostic device.15/03/2011Until 2010 a PFOS containing formulation was used for coating components of a medical diagnostic device. PFOS has meanwhile been replaced in this process, but some medical diagnostic devices containing PFOS could still be in use.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandTetrabromodiphenyl ether and pentabromodiphenyl ether

Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (tetraBDE): Flame retardant materials used in foam-based products found in soft furnishings.

Pentabromodiphenyl ether (pentaBDE): Flame retardant materials used in textiles and soft furnishings.

24/01/2022

Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (tetraBDE): In sampling conducted in 2021, we confirmed the presence of high levels of tetraBDE, as part of a commercial pentaBDE mixture, in foam found in a small proportion of items of domestic seating being discarded as waste.
Sampling conducted in 2019 on waste electrical products found no evidence of this chemical remaining is use in household electrical devices.

Pentabromodiphenyl ether (pentaBDE): In sampling conducted in 2021, we confirmed the presence of high levels of pentaBDE as part of a commercial pentaBDE mixture with tetraBDE, in foam found in a small proportion of items of domestic seating being discarded as waste. 
Work conducted in 2019 on waste electrical products found no evidence of this chemical remaining in use in household electrical devices.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandDecabromodiphenyl ether

Flame retardant materials for textiles and soft furnishings. 

Flame retardant materials for plastic casings of appliances, electric and electronic equipment.

24/01/2022Analysis of waste domestic seating conducted in 2021 suggests that approximately 1000 tonnes of DecaBDE are currently discarded per annum. Given the long life-span of these items, significant quantities remain in use. 

Analysis of waste electrical devices sampled in 2019 confirms that this is the predominant brominated POP in items being discarded, and will be widespread in articles remaining in use. The quantity will be significantly less than in domestic seating.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandHexabromodiphenyl ether and heptabromodiphenyl etherHexabromodiphenyl ether (hexaBDE): Flame retardant materials for plastic casings of appliances, electric and electronic equipment. 

Heptabromodiphenyl ether (heptaBDE): Flame retardant materials for plastic casings of appliances, electric and electronic equipment.

24/01/2022Hexabromodiphenyl ether (hexaBDE): In sampling conducted in 2019 we confirmed the presence of high levels of hexaBDE, as part of a commercial octaBDE mixture with heptaBDE, in plastic found in a small proportion of waste household electrical devices. 
  - Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) displays 
Lower levels were found in some 
  - Cooker (control box) 
In sampling conducted in 2021 we found no evidence of its presence in waste domestic seating to suggest it was used, and remains in use in such articles.
   
Heptabromodiphenyl ether (heptaBDE): In sampling conducted in 2019 we confirmed the presence of a high level of heptaBDE, as part of a commercial octaBDE mixture with hexaBDE, in plastic found in a small proportion of waste household electrical devices.
  - Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) displays 
  - Cooker (control box) 
Lower levels were found in some 
  - Flat Panel displays
  - Toy cars (electric) 
In sampling conducted in 2021 we found no evidence of its presence in waste domestic seating to suggest it was used, and remains in use in such articles.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandHexabromocyclododecane
Flame retardant in upholstered furniture.
Some electrical products.
24/01/2022In sampling conducted in 2021 we have confirmed the presence of HBCDD in textile and synthetic leather covers of items of a small but significant proportion waste domestic seating, as well as finding lower levels in their foam or linings. This confirms that it remains present in in use seating articles in large quantities. 

Our work on waste electrical devices conducted in 2019 suggests that a negligible amount of HBCDD remains in use in some household type electrical products.