Ban of all halogenated FRs in E&E casings and of halogenated FRs and five phosphorus FRs in some polyurethane foams. Preparation of this Washington State “Safer Chemicals” regulation was summarised in pinfa Newsletter n°140. The regulation is now enacted, effectively banning all organohalogen flame retardants from plastic enclosures of electrical and electronic equipment intended for indoor use (with exemptions for certain types of equipment) by from 1st January 2024, and requiring reporting for equipment for outdoor use. For polyurethane (PU) foams in covered flooring or in uncovered recreational products, all organohalogen FRs are banned from 1st January 2025, as are five specific phosphorus FRs*, and reporting is required for covered PU foam recreational wall padding.
* Ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP), Isopropylated triphenyl phosphate (IPTPP), Tributyl phosphate (TNBP), Triorthocresyl phosphate (TCP), Triphenyl phosphate (TPP).
“WAC 173-337 – Washington State Department of Ecology. Chapter 173-337 WAC – Safer Products Restrictions and Reporting” HERE.