News
17.01.2025

ECHA report on Aromatic Brominated Flame Retardants (ABFRs)

Several ABFRs are concluded to be problematic (PBT) and ECHA recommends “group approach” regulatory action. ECHA considers that alternative FRs are available to replace ABFRs in many applications, but that some of these alternatives also pose questions.

ABFRs are chemicals in which one or more bromine atoms are covalently bound to an aromatic carbon ring. They can be additive, reactive or polymeric. 60 ABFRs were identified by ECHA (European Chemical Agency) as being potentially placed on the market in the EU (as chemicals or in articles), of which only 25 are REACH registered. ECHA concludes that although only 5 ABFRs are today formally identified as SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern) or PBT (persistent, bioaccumulating, toxic) or vPvB (very Persistent, very bioaccumulating), more than 40 of the 60 ABFRs are already identified as PBT/vPvB or “are likely to be PBT” (5+17 non-polymeric additive, 16 non-polymeric reactive, 5 precursors/monomers). ECHA also notes that chemical modelling (QSAR) suggests that other ABFRs (including polymeric) could decompose to potentially PBT chemicals. ECHA recommends a “group approach” for regulatory action on non-polymeric additive ABFRs.

The report notes that ABFRs are today widely used to contribute to fire safety in more than 40 different polymers (in particular epoxies, polyethylene, thermoplastic elastomers …), in many applications, in particular electronics, wires and cables, construction materials and textiles. Nearly all ABFRs used in Europe are imported. For most applications, in particular electronics (connectors, enclosures, printed circuit boards), many viable alternatives to ABFRs are available, including non-combustible materials and organophosphorus FRs. ECHA did not find viable alternatives to ABFRs in some applications: in particular aerospace/defence, some sealants and adhesives, transparent polycarbonates, certain technical textiles. Polymeric ABFRs are identified as a viable alternative to non-polymeric ABFRs.

Wastes containing ABFRs are generally not recycled. Releases of non-polymeric ABFRs during waste management are particularly important (shredding, landfill …). ECHA notes concerns about release of ABFRs (in particular non-polymeric additive ABFRs) and degradation in the environment, with a particular need for more information on losses from microplastics.

ECHA identified a number of phosphorus-based FR alternatives with no regulatory or hazard issues. However, they also note that some organophosphorus FRs may have hazardous chemical properties, leach out of products into the environment, be found in the environment at higher concentrations than ABFRs****, and may require different technologies to identify and separate in waste treatment. Further investigation into organophosphorus FRs is thus needed to ensure that there is not regrettable substitution.

A concern identified is that non-polymeric ABFRs which have not been REACH registered “have been detected in the environment at high concentrations”, leading ECHA to point to issues with compliance and with chemicals in articles imported into the EU*.

This ECHA report results from a request from the European Commission (22 December 2023 **) and two public calls for evidence (April 2024, June 2024 ***). This report is now transmitted to the European Commission who will now decide whether to request ECHA to prepare a regulatory restriction proposal for ABFRs and if so what its scope should be.

* pinfa note: A significant issue with REACH is that only specific chemicals present in imported 'articles' (such as finished products like telephones or components like printed circuit boards) are subject to REACH regulations. While REACH restriction targeting chemicals in articles can also target import in its scope, weak enforcement still allows restricted substances to enter the EU. Additionally, the authorisation process does not cover imported articles, meaning substances banned in the EU can still be imported within articles. Hence, based on deeper assessment on the impact on EU market, authorities can submit a restriction to address it.

** pinfa Newsletter n°159

*** pinfa Newsletter n°161

**** high environmental concentrations attributed to organophosphorus FRs are in some cases due to use of the same chemical for other purposes, e.g. in polishes, nail varnishes, as plasticisers.

“ECHA raises environmental concerns over certain aromatic brominated flame retardants”, ECHA/NR/24/40, European chemicals Agency (ECHA), 18 December 2025 https://echa.europa.eu/-/echa-raises-environmental-concerns-over-certain-aromatic-brominated-flame-retardants

“Investigation report on Aromatic Brominated Flame Retardants”, 18 December 2024, 117 pages plus appendices https://echa.europa.eu/completed-activities-on-restriction