EU Limits Proposed for PCBs Under POP Recast Regulation

SGS summarizes the EU’s proposals to set UTC limit values for PCBs. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) March 06, 2025 - Geneva (March 5, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 033.25, reporting on the EU’s proposals to set unintentional trace contaminant (UTC) limits for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

PCBs are a group of synthetic chemical compounds that were once commonly used for their cooling and insulation effects in industrial and consumer products. Part of the class of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), they are often bioaccumulative and present significant risks to human health and the environment.

On February 18, 2025, a four-week consultation was launched on a draft delegated regulation to amend Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants (POP Recast Regulation).

The ‘specific exemption on intermediate use or other specification’ requirements for PCB under Annex 1, Part A of the POP Recast Regulation are revised in the draft regulation. Key provisions include:

• Specifying a UTC value limit for PCB in substances, mixtures and articles to facilitate the application and enforcement of the law
• Defining a UTC limit value for PCB in organic pigments, dyes and related mixtures and articles – with the limit to be strengthened in three years

The draft regulation is open for comments until March 18, 2025.

SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 033.25 includes a helpful table including information about substance scope, specific exemptions on intermediate use or other specifications, and the proposed effective dates for the draft regulation.

Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 033.25 for more details.

SGS chemical testing
SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS chemical testing services. [www.sgs.com/en/services/chemicals-testing]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Proposes Limits for PCB under POP Recast Regulation SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2025/02/safeguards-03325-eu-proposes-limits-for-pcb-under-pop-recast-regulation]

Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. [http://www.sgs.com/subscribes]

For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420
Website: http://www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH0002497458, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).

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