JBCE Position Paper on Restricting the Use of Certain Non-Polymeric Aromatic Brominated Flame Retardant

On 17 March 2026, JBCE submitted its response to the call for evidence on the restriction of certain non-polymeric Aromatic Brominated Flame Retardant (ABFRs) under the REACH Regulation.

In its response, JBCE highlights the crucial function of flame retardants in ensuring the fire safety of Electric and Electronic Equipment (EEE), and notes that strict flammability requirements are already established under various EU product safety legislation. JBCE emphasises that no technically feasible alternatives with equivalent performance are currently available for certain applications, such as printed wiring boards, connectors, and cables.

JBCE also raises concerns about the proposed transition period, stressing that an 18-month period would be insufficient for complex articles such as EEE. JBCE underlines the need for longer, category-specific transition periods and exemptions, particularly for applications where substitution is not yet technically feasible.

Furthermore, JBCE expresses support for a science- and risk-based regulatory approach in line with the REACH framework, while also voicing reservations about extending restrictions without confirmed hazard identification or sufficient impact assessment.

For more information, please contact info@jbce.org