The government has announced its decision to change regulations for products containing plasticising chemicals for the majority of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).

Earlier this week, the Office for Product Safety and Standards revealed changes to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) laws, which will come into effect from July 22nd 2019.

This will result in products containing four particular phthalates, which are used to soften PVC, that are no longer compliant with the regulations not going to market.

A spokesperson for the government stated: “The restrictions within the RoHS regulations are applied at the point products are ‘placed on the market’ which, in most cases, involves importers and manufacturers – it is illegal to place products on the market that are non-compliant.”

Should a retailer receive a product prior to July 22nd, it does not have to adhere to the new legislation. However, they will be held accountable to the Office for Product Safety and Standards and have to produce evidence of the date of receipt, such as invoices and delivery notes.

These changes will affect all EEE apart from medical, monitoring and control equipment, which will become part of the RoHS list from July 22nd 2021.

The four phthalates that will now be included on the restricted chemical database are butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di(2-ethylheyxyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutl phthalate (DBP), and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP). However, not all phthalates will be subject to restriction.

Phthalates are popular in the production of plastics as they result in products that are robust, while also being flexible. They are also commonly used in vinyl flooring, lubricating oil, detergents, adhesives, automotive plastics, raincoats, and beauty products, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The organisation stated that some phthalates “have affected the reproductive system of laboratory animals”. However, it added more research is required to ascertain what impact exposure to phthalates has on human health.

To find out more about toll processing in chemical manufacturing, take a look here.