The REACH 251 SVHC list marks another milestone in chemical safety and regulatory control. With the addition of 1,1′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis[pentabromobenzene] (DBDPE), industries across Europe and beyond must once again evaluate their products for compliance. In fact, this inclusion highlights Europe’s continued effort to address persistent and bioaccumulative substances in consumer and industrial goods.
The REACH 251 SVHC update expands the Candidate List under the European Union’s REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006. This list identifies substances of very high concern that may pose serious risks to human health or the environment. Accordingly, when the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) adds an entry, companies that manufacture, import, or use the substance in quantities above 0.1% w/w in articles must notify and communicate this information along their supply chain.
Additionally, suppliers must update their Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and ensure transparency for downstream users. Subsequently, this process encourages substitution with safer alternatives and drives innovation toward greener chemistry.
DBDPE, or 1,1′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis[pentabromobenzene], is a brominated flame retardant widely used in plastics, textiles, and electronic equipment. It helps materials resist ignition and reduce the spread of flames.
given that below is a quick overview of DBDPE key characteristics and regulatory relevance:
Property | Details |
|---|---|
Chemical Name | 1,1'-(Ethane-1,2-diyl)bis[pentabromobenzene] |
Abbreviation | DBDPE |
CAS Number | 84852-53-9 |
Function | Flame retardant |
Common Applications | Electrical housings, cables, insulation materials, textiles, and construction plastics |
Identified Concern | Very Persistent and Very Bioaccumulative (vPvB) |
REACH Status | Identified as the 251st SVHC |
Expected Inclusion Date | November 2025 (following ECHA Member State Committee agreement) |
Other Regulations | Monitored under RoHS, POPs, and global chemical inventories (U.S. TSCA and Canada DSL) |
Manufacturers rely on DBDPE for its strong flame-retardant efficiency. In fact, its chemical stability and high bromine content make it a preferred choice for polymers used in electronics and electrical equipment.
Common uses include:
DBDPE replaced decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE) in many formulations after the latter faced restrictions under REACH and the Stockholm Convention. However, concerns about DBDPE’s persistence and accumulation now draw similar scrutiny.
Regulatory authorities identified DBDPE as very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) under REACH Article 57(e). In other words, DBDPE does not easily degrade in the environment and accumulates in living organisms.
Moreover, researchers have detected DBDPE in air, sediments, and wildlife, even in remote regions. So, these findings suggest long-range environmental transport. Consequently, continuous use could lead to a buildup in ecosystems and food chains.
In addition, studies suggest that DBDPE can break down into more toxic byproducts under UV light or high temperatures. Such a transformation raises additional environmental concerns.
While the REACH 251 SVHC inclusion increases attention in Europe, other jurisdictions already monitor DBDPE under various frameworks. For instance:
Notably, these regulations underline a global consensus that manufacturers must manage DBDPE use responsibly.
The inclusion of DBDPE on the REACH 251 SVHC list requires companies to respond swiftly. In fact, the update affects not only raw material suppliers but also downstream manufacturers and importers.
Companies must:
Subsequently, these obligations encourage industries to explore alternative flame retardants that ensure a combination of safety, performance, and regulatory compliance.
Manufacturers increasingly explore non-halogenated flame retardants, which offer better environmental profiles. For example, phosphorus-based compounds and mineral flame retardants such as aluminum hydroxide provide effective alternatives without issues related to environmental persistence.
Furthermore, companies adopting Green Electronics and circular economy principles integrate material redesign and safer chemistry initiatives to minimize future SVHC risks.
The inclusion of DBDPE highlights the continuous evolution of chemical regulations in Europe. Moreover, each addition to the Candidate List reinforces the EU’s goal of protecting health, maintaining transparency, and encouraging substitution of harmful substances.
Also, as compliance teams adapt, awareness and proactive assessment remain crucial. In fact, organizations that maintain updated chemical inventories and supplier declarations stay ahead of regulatory changes and strengthen trust in global markets.
Overall, the REACH 251 SVHC update emphasizes compliance-oriented practices and environmental stewardship across industrial sectors. With DBDPE identified for its persistence and bioaccumulation, manufacturers must evaluate supply chains, enhance communication, and shift toward sustainable material choices.
In short, regulatory vigilance under REACH encourages innovation and sustainability, cornerstones of a safer and cleaner industrial future.
For personalized guidance on REACH 251 SVHC compliance, DBDPE management, or supply-chain evaluation, contact us to discuss your specific needs and ensure regulatory alignment.