Information Express | EU POPs Adds New UV-328 Restriction Requirements; Companies Need to Prepare for Compliance!

On July 15, 2025, the European Union published Regulation (EU) 2025/843 in the Official Journal, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). This amendment adds restrictions for 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-di-tert-amylphenol (UV-328) to Part A of Annex I of the POPs Regulation. The amendment will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

The newly added control requirements are as follows:

About UV-328

UV-328 is a commonly used UV absorber, chemically known as 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-di-tert-amylphenol. It is widely used as a light stabilizer in coatings and plastics, including in outdoor furniture and personal care products. Its function is to improve the light resistance of materials, thereby extending the product lifespan and maintaining the appearance, color, and physical properties. However, as research deepens, its persistence in the environment and potential ecotoxicity have raised regulatory concerns. Due to its persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) and very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) properties, UV-328 was designated a substance of very high concern (SVHC) by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) as early as December 2014. It can cause damage to the liver and kidneys of mammals and has endocrine disrupting properties, potentially interfering with the normal functioning of the endocrine system and affecting physiological processes such as growth, development, and reproduction.

Warm tips

EU POPs regulations are frequently updated and enforcement is increasing. Cases of products violating POPs regulations resulting in violation notifications are common. ZRLK recommends that companies closely monitor regulatory developments and develop control measures to mitigate the economic losses caused by POPs violations. Our company boasts a wide range of testing capabilities and a professional and efficient service team, allowing us to help companies assess the presence of specific regulated chemicals in their products, ensuring they meet the standards of relevant national and international organizations. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Our engineers will assist you promptly.