BSEF objects to ‘eco-design’ halogen ban

The International Bromine Council (BSEF) has stated its strong opposition to Lot 5 of the EU’s ecodesign requirements for electronic displays. The Regulation was laid down pursuant to Directive 2009/125/EC, was adopted by the European Commission on 1 October and is expected to come into force on 1 March 2021.

According to the BSEF, it contains an “arbitrary and discriminatory ban on halogenated flame retardants” in the enclosures and stands of electronic displays, including televisions, monitors and digital signage. The council and its members will now assess their options. “BSEF believes this restriction is unjustified, discriminatory and procedurally flawed,” the council added. “Assuming the power to restrict substances under the Ecodesign Directive risks creating legal uncertainty in the market and goes against the Commission’s own Better Regulation principles.”

n particular, the Regulation is claimed to bypass both REACH and the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, thus setting a concerning precedent. It was also not formally notified to the WTO TBT to enable impacted third countries and their manufacturers comment, but was instead inserted after the closure of the formal notification period.