Defra opens consult on proposed changes to POPs Regulation to prohibit five new substances
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has opened a consultation on the draft Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) Regulations 2026, proposing to add five new substances to Annex I of the assimilated Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 (the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation). The substances are: (1) medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs); (2) long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs); (3) UV-328; (4) dechlorane plus (DP) and (5) chlorpyrifos. Comments are also invited on proposed changes to the existing entry perfluorooctane sulfonates (PFOS), as well as the implications of recent EU amendments relating to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). It invites input on evaluation processes, evidence generation and engagement on potential new POPs under the Stockholm Convention. Respondents are further invited to provide evidence on the implications of recent or upcoming amendments to the EU POPs Regulation, as applicable in Northern Ireland, and on the suitability of equivalent amendments being implemented in Great Britain. The consultation closes on 13 May 2026.