The IPC has voiced concern over the possible inclusion of TBBPA (tetrabromobisphenol A) in the coming revised EU ROHS (European Union restriction-of-hazardous-substances) regulations. As of mid-October, TBBPA, a reactive component for producing flame-retardant epoxy systems and a component in most PCB (printed-circuit-board) laminates, was on a draft list of five substances for priority examination under ROHS.

“TBBPA has already undergone a comprehensive EU risk assessment and, therefore, is not expected to be subject to authorization under REACH [registration, evaluation, and authorization of chemicals],” says IPC President Denny McGuirk.

REACH entered into force on June 1, 2007, to streamline and improve the former legislative framework for chemicals in the European Union.

“The recommendation for priority review of TBBPA under ROHS seemingly undermines the EU's emerging chemicals policy and law under REACH. We urge the [European] Commission to reconsider the inclusion of TBBPA in its list of priority review substances under ROHS,” McGuirk says.

According to the IPC, more than two-thirds of the world's electrical and electronic appliances use TBBPA. A ban on TBBPA would have a tremendous impact on the electronics industry in Europe, the industry group believes.