The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued final risk management rules restricting the use of five persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) chemicals that influence human health and affect the environment in the beginning of 2021. However, in March EPA reviewed the rules by adding information on restrictions for processing and distribution of Phenol, Isopropylated Phosphate (3:1) (PIP (3:1)). As it turned out, these restrictions could impact articles used in different types of electronics, such as cellular telephones, laptop computers, robotics used to manufacture semiconductors as well as in industrial and commercial equipment. The problem is in product traceability and identification of PIP (3:1) in components throughout the whole supply chain. That is why EPA decided to postpone the implementation date of the rule to give interested parties time to prepare. Otherwise, the supply chain could be stopped for important consumer and commercial goods. 

EPA has notified that they extend the implementation date to March 8, 2022 and asked for comments from stakeholders to reevaluate the current rules for PIP (3:1) and the other PBTs correctly. EPA points out that without receiving comments from stakeholders it won’t be possible to extend the compliance dates again if it will be needed.

‍

The information has been prepared by the GMA Consult Group team.‍

GMA Consult Group provides a full cycle of international type approval and global market access services for IT, Telecom, and industrial electrical products in all countries throughout the world. With proven expertise in worldwide regulations, compliance, certification, and conformity assessment, GMA Consult Group can help your company speed up the access to any market with almost zero efforts from your side.

Need your own guide to the world of certification and approvals? Don't hesitate to contact us via info@gma.trade.

‍