Industry body protests against Swedish government's restriction on flame retardant

Brussels - The European Brominated Flame Retardant Industry Panel (EBFRIP) has condemned a Swedish government decision to restrict the use of the Deca-BDE flame retardant in textiles, furniture and cables from the start of next year.

The Brussels-based umbrella body for manufacturers of brominated flame retardants said this “unilateral action” breached European Union law and contradicted a 10-year-old EU assessment which found no risks from Deca-DBE to health or the environment.

Even though the Swedish restriction will not include automotive or electrical and electronic equipment, EBFRIB believed the move would have an industry-wide impact.

“The action by Sweden will either encourage the use of less tested alternatives or drive consumer products to be less safe by increasing their flammability,” EBFRIP chairman Dieter Drohmann said. “It has potentially serious implications for consumer fire safety.”