Four Phthalates Added as Restricted Substances to Chinese RoHS

June 20, 2022 – The Chinese Ministry of Industry & Information Technology (MIIT) has announced the plan to add four new phthalates to China’s RoHS legislation. 

On March 14, 2022, the Electrical and Electronic Product Pollution Control Standardization Group of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) a virtual conference at which they released plans for standards revision and other measures for China RoHS.  

The main plans outlined at the conference were to (1) add four phthalate esters to the hazardous substance list of China RoHS-2, (2) develop specific requirements for hazardous substance marking and (3) update the test methods for hazardous substances. 

What Are Phthalates and the Risks Associated with them? 

Phthalates, or phthalate esters, are widely used as plasticizers in the manufacturing of electrical and electronic products. They are a group of chemicals used to make plastic more durable and commonly used in plastics for lubricants and oils, personal care products, vinyl materials, and more. 

The disposal and recycling of these products may release phthalate esters in them into the environment and as a result, could cause substantial impact on the environment and pose hazardous to human health. 

How can Phthalates be Avoided? 

Phthalates are commonly found in plastic wrap and food containers made from PVC plastic carrying the recycling label #3. As scientists recommend avoiding the use of these products, companies are looking to remove it from their design process. These four substances were added to the European RoHS directive in 2019, and now the Chinese RoHS is being updated as well. 

We have compiled below a list of the four new phthalates scheduled to be added, along with the amended RoHS Standard. 

Phthalates Scheduled to be Added 

• DEHP: diethylhexyl phthalate 
• BBP: benzylbutyl phthalate 
• DBP: dibutyl phthalate 
• DIBP: diisobutyl phthalate 

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