Breaking Down the Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2025

Here's what you need to know about the latest changes in UK legislation regarding persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

What’s Happening?

The UK government has amended its regulations on persistent organic pollutants, a group of chemicals that pose risks to human health and the environment. Specifically, this new regulation removes UV-328 and Dechlorane Plus from the list of banned substances in Great Britain.

Why the Change?

Originally, these chemicals were prohibited following international guidelines set by the Stockholm Convention, which aims to eliminate or restrict POPs. However, new information from the medical technology sector indicated that these substances are crucial in certain medical applications. Without them, there could be significant disruptions in healthcare, including shortages of essential medical technologies affecting patient care across England, Scotland, and Wales.

The Backstory

In May 2023, amendments to the Stockholm Convention led to a ban on these chemicals. The UK implemented this ban in April 2025. But after receiving feedback from industries, especially those involved in medical technology, the government learned that more time was needed to find alternatives.

Immediate Actions

Due to the urgent need to prevent healthcare disruptions, the UK has quickly moved to lift these prohibitions temporarily. This swift action bypassed the usual 21-day parliamentary consideration period, highlighting the critical nature of the situation.

What's Next?

The UK remains committed to the goals of the Stockholm Convention. The plan is to reintroduce the bans on UV-328 and Dechlorane Plus once a thorough understanding of necessary exemptions is achieved. This will ensure that essential medical applications are not hindered while still aligning with international environmental commitments.

Impact on Businesses

For businesses, particularly in the medical technology sector, this amendment alleviates immediate supply chain concerns. The changes are not expected to impose any new costs or burdens, as they primarily aim to sustain current operations without disruption.

Consultations and Future Plans

Despite the lack of further public consultation due to the urgency, the government has been engaging with relevant stakeholders, including health departments and industry representatives, to navigate this complex issue effectively.

In summary, while the UK government temporarily lifts bans on certain POPs to secure healthcare provisions, it continues to work towards a balanced approach that meets both environmental and public health needs. Stay tuned as further developments unfold regarding the reintroduction of these prohibitions with appropriate exemptions.