In August 2013, a press release issued by the Danish Ministry of Environment clarified the reasons for postponing the ban on phthalates to 2015. Four phthalate esters (DEHP, DBP, BBP and DIBP) are more common than expected, and manufacturers are unlikely to eliminate them within the design time.

1. Background

On November 26, 2012, the Danish Executive Order (BEK nr 1113) announced that it was prohibited to import and sell indoor products containing four phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP and DIBP), and that the products included components containing these substances, which might come into contact with skin or mucous membranes. Products that have been regulated by EU regulations are not covered by this prohibition. The original effective date of the decree was December 1, 2013.

2. Summary of Danish Executive Order

Scope: products for indoor use, as well as parts containing these substances, which may contact with skin or mucous membrane;

Definition: indoor products refer to indoor products intended to be placed, kept, stored, erected, hung, laid, applied, fixed or used for similar purposes in their life cycle;

Limit value: each DEHP, DBP, BBP, DIBP ≤ 0.1%;

Exemption: This prohibition does not apply to medical equipment, sealed inner layer of drugs, toys, baby products (about DEHP, DBP and BBP), cosmetics, materials and articles in contact with food, and second-hand products that comply with Danish requirements when sold for the first time;

Effective date: postponed to 2015.

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