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GB – Consultation on proposed Persistent Organic Pollution (Amendment) Regulations 2026, closing 13th May 2026
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On 18th March, the Government opened a consultation to gather submissions on the proposed Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation 2026, which will update the UK legislation to align with the EU POPs Regulation.
The 2026 Regulations will make various changes to the list of substances that will fall within the scope of these Regulations, such as adding 5 new POPs to a list of prohibited substances in Annex I of the assimilated POPs Regulation (EU) 2019/1021.
This consultation will also seek comments on other matters relating to developments in international POPs regulatory standards.
The consultation will close on 13th May 2026.
On 18th March, the Government announced that it would be seeking views from the public on several proposed amendments to the POPs Regulations in upcoming and future legislation.
Most of these proposals relate to recent additions of five new POPs under the Stockholm Convention on POPs, to which the UK is a Party.
These new substances are:
- Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs)
- Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs)
- UV-328
- Dechlorane Plus (DP)
- Chlorpyrifos
This consultation refers to legislative proposals in the Draft Statutory Instrument, the Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) Regulations 2026. Responders are instructed to refer to the Draft Statutory Instrument when making submissions.
This consultation also provides an opportunity for respondents to share evidence regarding related amendments adopted or proposed by the EU, including their potential suitability for GB and any implications for the functioning of the UK internal market, particularly where different requirements may apply in Northern Ireland under the Windsor Framework.
The consultation will also provide an opportunity to comment on the Stockholm Convention POPs Review Committee (POPRC) evaluation processes, evidence generation, and engagement regarding substances that are being considered as potential new POPs.
Submissions will be received until 13th May 2026.
Sources:
Consultation on potential amendments to the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation 2026 – published on gov.uk on 18th March 2026.
Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council – adopted 20 June 2019.