Minnesota Bans Brominated Flame Retardants
September 2007 (07B-150)
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Minnesota recently enacted Bill SF 2096 banning the manufacture, processing, or distribution in commerce of a product or flame-retardant part of a product containing more than 0.1% of pentabromodiphenyl ether (pentaBDE) or octabromodiphenyl ether (octaBDE) by mass. The law becomes effective on January 1, 2008. Retailers in the state will be allowed to exhaust their current stock of any products through sales to the public after January 1, 2008.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widely used as a flame retardant in a variety of products including clothes, furniture, and electronics. |
Exemptions
The following products are exempt from the Regulation:
 Any used transportation vehicle with component parts containing
polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs);
Any used transportation vehicle parts or new transportation vehicle
parts manufactured before January 1, 2008, that contain PBDE;
Any equipment for military or federally funded space program applications
containing PBDE; it does not cover consumer-based goods with
broad applicability;
Any used product containing PBDE; (A ‘used product’ is defined as
any product that has been previously owned, purchased, or sold in commerce;
it does not include any product manufactured after January 1, 2008.)
New carpet cushion made from recycled foam containing more than
0.1% PBDE;
Medical devices; and
Telecommunications equipment containing PBDE used by entities eligible
to hold authorization in the Public Safety Pool under 47 CFR 90.
DecaBDE is also under review in Minnesota
The uses of commercial decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE) will be reviewed along with the availability of technically feasible and safer alternatives, fire safety, and any evidence regarding the potential harm to public health and the environment. The report of the findings and recommendations is to be submitted to the legislative committees no later than January 15, 2008.
Other PBDE regulations in Minnesota
The state of Minnesota has one additional regulation prohibiting the use of PBDE:
Minnesota Session Laws 2007, Chapter 48, states that on or after September 1, 2007, a manufacturer must not sell a new video display device unless the manufacturer has filed a registration with the agency. By September 1, 2008, the registration submitted must include a statement disclosing whether any video display devices sold to households exceed the maximum concentration polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and PBDEs as required by RoHS Directive (2002/95/EC) of the European Parliament.
Bureau Veritas an Industry Leader in Chemical Testing
With experienced technical professionals in the area of chemical testing and product quality, we are committed to assisting industry in testing for the percentage levels of PBDE in a variety of consumer products.
Our testing services are just one method in which we can help you deliver compliant and reliable products to market. By examining the various points in your supply chain, we can further help you assess and maintain product throughout the lifecycle of your product.
Taking Proactive and Preventive Steps
Implementing the right services at the right point along the supply chain can dramatically increase the effectiveness of a quality assurance program. As the marketplace continues to evolve and shift, it is important to re-evaluate your current program against the regulatory and industry changes taking place today.
With years of experience, a strong reputation and a full understanding of the retail marketplace, we are ready to help you get through existing and future challenges to protect your company’s most important asset – your brand. We offer a variety of solutions and services throughout the supply chain. Please call your program manager or contact our nearest location to discuss how we can help you.
Contact Information
Please contact your local customer service representative or the Bureau Veritas office in:
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