On 23 November 2022, the European Commission has approved and published Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2291 to amend Annex I to EU Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 as regards the entry of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) (CAS No. 118-74-1). It shall enter into force on 13 December 2022. According to the Commission Delegated Regulation, the following specific exemption shall be added:

For the purposes of this entry, the exemption from control measures shall apply to concentrations of hexachlorobenzene equal to or below 10 mg/kg (0.001 % by weight) where it is present in substances, mixtures or articles.

According to EU POPs Regulation (EU) 2019/1021, the hexachlorobenzene (HCB) content requirement applies to all substances, mixtures and articles. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) has been found as an impurity in pesticides, chlorinated solvents, inks, coatings, paints and toners, wood application, textile application and plastics.

Note:
Annex I: Substances prohibited to be used for manufacturing, placing on the market and use.