Commercial Information Circulars

24-hour hotline : 23 922 922

e-mail address : enquiry@tid.gov.hk

Ref : EIC 230/2/12

30 March 2009

Dear Sirs,

Commercial Information Circular No. 162/2009

European Union (EU)* : Ban on Products Containing Biocide Dimethylfumarate

The European Commission (the Commission) has adopted a Decision concerning a ban on products containing biocide dimethylfumarate (DMF) to be placed or made available on the market. Details are set out in the Commission Decision 2009/251/EC (the Decision). The Decision can be accessed through the following link:
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2009:074:0032:0034:EN:PDF

DETAIL

1.  
2. DMF is normally used by producers as a biocide in little pouches to prevent moulds that may cause products, such as furniture and footwear, to deteriorate during storage and transportation in a humid climate. However, it has been found seriously affecting consumers who were in contact with the products, causing painful skin contact dermatitis, including itching, irritation, redness, burns, and in some cases acute respiratory troubles. Under Directive 98/8/EC (the Biocides Directive) which authorises the placing of biocidal products on the market and the active substances contained, DMF is already banned for use in the manufacture of goods in the EU. However, there is no restriction when DMF is present in products imported into the Community.
    
3. In view of the risk of DMF, it is decided that product containing DMF are prohibited with effect from 1 May 2009. Products containing DMF that are already placed on the market should also be withdrawn from the market and recalled from consumers with effect from the same date. The Decision shall be applicable until 15 March 2010.

ENQUIRIES

4. For enquiries concerning the content of this circular, please contact the undersigned at telephone number 2398 5556.

Yours faithfully,

(Miss Peggy LEUNG)

for Director-General of Trade and Industry

* The EU includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.