Deca electronics ban dispute closer to resolution

A legal tussle between the European commission and European parliament over the fate of the brominated flame retardant deca-BDE in electronics came closer to resolution this week as the European court of justice held a hearing on the case.

Bromine industry association Bsef says the outcome will be vital as a "test case as to whether scientific assessment conclusions should be the basis for EU policy on chemicals".

The parliament wants the court to overturn the commission's decision in 2005 to reverse a ban on deca through the restrictions on hazardous substances (RoHS) directive (EED 10/01/06). It says the commission exceeded its powers and has not adequately justified the move. It is supported by Denmark (EED 02/02/07), Sweden, Finland and Norway.