On November 23, 2022, the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2022/2291 in its Official Journal (OJ), adding the specific exemption limit for hexachlorobenzene in Annex I of the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation (EU) 2019/1021, stipulating that the exemption applies to substances, mixtures and products where hexachlorobenzene is equal to or less than 10mg/kg. This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day after its promulgation and shall apply to all Member States.

Hexachlorobenzene is commonly used in polychlorinated biphenyl products, dye carriers, bactericides, flame retardants and chemical intermediates, and may also be unintentionally generated in combustion, thermal and industrial processes. It mainly exists in the form of impurities such as pesticides, chlorinated solvents, inks, paints, paints and toners, wood, textiles and plastics. Hexachlorobenzene was listed in Appendix I of POPs regulations as early as 2004, but its "unintentional trace pollutant (UTC)" limit value has not been specified, making the implementation of this clause not specific. The clarification of the limit value of hexachlorobenzene in POPs regulations is more convenient for the implementation of the regulations.