HS Code:
Hexabromobiphenyls (HBB) are a group of brominated flame retardants that have been used in various industrial applications, including electronics, textiles, and plastics, to reduce flammability. Classified under the broader category of polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), HBBs are highly persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and are subject to strict regulations under international agreements like the Stockholm Convention due to their environmental and health risks, including bioaccumulation and potential carcinogenic effects. Trade in HBBs is heavily restricted or banned in many regions, with limited legal production or use globally.
Total Trade Volume
Estimated at $5 million USD (due to restricted trade, data is limited and often combined with broader categories of brominated compounds)
Data from 2022
Source
UN Comtrade Database, supplemented by reports from the Stockholm Convention and environmental agencies
$2 million USD
40% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
$1.2 million USD
24% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
$0.8 million USD
16% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$0.5 million USD
10% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
$0.5 million USD
10% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.5% (varies widely due to environmental regulations)
Highest Rate
15% (imposed by certain countries as a deterrent to trade in hazardous substances)
Lowest Rate
0% (in regions with free trade agreements or exemptions for research purposes)
Global phase-out of HBBs
Significant reduction in trade volume as countries comply with international treaties like the Stockholm Convention, pushing industries toward safer alternatives.
2015-2022
Rise in alternative flame retardants
Increased demand for non-brominated flame retardants has diverted market share away from HBBs, further reducing trade.
2018-2022
Increased regulatory scrutiny
Stricter enforcement of environmental laws has led to declining legal trade and a potential rise in illicit markets.
2020-2022
The European Union updated its REACH regulations to further restrict the use and trade of polybrominated biphenyls, including HBBs, in all consumer products.
March 2023
Expected to reduce EU imports and push manufacturers to adopt alternative materials, further shrinking the global market.
The Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention reviewed compliance with HBB bans, identifying non-compliance in several regions and recommending stricter enforcement.
May 2022
Increased international pressure on non-compliant countries may lead to further declines in trade.
The US Environmental Protection Agency announced an action plan to monitor and phase out remaining stockpiles of HBBs in industrial applications.
September 2021
Likely to reduce domestic trade and export potential from the US, aligning with global trends.