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NGOs claim victory as IEC electronics standard blocked

Environment and health NGOs have welcomed the surprise outcome of a vote on a draft IEC electronics standard - 62368 - which would have mandated the use of halogenated flame retardants in a wide range of electronic equipment. Though the reasons cited by national standards bodies for their voting preference remain confidential, NGO the International Chemicals Secretariat (ChemSec) says it has been told that many cite opposition from some 45 different health and environmental organisations and individuals. The group is now calling for similar efforts to block amendments to two other IEC standards - 60065 and 60950 - on the same grounds.

• ChemSec statement
• IEC standard 62368 vote outcome