Tri-substituted organostannic compounds such as tributyltin and triphenyltin compounds are limited in articles marketed within the EU to concentrations below 0.1% by weight of tin.
Background:
Organotin compounds are widely used as stabilizers for PVC (76%), as antifouling biocides (10 %), as agricultural biocides (8%) and as catalysts for the production of polyurethanes and silicones (5%). In less industrialized countries, the pattern of use might be biased towards agricultural applications. While the inorganic forms of tin are generally considered nontoxic, its organic derivatives exhibit a complex pattern of toxicity. The biological effects of the organotin species are mostly depending on the number and kind of organic moieties bound to the tin atom with the trisubstitued compounds being the most toxic ones.
Existing Regulations:
Tri-substituted organostannic compounds were previously widely used in antifouling paints on ships. However, such paints were found to pose risks for aquatic organisms through endocrine disruptive effects. The use of organostannic compounds, also known as organotin compounds, in antifouling paints was therefore restricted in Directive 76/769/EEC, and in Regulation (EC) No 782/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 April 2003 on the prohibition of organotin compounds on ships.
Figure: tributyltin hydride model
Furthermore, tri-substituted organostannic compounds may no longer be used as biocides under Directive 98/8/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 1998 concerning the placing of biocidal products on the market ( 3 ). However articles treated with such biocides may still be imported into the Community.
The new EU decision:
Tri-substituted organostannic compounds such as tributyltin and
triphenyltin compounds can not be used after 1 July 2010 in articles
where the concentration in the article, or part thereof, is greater
than the equivalent of 0.1% by weight of tin, according to a European
Commission Decision published in the EU Official Journal yesterday.
Articles not complying with the ban cannot be placed on the market
after this date, except for articles already in use in the EU before
the deadline. Similar bans wil be introduced for dibutyltin compounds
in mixtures and articles, and doctyltin compounds in certain articles,
from 1 January 2012.
The Decision amends Annex I of the 1976 Directive on marketing restrictions for dangerous substances and preparations.
COMMISSION DECISION of 28 May 2009 amending Council Directive 76/769/EEC as regards restrictions on the marketing and use of organostannic compounds for the purpose of adapting its Annex I to technical progress
Related information
Risk assessment studies on targeted consumer applications of certain organotin compounds. RPA study finalised in September 2005.
Revised assessment of the risks to health and the environment associated with the use of the four organotin compounds TBT, DBT, DOT and TPT Adopted by the SCHER during the 14th plenary of 30 November 2006.
EU Directive 76/769/EEC (consolidated version) on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations
EU Regulation (EC) No 782/2003
Related EVISA Resources
Link Database:Industrial use of organotin compounds
Link Database: Toxicity of organotin compounds
Link Database: All about organotin compounds
Summary: The role of elemental speciation in legislation
Summary: European Legislation related to Speciation
Related EVISA News
March 23, 2013: Tributyltin exposure promotes obesity in following mice generations
November 12, 2008: Mechanism of immuno toxicity of dibutyltin clarified
November 5, 2008: Tributyltin added to U.N. trade watch list
September 18, 2008: Tributyltin canned
June 21, 2008: TBT and other Persistent Man-Made Chemical Pollutants Found in Deep-Sea Octopods and Squids
June 5, 2008: Organotin ban in hull paint begins in September
April 30,2008 Human exposure to organotin compounds via consumption of fish
September 20, 2007: TBT-ban convention ratified
October 11, 2006: TBT from antifouling paint is still endangering marine life, says WWF
November 11, 2004: Source for butyltin compounds in wine
December 11, 2003: No degradation of TBT in seafood during cooking
last time modified: June 28, 2020
