BRUSSELS – Calling the ban “unlawful,” the International Bromine Council has filed a legal challenge against the European Commission's barring of halogenated flame retardants in electronic displays under the EU Ecodesign Directive, according to reports.

In an action filed on Feb. 20, BSEF suggests the commission is no longer competent for imposing restrictions on an entire class of substances that fall within the scope of other EU legislation, including RoHS.

The ban was adopted in October, and mandates HFRs will be prohibited from use in enclosures and stands of electronic displays, including TVs, monitors and digital signage.

The BSEF says the ban sets a “regulatory precedent,” which it objects to, stating the substances are safe for intended use and essential for preventing or delaying fires caused by electronic displays.