Novel formulations comprising pentabromobenzylbromide (PBBBr) and a carrier, for use as a flame retardant for application on a substrate, and processes for their preparation are disclosed. Further disclosed are articles-of-manufacture having these formulations applied thereon, and the use of PBBBr as a flame retardant for application on a substrate. These novel formulations are particularly effective as flame retardants for textiles, and are characterized by a low add-on and a high washing fastness.