A curable epoxy composition suitable for surface application, comprising one or more epoxy resin (s); 2, 4, 6-tribromophenyl end-capped tetrabromobisphenol A epoxy-based flame retardant; and phosphorus-containing compound selected from the group consisting of one or more of: ammonium polyphosphate; resorcinol bis (diphenyl phosphate); and liquid alkylated triphenyl phosphate ester. The composition is substantially Sb2O3-free.