On August 4, 2020, the European Commission issued Regulation (EU) 2020/1149, which added the restriction clause on diisocyanates (diisocyanates) in item 74 of Annex XVII of REACH Regulation, and officially included diisocyanates in the restricted list of REACH regulations. The reason is respiratory sensitization. The regulations will come into effect on August 24, 2020.

The restriction clause mainly restricts the use or placing on the market of diisocyanate as a substance, a component of another substance, or a mixture for industrial and professional purposes.

Restricted substances

Diisocyanate

O=C=N-R-N=C=O

(R is an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon unit of unspecified length)

The main restrictions are as follows

1. After February 24, 2022, diisocyanates shall not be placed on the market alone, other material components or mixtures for industrial and professional purposes, unless:

a. The concentration of diisocyanate used alone or in combination is less than 0.1% (weight ratio);

b. The supplier ensures that the recipients of the substance or mixture are provided with relevant training required by the regulations, and a special statement must be added to the product packaging: "From August 24, 2023, it must be carried out before industrial or professional applications Adequate training".

2. After August 24, 2023, diisocyanates shall not be used in the form of substances, other substance components, or mixtures for industrial and professional purposes, unless:

a. The concentration of diisocyanate used alone or in combination is less than 0.1% (weight ratio);

b. Employers or self-employed persons ensure that industrial or professional users have successfully completed safety training on the use of diisocyanates before using the substance or mixture.

Use of diisocyanate:

Diisocyanates are widely used in home appliances, automobiles, construction, footwear, furniture, adhesives and other industries. They can be used to synthesize a series of excellent performance polyurethane foam, rubber, elastic fibers, coatings, adhesives, synthetic leather, artificial wood, etc.

ZRLK reminder

REACH Annex XVII controls a wide range of restricted substances items, involving polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, o-benzene, organotin, azo, nickel release, etc. China Recognition Linktech recommends that companies first screen test items related to their products, increase product risk awareness, actively respond to changes and updates of regulations, and then determine product compliance through testing or supplier surveys to ensure smooth export of products to the EU market.