New REACH restriction on diisocyanates
A new EU Regulation 2020/1149 will come into force the 24 August 2023. It restricts the use of diisocyanates
and mixtures containing 0.1% by weight or more diisocyanates.
Diisocyanates are chemicals used in the production of polyurethanes and thus they can be found in small quantities
as residual monomers in polyurethane coatings.
As diisocyanates can trigger allergies, the EU Regulation 2020/1149 stipulates that after 24 August 2023,
diisocyanates and mixtures containing >0.1% diisocyanates can only be used and processed if the user has
successfully completed training on safe use of diisocyanates.
Who is in scope of the training
How to be trained
Affected products
You can always consult either the product label or the product safety data sheet under section 15.1. If there is a text saying, As from 24 August 2023 adequate training is required before industrial or professional use . For two-component products, it is often the curing agent containing diisocyanate. All safety data sheets are available under the product search.
Fact box
Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) is a European Union regulation dated from December 2006. REACH addresses the production and use of chemical substances, and their potential impacts on both human health and the environment.
The regulation also established the European Chemicals Agency (ECA), which manages the technical, scientific and administrative aspects of REACH.