# Adhesives and sealants: Regulation

How isocyanate and VOC rules change what glues contain

Source page: https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/adhesives/regulation/

What this tab covers How it is regulated and what could disrupt supply: hazard classification, rules in the EU, US and India, anti-dumping duties and other trade measures, and supply-risk notes.

#### Hazards

| Classification | UN number | Key risks |
|---|---|---|
| varies: solvent-borne flammable cat 2; isocyanate-based resp. sens. 1; cyanoacrylate eye irritant (indicative) | UN1133 (adhesives, flammable) | Solvent fires and inhalation; isocyanate sensitisation; glue sniffing of toluene-based products. |

#### Main rules

| Where | Rule | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| **EU** | REACH restriction on diisocyanates (mandatory training since Aug 2023); Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation | training for PU users; push for recyclable packaging adhesives (indicative) |
| **US** | State VOC limits (CARB, SCAQMD) for adhesives and sealants | favours water-borne and reactive low-VOC systems (indicative) |
| **EU** | Formaldehyde emission limits for wood-based panels (REACH, 2026) | pushes formaldehyde-free panel binders (indicative) |

#### India

| Rule | Effect |
|---|---|
| **MSIHC Rules 1989 and Petroleum Rules for solvent storage** | plant licensing for solvent-based products (indicative) |
| **No specific VOC limits for adhesives (indicative)** | solvent-based contact adhesives remain common in footwear and furniture |

#### Trade measures

- US reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports cut from 50% to 18% (Galaxy Surfactants Q3 FY26 call); affects Indian chemical exporters including adhesives

#### Supply risk

Low for formulation, moderate for monomers: VAM supply is concentrated in a few producers (China, US, Gulf, Taiwan), and India has relied on imports until Asian Paints' plant.

## Other sections

- [Summary](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/adhesives/index.md)
- [Overview](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/adhesives/overview/index.md)
- [Correlation](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/adhesives/correlation/index.md)
- [Production route](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/adhesives/routes/index.md)
- [Production](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/adhesives/production/index.md)
- [Feedstocks](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/adhesives/feedstocks/index.md)
- [Cycles](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/adhesives/cycles/index.md)
- [Trading](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/adhesives/trading/index.md)
- [Movement](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/adhesives/movement/index.md)
- [Characteristics](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/adhesives/characteristics/index.md)
- [Emissions](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/adhesives/emissions/index.md)
- [Relationships](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/adhesives/links/index.md)