Why the real hazards are oleum, ammonia and nitrous oxide
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
Acute toxicity cat 4 (oral, inhalation); skin and eye irritation cat 2; STOT single exposure cat 3
not regulated
Plants handle oleum, ammonia, hydroxylamine and hydrogen peroxide, which carry larger hazards than caprolactam itself.
Main rules
Where
Rule
Effect
EU
EU ETS covers N2O from caprolactam production (indicative)
Pushed N2O abatement at European plants
EU
REACH; Seveso III (for ammonia and oleum)
Site controls
India
Rule
Effect
MSIHC Rules 1989 (for oleum and ammonia at site); Fertiliser Control Order for ammonium sulphate by-product
By-product sold as fertiliser (indicative)
DGTR anti-dumping investigation on caprolactam from China, Russia, Thailand and the US (October 2026)
Could lift landed prices for Indian nylon makers
Trade measures
India anti-dumping investigation (Oct 2026)
Supply risk
Heavy concentration in China (63% of capacity). India relies on one producer and imports. Not on critical lists.