# Caprolactam: Regulation

Why the real hazards are oleum, ammonia and nitrous oxide

Source page: https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/caprolactam/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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.

## Other sections

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