Why some azo dyes are banned from clothes sold in Europe
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; some azo dyes release carcinogenic aromatic amines; many are skin sensitisers (indicative)
mostly not regulated; UN3077 for some
Banned aromatic amines from azo dyes, heavy metals in metal-complex dyes, and coloured, salty effluent.
Main rules
Where
Rule
Effect
EU
REACH Annex XVII azo-dye amine restriction; Regulation (EU) 2018/1513 restricting 33 CMR substances in textiles (from Nov 2020)
compliance testing for dyed goods sold in the EU
Global brands
ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List 3.1 (2024)
brands buy only from compliant dye suppliers
China
Capacity replacement in Zhejiang and Jiangsu: two tonnes retired per new tonne of H acid
caps intermediate supply
EU
PFAS restriction expected 2027
affects fluorinated textile finishes used with dyes
India
Rule
Effect
Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 effluent standards for dye and dye intermediate units; Gujarat CETP and zero liquid discharge conditions (indicative)
effluent treatment is a major cost and closure risk
DGTR sunset review of anti-dumping duty on sodium hydrosulphite from China (final findings 15 Sep 2026)
affects vat and indigo dyeing costs
Expected review of anti-dumping duty on disperse and reactive dyes (Q3 2026, per Chinese industry report)
protects Indian dye makers from Chinese imports
Trade measures
India anti-dumping measures on Chinese dyeing chemicals
US reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports (reduced from 50% to 18%, Galaxy Surfactants Q3 FY26 call)
Supply risk
Highly concentrated: China plus India make about 87-90% of dyes, and intermediates are even more concentrated in a few Chinese parks. An environmental crackdown or a park accident can cut supply quickly.