# Dyes: Regulation

Why some azo dyes are banned from clothes sold in Europe

Source page: https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/dyes/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; 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.

## Other sections

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