Phenol and acetone: Regulation
A chemical that can kill through the skin
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Phenol: acute toxicity cat 3 (oral, dermal, inhalation); skin corrosion cat 1B; germ cell mutagenicity cat 2; STOT repeated exposure cat 2. Acetone: flammable liquid cat 2; eye irritation cat 2 | UN1671 / UN2312 (phenol); UN1090 (acetone) | Phenol is absorbed through the skin and can be fatal; acetone is highly flammable. |
Main rules
| Where | Rule | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| EU | REACH; Seveso III; EU ETS covers large sites | CO2 costs cited by INEOS in Gladbeck closure (S&P Global) |
| EU | REACH restrictions on nonylphenol and its ethoxylates | Reduces alkylphenol demand (indicative) |
India
| Rule | Effect |
|---|---|
| MSIHC Rules 1989 (listed hazardous chemicals) | Site safety requirements (indicative) |
| DGTR anti-dumping investigations on phenol and acetone (initiation expected late 2025) | Possible duties on imports from Singapore, Thailand, South Africa, US (phenol) and Singapore, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan (acetone) (OPIS) |
Trade measures
- India phenol and acetone anti-dumping investigations (late 2025 onward, OPIS)
- US sanctions on some key Indian importers affected trade (S&P Global, H1 2026)
Supply risk
India is import-dependent until new plants start; Southeast Asian supply is concentrated in Singapore and Thailand. Not on critical lists.