# Phenol and acetone: Regulation

A chemical that can kill through the skin

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

## Other sections

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