Polyurethanes (MDI, TDI, polyols): Regulation
The leading cause of occupational asthma
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 |
|---|---|---|
| TDI: acute toxicity cat 2 (inhalation), respiratory and skin sensitiser cat 1, carcinogen cat 2. MDI: acute toxicity cat 4 (inhalation), respiratory sensitiser cat 1, carcinogen cat 2 (indicative) | UN2078 (TDI); UN2489 (MDI, where regulated) | Isocyanates are the leading cause of occupational asthma; production relies on phosgene, one of the most toxic industrial gases. |
Main rules
| Where | Rule | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| EU | REACH Annex XVII restriction on diisocyanates (mandatory training for professional and industrial users since August 2023) | Raises handling costs; favours low-monomer products (indicative) |
| EU | F-gas Regulation phasing out HFC blowing agents | Shift to pentane, HFOs and CO2 in insulation foam |
| US | EPA SNAP and AIM Act HFC phase-down | Same shift in blowing agents (indicative) |
India
| Rule | Effect |
|---|---|
| DGTR anti-dumping duty on TDI from the EU and Saudi Arabia (Notification 28/2025-Customs (ADD)), extended to 1 March 2026 pending a sunset review whose final findings were issued on 12 Nov 2025; continuation beyond March 2026 not confirmed in sources reached | Protects domestic TDI; raises costs for foam makers such as Sheela Foam and Duroflex (Alchempro, Nov 2025) |
| DGTR anti-dumping investigation on thermoplastic polyurethane from China | Possible duty on TPU imports (Procurement Resource; date not confirmed) |
| MSIHC Rules 1989 and Factories Act for phosgene and isocyanate handling | Strict siting and safety rules shaped by the 1984 Bhopal methyl isocyanate disaster (indicative) |
Trade measures
- India's TDI anti-dumping duty on EU and Saudi supply (extended to 1 March 2026; sunset review findings 12 Nov 2025)
- Chinese MDI exports face anti-dumping actions in several markets (indicative)
Supply risk
High concentration: five firms hold over 90% of MDI capacity. India relies on imports from China, the Gulf and Europe, so Hormuz shipping disruption or a Wanhua outage hits Indian converters quickly. Not on critical-minerals lists.