# Propylene oxide: Regulation

A probable carcinogen with a flash point of -37 C

Source page: https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/propylene_oxide/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 |
|---|---|---|
| Flammable liquid cat 1; acute toxicity cat 3-4; carcinogenic cat 1B; mutagenic cat 1B; eye irritant | UN1280 | Extremely flammable with a very low flash point (about -37°C); probable carcinogen; can polymerise violently with catalysts. |

#### Main rules

| Where | Rule | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| **EU** | REACH (CMR); Seveso III; Industrial Emissions Directive | Strict handling; chlorohydrin wastewater limits. |
| **China** | Industrial Structure Adjustment Catalogue restricts new chlorohydrin PO | Pushes HPPO and co-oxidation routes (indicative). |
| **US** | EPA HON rule (2024) covers PO emissions | Fenceline monitoring and controls. |

#### India

| Rule | Effect |
|---|---|
| **MSIHC Rules 1989** | PO listed as hazardous; safety reports for storage. |
| **Petroleum Rules 2002 / PESO for Class A flammable liquids** | Licensed storage. |

#### Trade measures

- No significant PO duties found

#### Supply risk

Over half of capacity is in China; India has almost no domestic PO. Not on critical lists.

## Other sections

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