PVC: Regulation
Dioxins, lead stabilisers and phthalate limits
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 |
|---|---|---|
| PVC resin not classified; residual VCM (a Group 1 carcinogen) is limited to ppm levels in resin | none (resin) | Burning PVC releases HCl and can form dioxins; legacy additives (lead stabilisers, some phthalate plasticisers) are restricted. |
Main rules
| Where | Rule | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| EU | REACH restriction on lead in PVC (Regulation (EU) 2023/923) | Bans lead stabilisers in new PVC with derogations for recycled PVC (indicative). |
| EU | REACH restrictions on phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DIBP) and ECHA's 2023 PVC additives investigation | Pushes plasticiser substitution and may lead to further restrictions (indicative). |
| EU, UK, Brazil | Anti-dumping duties on US PVC (EU 58.0%, UK 56.01%, Brazil 43.7%) | Redirect US exports to India, Turkey and Africa (VCM tile). |
| Global | Minamata Convention Annex B (mercury in VCM production) | Requires cuts in mercury use per unit of carbide-route VCM and a move to mercury-free catalysts (VCM tile). |
| US | EPA NESHAP for PVC production and OSHA VCM standard (1 ppm) | Emission and workplace limits (VCM tile). |
India
| Rule | Effect |
|---|---|
| Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016, EPR Guidelines 2022 and PWM (Amendment) Rules 2026 | Recycled-content and recycling targets on producers, importers and brand owners; tradable EPR certificates on the CPCB portal; FY2025-26 shortfalls may be carried forward three years. |
| Single-use plastics ban (1 July 2022) | Bans identified items such as plastic cutlery, plates, cups, straws, ear-bud sticks and polystyrene (thermocol) decoration; carry bags thinner than 120 microns banned from Dec 2022 (indicative, MoEFCC notification 2021). |
| DGTR cases on S-PVC and paste PVC (2024-2026); DGFT minimum import price on S-PVC (Notification 25/2026-27, 24 Jul 2026) | Paste PVC ADD since March 2025; S-PVC ADD recommended Aug 2025 but not imposed; CVD probe on Chinese S-PVC from 27 Feb 2026 (S&P Global); S-PVC at or below $0.766/kg CIF restricted for six months from 24 Jul 2026 (EOU, SEZ and Advance Authorisation imports exempt). |
| BIS quality-control order on PVC homopolymers (withdrawn 12 Nov 2025) | Foreign suppliers no longer need BIS licences to ship S-PVC to India (BIS notification via ELP, Nov 2025). |
Trade measures
- India: DGFT minimum import price of $0.766/kg CIF on S-PVC for six months from 24 Jul 2026; CVD probe on Chinese S-PVC (Feb 2026); S-PVC ADD recommended Aug 2025 but not imposed
- EU 58.0%, UK 56.01% and Brazil 43.7% ADD on US PVC
- China's revocation of VAT export rebates on PVC from 1 Apr 2026
Supply risk
Exportable supply is concentrated in China and the US Gulf, so Chinese energy policy, US hurricanes and trade cases are the main risks for India. PVC is not on critical lists.