# Unsaturated polyester resins: Regulation

Styrene vapour, peroxides and cobalt accelerators

Source page: https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/upr/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 3; skin and eye irritant cat 2; reproductive toxicity cat 2 and specific target organ toxicity (hearing) from styrene (indicative) | UN1866 | Styrene vapour exposure in open moulding; fire; peroxide handling at fabricators. |

#### Main rules

| Where | Rule | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| **EU** | REACH and CLP classification of styrene; occupational exposure limits | Drives closed moulding and low-styrene resins (indicative) |
| **EU** | Classification of cobalt carboxylate accelerators as reproductive toxicants (indicative) | Shift to cobalt-free cure systems |
| **US** | EPA NESHAP for reinforced plastic composites production | Limits styrene emissions from moulding (indicative) |

#### India

| Rule | Effect |
|---|---|
| **MSIHC Rules 1989 cover styrene storage (indicative)** | Site safety reporting |
| **BIS standards for GRP pipes and tanks (IS 12709 and others, indicative)** | Sets resin grade requirements for water infrastructure |
| **QCOs on 14 polymers, polyester inputs and acrylonitrile withdrawn on 12 November 2025; styrene was not on the list (BIS notification via ELP, Nov 2025)** | Easier imports of inputs (indicative) |

#### Trade measures

- No major duties on UPR found; tariffs on Chinese quartz stone affect Chinese UPR demand (Chyxx)

#### Supply risk

Many producers and regional supply make UPR low-risk. India's exposure is to imported styrene and propylene glycol and to Gulf shipping. Not on critical lists.

## Other sections

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