Regulation (EU) 2020/1149 of 3 August 2020 amends Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation to restrict diisocyanates on the EU market. Diisocyanates have received harmonized classification as skin and respiratory sensitisers. Diisocyanates are commonly found in polyurethane products. In the paint and building materials industry the main products affected by the amendment are polyurethane sealants, two-component paints and varnishes and polyurethane foams.
The restriction concerns the use of products with a concentration of diisocyanate compounds (free monomers) greater than 0.1% by weight. From 24 August 2023 industrial and professional users will have to successfully complete a training course on the safe handling of these products.
