Regulation (EU) 2020/1149 of 3 August 2020, amending Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation (Reg. (EC) No. 1907/2006), introduced the restriction on diisocyanates, which may no longer be present in products for industry and professional users from 24 August 2023, unless:
- The concentration of diisocyanates is less than 0.1 % w/w; or
- Employees of industries or professional users have completed a training on the safe use of such substance(s) or mixture(s).
From last 24 February, until 24 August 2023, diisocyanates may be present in products for industrial and professional use if:
- Their concentration does not exceed 0.1 % w/w; or
- The supplier ensures that the recipient of the substance(s) or mixture(s) receives information on the training requirements and that this statement is placed on the packaging so that it is visibly distinct from the rest of the information on the label: “From 24 August 2023 appropriate training is required prior to industrial or professional use”.
It is worth noting that FEICA (Association of the European Adhesive & Sealant Industry), in coordination with ISOPA (European Diisocyanate & Polyol Producers Association) and ALIPA (European Aliphatic Isocyanates Producer Association) and several other industries in the sector, have launched a training programme, adressed to manufacturers and professional users across Europe, to ensure the safe use of diisocyanates.
The training platform can be accessed at this link, available throughout Europe. The platform guarantee a variety of training courses, that are specific to different sectors where diisocyanates may be used, such as adhesives and sealants, paints and varnishes, elastomers and foams. The trainings can be followed online and are currently available in English and German.
More information on diisocyanates and training courses can be found on the FEICA website.
