What is the new REACH Regulation?

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is a European Union regulation intended to contribute to the protection of human health and the reduction of environmental risks. On August 4, 2020, a new REACH restriction concerning diisocyanates was published in the Official Journal of the European Union.


What are the requirements for PU products containing diisocyanates?

Under the REACH Regulation, training and certification are required for the professional and industrial use of polyurethane products with a diisocyanate concentration in excess of 0.1% from August 24, 2023 onwards.

The objective of the restriction is to prevent possible sensitization of the skin and respiratory tract caused by diisocyanates. Polyurethane-based adhesives and sealants are produced by a reaction of diisocyanates and polyols. Under the new restriction, training is therefore required for the use of these products.

What you need to know about the PU training! 

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Up to August 24, 2023, all professional and industrial users must have completed training before using PU products with a diisocyanate concentration in excess of 0.1%. This will ensure that all processors of adhesives and sealants containing polyurethane will be able to handle diisocyanates safely throughout Europe.

The training program has been developed by FEICA in cooperation with ISOPA (the European trade association for producers of diisocyanates and polyols) and ALIPA (the European Aliphatic Isocyanates Producer Association) as well as several other segments of the polyurethane industry. The training is free of charge if the code FEICA_21_G is used and can be completed via an online platform. 

For the safe handling of PCI flooring products, the following module is relevant "049 Professional application / flooring and waterproofing applications". You will need about 45 minutes to complete the module.

It is important for the completion of the training to be documented by a certificate so that you can prove that you have taken part in the training in the event of an inspection. Following the completion of the training, you will receive the appropriate certificate by email.

The key facts at a glance:

Who needs to complete the training?

All professional and industrial users of polyurethane products with a diisocyanate concentration in excess of 0.1%.

What is the deadline for the completion of the training?

August 24, 2023.

Where can I take part in the training?

On the online training platform: https://www.feica.eu/PUinfo

What is the right training for the processing of PCI products?

The module "049 Professional application / Flooring and waterproofing applications ": https://isopa-aisbl.idloom.events/049

Is there any charge for the training?

The training is free of charge with this code: FEICA_21_G

How can I prove that I have taken the test?

After you have completed the online training, you will receive a certificate by email. In the event of an inspection, you can use this certificate to prove that you have received training.

All about diisocyanates

Diisocyanates are used mainly for the production of polyurethane products such as hard and soft foam, coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers. They are present in liquid and paste products in different concentrations but fully react with ambient moisture and are therefore no longer present in finished, cured polyurethane products.

This restriction applies to the following PCI products: