EU REACH Updates Silicone D4 D5 Restrictions

Keywords: EU REACH, D4 D5 silicone restriction, low volatile silicone

Key sentence: The updated EU REACH regulation sets strict D4 and D5 limits for silicone products exported to European markets, reshaping silicone export compliance.

The European Commission’s REACH amendment tightens the combined limit of cyclic siloxane D4 and D5 below 0.1% for condensation silicone rubber, potting compounds and mold silicone, effective in early 2027. Non-compliant silicone shipments will face customs detention and return, creating new compliance pressure for global silicone exporters.

Silicone manufacturers are upgrading production processes and developing low-volatile, D4/D5-free silicone formulations. Hongye Silicone has adjusted its RTV-2 mold silicone and electronic potting silicone production lines to meet EU chemical standards, preparing test reports and compliance documents for European clients.

This policy pushes the whole silicone industry to reduce volatile cyclic siloxanes. Even buyers in Southeast Asia, Middle East and North America start to require low-outgassing silicone materials. Enterprises with mature low-volatile silicone products will gain more competitive advantages in cross-border silicone trade.