China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released the mandatory national standard ‘Limits on Hazardous Substances in Thermoplastic Polyurethane’ for public comment, proposing concentration limits for eight hazardous substances in TPU used across electronics, automotive, footwear, film, piping, and medical device applications.
What Happened
On July 8, 2026, MIIT released the draft mandatory national standard for public comment, setting maximum concentration thresholds for four categories of heavy metals and four categories of phthalates in TPU. The standard is classified under safety category G32 (international classification 83.080.20, thermoplastics), with a 16-month project cycle from its December 31, 2025 planning date.
What’s New
- First dedicated mandatory national standard specifically limiting hazardous substances in TPU.
- Covers four heavy-metal categories and four phthalate categories with explicit maximum concentration thresholds.
- TPU is widely used as an eco-friendly PVC alternative across electronics, automotive, footwear, film, pipes, medical devices, and consumer goods — broadening the standard’s practical reach.
Key Dates & Compliance Deadlines
Standard project planning initiated by MIIT.
Draft mandatory national standard published for public comment.
Implementation timeline pending; 16-month project cycle from planning date.
Affected Industries
Electronics and electrical appliances; automotive components; footwear/shoe materials; films; pipes; medical devices; general consumer goods manufacturers using TPU.
Who Is Affected
TPU manufacturers, compounders, and downstream product manufacturers selling into China; supply-chain partners providing TPU-containing components.
Substances / Products in Scope
Four categories of heavy metals and four categories of phthalates in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
Prohibitions, Restrictions & Exemptions
Draft stage — proposes maximum concentration limits; exact thresholds pending finalized standard text. No confirmed prohibitions or exemptions yet published.
What Companies Should Do
- Review TPU formulations and supplier declarations for heavy metal and phthalate content ahead of finalization.
- Monitor the public comment period and MIIT’s final standard text for exact concentration limits and effective date.
- Engage TPU suppliers on updated compliance documentation requirements.
This is an early-stage draft standard rather than a finalized rule — companies using TPU (especially in automotive, electronics, and footwear) should track finalization closely given the material’s broad cross-industry use, but no compliance deadline is yet locked in.
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