Melamine heads towards REACH authorisation
Melamine, the building block of widely used nitrogen-based flame retardants, has been recommended by ECHA for the REACH Authorisation List. What does it mean for formulators?
Dr. Fouad Laoutid · Flame retardancy of polymers & compositesMelamine has been on the REACH Candidate List of substances of very high concern since December 2022, and has carried a harmonised classification as Carcinogenic Cat. 2 and STOT RE 2 since November 2023. On 18 November 2025, ECHA recommended its inclusion in Annex XIV. If the European Commission follows this recommendation, uses other than as an intermediate will require an authorisation after a sunset date.
Melamine salts such as melamine cyanurate and melamine polyphosphate are distinct substances, but formulators of polyamides, polyurethanes and intumescent systems are already assessing how the evolving status of melamine could affect their supply chains and their customers.
Our view: we are developing melamine-free flame-retardant systems, so that alternatives are qualified before regulatory pressure becomes a supply problem.
Sources: Regulatory status (EMPA/Cefic) · ECHA recommendation (CIRS) · Melamine-based FRs Q&A (pinfa)