Why some products are available to business customers only

Most products in our webshop can be ordered straight away. Part of our range, however, we supply only to registered business customers. That is not a commercial choice: it follows from European rules on hazardous chemicals, from the conditions set by the manufacturer, and from what we consider responsible. This page explains how it works.

Which rules decide whether a product is business only?

1. REACH: substances that may not be supplied to the general public

The European REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 contains a list of restrictions in Annex XVII. For a number of substance groups it states explicitly that they may not be supplied to the general public, not even as part of a mixture. Two of these restrictions are the most relevant to our range.

Organotin compounds (Annex XVII, entry 20). Many catalysts for condensation cure silicones are based on tin compounds such as dibutyltin (DBT) and dioctyltin (DOT). Since 1 January 2012, mixtures and articles containing more than 0.1% tin by weight from these compounds may no longer be supplied to the general public. Two-component room temperature vulcanising moulding kits (RTV-2 moulding kits) are even named explicitly in this restriction. That is why many separate tin catalysts, and kits that include one, can only be ordered by business customers. Condensation cure kits with a catalyst that may be supplied to private customers can be ordered as usual.

CMR substances (Annex XVII, entries 28 to 30). Substances classified under CLP as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (category 1A or 1B) may not be sold to the general public above the applicable concentration limit. The packaging must then be marked "Restricted to professional users". If a product contains such a substance above that limit, it is available to business customers only.

2. Diisocyanates: mandatory training for professional users

Many polyurethane systems (PU casting resin, PU rubber, PU foam) contain diisocyanates. Since 24 August 2023, professional and industrial users of products containing more than 0.1% monomeric diisocyanate must have completed adequate training before use (REACH Annex XVII, entry 74). This is also stated on the label and in the safety data sheet. Diisocyanates can cause permanent sensitisation through inhalation or skin contact: once sensitised, even very low exposure can trigger asthma-like symptoms. Industrial packs and systems designed for use with extraction and personal protective equipment are therefore supplied to business customers.

3. CLP: labelling and packaging for consumers

The CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 governs the classification, labelling and packaging of hazardous mixtures. Products sold to the general public must meet additional requirements. For certain hazard classes, such as acute toxicity or corrosivity, a child-resistant closure is mandatory, and for others a tactile warning for the visually impaired. Bulk packaging such as 20 kg pails and drums is not designed for this. That is another reason why some pack sizes are business only, while a smaller pack of the same material is available to everyone.

4. Workplace safety law: the employer is responsible

A business that works with hazardous chemicals is subject to occupational health and safety law. In the EU this is based on the Framework Directive 89/391/EEC and the Chemical Agents Directive 98/24/EC, implemented in each country's national legislation. It requires, among other things, a risk assessment, an inventory of hazardous substances in the workplace, information and training for employees, suitable ventilation or extraction and the right personal protective equipment. These safeguards are exactly what make it acceptable to work with substances that are better avoided without them. With a business customer we can assume this framework is in place. With a private individual we cannot.

5. The safety data sheet and the manufacturer's conditions

Every manufacturer describes in section 1 of the safety data sheet (SDS) the uses a product is intended for and the uses advised against. If only industrial or professional use is listed, supplying it to private individuals falls outside what the manufacturer has assessed and supports. As a distributor we are required to pass on the safety data sheet and to respect that assessment. In addition, some manufacturers require that certain products are sold to business customers only.

6. National rules on top of EU law

Some countries go further than EU law. In Germany, the Chemicals Prohibition Ordinance (Chemikalien-Verbotsverordnung) regulates the supply of certain hazardous substances, such as acutely toxic substances and certain substances that cause organ damage. Supply to private individuals is then only allowed through qualified staff, to buyers aged 18 or over, with information on hazards and disposal and without self-service. For the most strictly regulated group, identity checks and a sales register are added and dispatch to private individuals is not permitted. A webshop that ships by parcel cannot meet these requirements for private customers, so we supply such products to business customers only.

What does this mean for you?

As a private customer

• → You can view all product information, prices, data sheets and safety information.
• → For most applications we offer an alternative you can order. For condensation cure silicones these are kits with a catalyst that may be supplied to private customers, and for many applications an addition cure (platinum) silicone is a good choice, because it cures without a tin catalyst.
• → Not sure which product is safe and suitable for your project? Ask our material specialists and we will help you choose.

As a business

• → Apply for a business account. We review applications within 3 working days.
• → Once approved, you can order the full range when signed in, including business only products, and pay by invoice.
• → The current safety data sheet is available for download with every product. Use it for your risk assessment and for informing your employees.

Frequently asked questions

Why can I see the product but not order it?

We believe everyone should be able to see which materials exist, what they cost and which risks come with them. That is why all products and prices are online. Only ordering products that fall under the restrictions above is blocked for private customers.

I am experienced and know what I am doing. Can I order anyway?

No. The restrictions apply to supply to the general public, regardless of experience. If you are self-employed or work with these materials professionally, you can apply for a business account with your company registration or VAT number.

Why is the same silicone available in a small pack but not in a large one?

This can be due to consumer packaging requirements, to the catalyst that comes with it, or to the manufacturer's conditions for that pack size. Every business only product is clearly marked as such.

Where can I find the hazards of a product?

On the product page under the safety tab, and in the safety data sheet you can download with the product. It lists the hazard statements, the required protective equipment and what to do in case of an accident.

This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Which rules apply to a specific product depends on its composition, its CLP classification and the manufacturer's safety data sheet, and national rules may apply in addition to EU law. Sources: REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, Annex XVII; CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008; Regulation (EU) No 276/2010 (organotin compounds); Regulation (EU) 2020/1149 (diisocyanates); Directive 89/391/EEC and Directive 98/24/EC; German Chemicals Prohibition Ordinance (ChemVerbotsV).