Plastic Restrictions for Blinds Export: PVC, ABS, PS, POM

Most blind compliance conversations start with fabric, but plastic is where shipments actually get stopped at customs. The reason is narrow: flexible PVC needs plasticisers, and those plasticisers - plus the lead stabilisers older PVC used - are exactly what REACH, Prop 65 and the rest target. Sunscreen fabric is roughly 70% PVC on a 30% polyester base, and faux wood venetians are PVC. ABS, PS and POM in hardware are lower risk, but they still fall under REACH. The buyer's job is to ask the right questions before the order, not after the container is loaded.

Key takeaways

• REACH Entry 51 has capped four phthalates - DEHP, DBP, BBP, DIBP - at 0.1% in all plasticised articles since July 2019, not just toys. Ask for non-phthalate plasticisers such as DINCH or DOTP.
• REACH Entry 63 has banned PVC articles with lead at or above 0.1% since 29 November 2024. Suppliers must switch to calcium-zinc stabilisers.
• The SVHC list now holds 241 substances. Anything above 0.1% in an article triggers a downstream communication duty.
• RoHS reaches only motorized blinds. Prop 65 is a warning regime, not a ban, and California enforcement is active with private lawsuits.

Where plastics land in a blind

EU: the strictest framework

REACH Annex XVII Entry 51 - four phthalates

• DEHP, DBP, BBP and DIBP are capped at 0.1% by weight, individually or combined, in any plasticised material.
• In force since July 2019 and applying to all articles, not just toys.
• The plasticisers in flexible PVC sunscreen fabric are the key concern. Suppliers should use non-phthalate alternatives such as DINCH or DOTP.

REACH Annex XVII Entry 63 - lead in PVC

• PVC articles with lead concentration at or above 0.1% by weight are prohibited.
• In force since 29 November 2024.
• Faux wood venetians and PVC components historically used lead heat stabilisers; the fix is a lead-free calcium-zinc formulation.

SVHC candidate list

• The list now holds 241 substances of very high concern.
• Above 0.1% in an article, the supplier must communicate it downstream.
• Regular testing keeps products under the threshold.

RoHS - motorized blinds only

• Applies to motorized blinds and drive systems.
• Ten restricted substances: lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PBB and PBDE at or below 0.1%; cadmium at or below 0.01%; plus four phthalates at or below 0.1%.
• Needs technical documentation, an EU Declaration of Conformity and CE marking.

United States: Prop 65 is the watch item

Prop 65 does not ban chemicals. It requires a clear and reasonable warning before exposure when a listed chemical - DEHP and DINP among them - exceeds the safe harbor level.

• The warning format is strictly regulated (yellow triangle plus standard text).
• Missing the warning triggers 60-day notices and private-enforcer lawsuits.
• CPSIA applies mainly to toys and childcare articles with a 0.1% phthalate limit; blinds generally fall outside it, but children's-room lines should be checked.

Other markets

• UK: UK REACH restricts the four phthalates to 0.1% in plasticised materials (since July 2020), with separate registration from the EU.
• Australia: DEHP above 1% is permanently banned in plastic products a child up to 36 months can chew or suck. Standard blinds sit outside this, but children's-room lines should be reviewed.
• Japan: The Food Sanitation Law restricts six phthalates in toys; the food-contact positive list has been fully enforced since 1 June 2025. Blinds are generally outside, but packaging should be checked.

What to confirm before ordering

• PVC products (sunscreen, faux wood): REACH SVHC test report (valid one year); non-phthalate plasticiser with the four phthalates combined under 0.1%; lead-free calcium-zinc formulation under 0.1% lead; azo and heavy-metal reports.
• ABS / PS / POM components: REACH SVHC declaration; confirm masterbatches and flame retardants carry no restricted substances.
• Motorized blinds: RoHS declaration and test report covering all ten substances.
• California exports: Decide whether a Prop 65 warning label is required, and confirm the format.

Do not buy on price alone. Lead-free stabilisers and non-phthalate plasticisers cost more, so a quote well below market usually means restricted materials are still in use. Send samples to an independent lab (SGS, TUV, Intertek) before the first bulk run, and keep reports for 10 years - GPSR requires it.

Bottom line

Plastic compliance for blind exports is mostly a PVC conversation: phthalate plasticisers and lead stabilisers are the two risk points, and the EU sets the bar. Ask for the SVHC report, the non-phthalate formulation and the lead-free stabiliser up front, then verify the first shipment independently.

For the broader chemical limits - REACH SVHC, RoHS and Prop 65 across fabrics - the chemical restriction guide covers the rest. Market-entry context is in the EU compliance guide. If your line is the PVC-heavy sunscreen build, the sunscreen roller blinds page shows the 30% polyester and 70% PVC composition.

Standards referenced here were checked against current obligations in October 2026.