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BOE-A-2026-22080 ·23 October 2026 ·Royal Decree High impact
Labour

Companies exposed to chemical agents: new exposure limits and transfer of lead regulations

Royal Decree 846/2026 updates the regulations for protection against carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic agents and chemical agents. The regulation incorporates Directive (EU) 2024/869, updating Annex I to include the environmental limit value for diisocyanates and transferring the regulation of lead and its derivatives to Royal Decree 665/1997 (source text).

In 3 key points

  1. Inclusion of the environmental limit value for diisocyanates in Annex I. (texto fuente)
  2. Lead and its derivatives are now integrated into Royal Decree 665/1997. (texto fuente)
  3. Entry into force on the day following its publication in the BOE. (disp. final tercera)

How it affects those involved

For companies handling chemical substances, exposure controls are being tightened or clarified, particularly with the inclusion of diisocyanates in Annex I. Employers managing lead risks must integrate their prevention protocols under the framework of Royal Decree 665/1997, following the removal of its environmental limit value from Royal Decree 374/2001. Compliance with these new limit values is essential to ensure worker health and safety.

Frequently asked questions

What changes regarding the regulation of lead at work?
Lead and its derivatives are no longer regulated by Royal Decree 374/2001 and are instead integrated into Royal Decree 665/1997.
When does this new regulation come into force?
The regulation enters into force on the day following its publication in the Official State Gazette (BOE).
Have new limits been introduced for specific substances?
Yes, Annex I has been updated to include the environmental limit value for diisocyanates.

Lifecycle

2026-10-23PublishedPublished in the BOE
Official text Based on BOE data (boe.es). Information, not advice.

Does this provision affect you?

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This analysis is informational only and does not constitute legal advice or create a client-adviser relationship. BMC.
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