Key takeaway
What This Development Means
The Netherlands has paused land-based applications of LD and ELO steel slag to address environmental and health concerns. This decisive action marks a shift in how secondary materials are regulated and is set to reshape the balance between circular economy ambitions and public safety.
How does the REACH Regulation affect the Dutch steel slag ban?
The temporary Dutch ban on LD/ELO steel slag must comply with Article 129 of the REACH Regulation (EC No 1907/2006). This allows national restrictions only if there is a serious risk to health or the environment. The European Commission is reviewing the measure and, if approved, the Netherlands must submit a formal EU-wide restriction dossier within three months. This process ensures alignment across Member States and could lead to broader regulation of steel slag applications across the EU.
Why did the Netherlands ban steel slag applications?
The ban was enacted due to evidence that LD/ELO steel slag can cause soil contamination and health issues such as eye and respiratory irritation. Existing rules failed to prevent misuse in certain land-based applications, prompting a precautionary halt.
Source basis: https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/kst-30015-137.html
The Dutch government has imposed a temporary ban on the use of LD and ELO steel slag in land-based applications, citing significant risks to human health and the environment. The measure, effective from 23 July 2025, was announced by the State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management and targets all unshaped construction materials containing more than 20% steel slag used in layers thicker than 0.5 metres or in areas with direct human exposure.
This policy shift directly affects stakeholders across the chemicals and construction industries, disrupting material flows and highlighting the need for tighter control over secondary raw materials in the circular economy.
Steel Slag Under Scrutiny After Decades Of Use
Steel slag, a by-product of steelmaking, has been widely used in the Netherlands and Europe for decades as a substitute for sand in road construction and other civil works. While this practice supports circular economy goals by reducing reliance on primary raw materials, recent investigations have exposed shortcomings in risk management.
The new restriction follows a series of reports and studies by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT). Findings revealed that in several locations, applications of LD steel slag—even when meeting regulatory emission limits—still led to soil contamination and posed health risks, particularly from airborne dust and contact exposure.
REACH Implications And EU Involvement
The temporary Dutch measure banning the land-based use of LD/ELO steel slag was notified to the European Commission under Article 129 of the REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. The ban is currently under review by the European Commission under the REACH regulation. If approved, the Netherlands must submit an EU-wide restriction proposal within three months. Failure to gain approval would see the ban revoked immediately.
In parallel, the ILT has issued a warning to Tata Steel, citing improper hazard classification of LD slag under REACH and CLP regulations. Tata Steel had previously marked the material as non-hazardous, despite findings that it can cause severe eye injury and respiratory irritation.
New Policy Framework In Development
Looking ahead, the Dutch government is developing a comprehensive policy framework for secondary construction materials. This includes mandatory registration of usage locations, enhanced monitoring, and a potential permanent permit regime for high-risk applications.
The State Secretary has committed to engaging with industry stakeholders through a proposed “industrial steel slag table” to explore safer and more innovative uses of these materials. A policy update is expected before the end of 2025.
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