© 2024 All rights reserved
Datavagyanik- Your Research Partner
The Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market is experiencing strong momentum as regulatory authorities around the world tighten controls on formaldehyde emissions. Classified as a carcinogenic substance, formaldehyde is being phased out of industrial applications, particularly in construction, automotive, and furniture manufacturing. For instance, the European Union’s VOC directives and the U.S. EPA’s formaldehyde emission standards are forcing companies to adopt safer alternatives. This shift is not just compliance-driven—companies are recognizing the long-term value of aligning with global sustainability frameworks. As regulatory thresholds continue to tighten, the demand for high-performance, non-toxic alternatives such as formaldehyde-free curing agents is expected to intensify.
Consumer Demand for Low-Emission Products Bolsters Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market
Beyond regulations, consumer preferences are shifting rapidly toward low-emission and health-conscious products. This behavioral shift has a direct influence on industries such as paints, adhesives, and sealants, where end users now prioritize safety, indoor air quality, and eco-friendliness. The Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market is benefitting immensely from this trend. For example, the global green coatings industry—valued at over USD 80 billion—is expanding at a CAGR of nearly 5 percent, reflecting rising interest in sustainable, low-VOC products. Curing agents that do not emit formaldehyde have become an essential ingredient in these formulations, offering manufacturers a clear pathway to market differentiation and regulatory compliance.
Sustainability Objectives Drive Innovation in the Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market
As companies align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 12 (responsible consumption and production), the integration of formaldehyde-free technologies into mainstream production processes is gaining urgency. The Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market is evolving in response to this push for greener materials. For instance, bio-based curing agents derived from plant oils, lignin, or natural acids are replacing petrochemical-derived products. In construction and furniture, where indoor emissions are under intense scrutiny, these innovations are not just beneficial—they are fast becoming non-negotiable. The result is a noticeable market shift where investment is flowing into R&D for sustainable resin and polymer technologies that are compatible with formaldehyde-free curing agents.
Surging Green Building Activity Expands Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market Size
The Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market Size is growing in tandem with the global green building boom. Buildings certified under standards such as LEED or BREEAM mandate the use of low-emission materials, creating a direct link between certification criteria and material selection. In 2023 alone, over 110,000 new green building projects were registered globally—a 12 percent increase from the previous year. This trend directly supports the adoption of formaldehyde-free curing agents in applications like adhesives, sealants, flooring, wall coatings, and insulation panels. For example, polyurethane-based formaldehyde-free agents are being widely used in modular construction and prefabricated housing, where factory-controlled environments demand low-toxicity and high-performance curing systems.
Expansion in Automotive Lightweighting Increases Application of Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents
Automotive manufacturers are increasingly turning to composite materials for lightweight vehicle design, a strategy central to improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. As composite materials rely on curing agents for structural bonding, the Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market finds a growing customer base in this sector. In 2024, global demand for automotive composites is projected to reach 4.2 million metric tons, with double-digit growth in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing. Formaldehyde-free epoxy and polyurethane curing agents are critical in bonding battery components, interior panels, and underbody structures where both environmental safety and mechanical strength are essential. These applications are not only expanding but also evolving, creating continuous demand for innovation in curing agent formulations.
Furniture and Interior Materials Sector Accelerates Transition in the Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market
The furniture and interior decor industry has traditionally relied on urea-formaldehyde resins, particularly in engineered wood products such as particleboard, MDF, and plywood. However, rising awareness of indoor air pollution has forced a dramatic shift. Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market adoption in furniture manufacturing is now accelerating, especially in Europe and North America. For example, Scandinavian countries, known for their strict indoor air quality regulations, are leading the adoption of water-based and bio-based curing agents. In Italy, a global leader in premium furniture, exports of formaldehyde-free wood products increased by over 15 percent in 2023. These trends point to sustained demand for safe, high-performance adhesives and coatings that meet global safety benchmarks.
Technological Advancements Redefine Product Value in the Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market
Innovation is reshaping the value proposition of products in the Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market. Advanced chemistry has made it possible to enhance the curing speed, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance of non-formaldehyde agents, making them suitable for more demanding applications. Epoxy systems using amine and cycloaliphatic-based formaldehyde-free curing agents are now competing head-to-head with traditional materials in heavy-duty coatings and composites. For example, in industrial floor coatings, new formaldehyde-free curing agents offer equal or superior durability while ensuring worker safety during application. As manufacturers continue to reduce curing times and improve thermal stability, these agents are expected to replace conventional materials in even more sectors.
Infrastructure Development in Emerging Markets Expands Global Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market
Rapid industrialization and urbanization across Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East are fueling massive infrastructure projects—from residential housing and commercial buildings to roads, bridges, and rail networks. In India, for example, government-led infrastructure spending is expected to reach USD 1.4 trillion between 2024 and 2030. Such growth directly boosts demand for building materials that are safe, sustainable, and meet international standards. The Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market benefits from this shift, particularly in the demand for low-VOC construction adhesives and concrete sealants. Manufacturers targeting these fast-growing regions are tailoring product portfolios to meet localized environmental and performance requirements.
Workplace Safety Regulations Enhance Demand for Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market Products
Occupational exposure limits for formaldehyde are becoming increasingly strict across all industrialized nations. The Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market is expanding as employers seek to eliminate harmful substances from workplaces. In manufacturing plants, electronics factories, and automotive assembly lines, employee health is a top priority. Formaldehyde-free products eliminate the risk of airborne toxic exposure, especially in high-temperature curing processes. For instance, in electronics encapsulation, formaldehyde-free agents are used to insulate and protect components without off-gassing harmful substances. These shifts are not only regulatory responses but also strategic moves to retain talent and avoid liability.
Digital Manufacturing and Precision Coating Spur Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market Innovation
As digital manufacturing, 3D printing, and automated coatings become more prevalent, precision in curing and material compatibility is critical. The Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market is adapting to these needs by offering formulations that ensure clean application, fast setting times, and reduced residue. For instance, in the aerospace sector, where precision composites and zero-defect bonding are essential, formaldehyde-free curing systems are now preferred. Similarly, automated painting robots in the automotive sector are optimized for water-based curing agents, pushing demand higher. The integration of these agents into smart production lines reflects their evolving role as enablers of next-generation manufacturing.
Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market Size Expected to Rise Sharply Amid Industrial Diversification
The Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market Size is anticipated to expand rapidly as industries increasingly diversify into sustainable product lines. In the coatings industry alone, the global shift to water-based systems—where formaldehyde-free agents are essential—accounts for over 55 percent of new product formulations. This reflects an accelerated pace of transition, supported by economic incentives, brand reputation considerations, and the need to meet corporate sustainability goals. As high-growth sectors like renewable energy, EV battery manufacturing, and green construction continue to scale, the market potential for formaldehyde-free curing technologies becomes even more pronounced.
“Track Country-wise Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Production and Demand through our Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Production Database”
“Track real-time Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Prices, Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents price charts for 28+ countries, Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents weekly price tracker and Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents monthly price tracker”
North America Leads in Sustainable Adoption of Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market
North America represents a highly mature yet fast-evolving segment of the Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market. Driven by environmental legislation such as the U.S. Clean Air Act and California’s CARB regulations, manufacturers are prioritizing formaldehyde-free formulations across adhesives, coatings, and insulation systems. For example, residential and commercial builders in the U.S. are increasingly adopting low-VOC adhesive systems to meet LEED certification criteria, where formaldehyde-free curing agents have become essential.
Demand from automotive OEMs, particularly in Mexico and the southern U.S. states, is also creating a robust supply chain for formaldehyde-free epoxy and amine-based curing agents. In 2023 alone, over 30 percent of industrial adhesive formulations used in U.S.-based automotive assembly lines were based on non-formaldehyde systems. As the region continues to invest in EV infrastructure and green building programs, Datavagyanik estimates a compound annual growth rate of 6.8 percent for the North American Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market through 2030.
Europe’s Regulatory Rigor Elevates Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market Standards
The European Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market is characterized by its regulatory rigor and innovation-driven demand. Countries such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands have taken a leadership role in phasing out toxic chemical inputs across construction, furniture, and automotive sectors. For example, Germany’s furniture industry has nearly eliminated the use of traditional urea-formaldehyde adhesives in engineered wood products, replacing them with water-based and bio-based curing agents.
Datavagyanik notes that Germany alone contributed over USD 500 million to the Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market in 2023, driven by the expanding green coatings sector and demand from its robust automotive manufacturing ecosystem. Meanwhile, Scandinavian countries are setting new standards in eco-certification, further pushing the adoption of formaldehyde-free agents in paints, sealants, and flooring systems.
Asia Pacific Emerges as the Fastest-Growing Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market
The Asia Pacific region is now the fastest-growing geography within the Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market, fueled by industrial growth, rising environmental awareness, and urban infrastructure development. China continues to dominate regional production due to its cost advantages, government-led emissions mandates, and massive manufacturing scale. In 2023, over 40 percent of China’s furniture exports were certified as low-emission products, marking a clear shift toward formaldehyde-free processing.
India is another emerging hub, where government-backed initiatives such as “Smart Cities Mission” and “Housing for All” have propelled demand for formaldehyde-free adhesives in construction. Datavagyanik estimates the Indian Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market to expand at a CAGR of 9.2 percent through 2030, outpacing the global average. Moreover, countries like Japan and South Korea are investing in bio-based innovation, producing high-performance curing agents tailored for electronics, automotive, and aerospace applications.
Middle East and Africa Show Growing Demand in Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market
Though still in early stages, the Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market in the Middle East and Africa is showing promising growth. Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are pushing for sustainable infrastructure under their Vision 2030 strategies. Green building codes in these regions are driving the replacement of formaldehyde-based adhesives and coatings with safer alternatives.
Africa, particularly South Africa and Nigeria, is witnessing a surge in demand for formaldehyde-free curing agents in packaging and wood processing industries. Datavagyanik notes a 14 percent year-over-year increase in demand for water-based curing agents in South African furniture manufacturing. While production capabilities remain limited, imports from Europe and Asia are fulfilling the regional appetite for non-toxic, high-performance products.
Latin America’s Construction Boom Propels Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market Forward
The Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market in Latin America is gaining traction, especially in Brazil, Mexico, and Chile. With expanding urbanization and renewed investment in affordable housing, the construction sector is adopting sustainable materials at scale. For instance, Brazil’s paint and coatings industry grew by 7.6 percent in 2023, with a notable shift toward low-emission formulations that heavily rely on formaldehyde-free curing agents.
Additionally, Mexico’s automotive parts and packaging sectors are adopting epoxy-based and polyurethane-based formaldehyde-free systems for export compliance, especially to North America. Regional governments are offering incentives for cleaner production technologies, further accelerating adoption. Datavagyanik anticipates a formaldehyde-free shift across more than 40 percent of adhesive and coating applications in the region by 2027.
Production Landscape in Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market Shows Global Shifts
Global production of formaldehyde-free curing agents is concentrated in regions with advanced chemical manufacturing capabilities—namely China, Germany, Japan, and the United States. China, with its cost efficiency and industrial scale, accounts for nearly 35 percent of total global production. Local manufacturers are also benefiting from rising domestic demand across construction and automotive industries.
In contrast, Japan and Germany lead in high-performance, specialty formulations such as cycloaliphatic and waterborne curing agents. These are often designed for niche applications like electronics encapsulation and high-durability industrial coatings. Datavagyanik highlights that these regions are setting the benchmark in production quality and regulatory alignment.
Meanwhile, Southeast Asia is becoming a secondary hub, with Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand increasing their output to meet both domestic and export-oriented demand. Production in these countries is focused on lower-cost, volume-driven curing agents for generic applications in paints, sealants, and flooring adhesives.
Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market Segmentation by Product Type Reflects Diverse Industrial Needs
The Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market is segmented into water-based, bio-based, epoxy-based, and others, reflecting a wide range of performance and application needs. Water-based curing agents remain the most in-demand due to their low toxicity and ease of formulation. These are heavily used in paints and coatings, especially in residential and commercial construction.
Bio-based agents, derived from renewable raw materials like soybean oil and lignin, are growing rapidly due to consumer preference for green chemistry. Datavagyanik notes that bio-based curing agents currently account for 18 percent of total market volume, with projections reaching 30 percent by 2030.
Epoxy-based curing agents continue to hold relevance in applications requiring high adhesion and thermal stability, such as automotive components and industrial flooring. Others, such as polyurethane and acrylic-based systems, serve specialized sectors like electronics, textiles, and composite panels.
From an application standpoint, the Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market is segmented into paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, composites, electronics, and others. Paints and coatings remain dominant, representing over 35 percent of market consumption. The global movement toward low-VOC architectural paints is a key driver.
Adhesives and sealants represent the second-largest application, particularly in packaging, construction, and woodworking. For example, formaldehyde-free adhesives are being mandated in public schools and hospitals across Europe and North America. In composites, the automotive and aerospace industries are adopting formaldehyde-free agents to enhance structural integrity while reducing environmental impact.
Electronics is a niche but fast-growing segment, with formaldehyde-free curing agents used in encapsulants and conformal coatings that meet global RoHS standards.
End-Use Industry Segmentation in Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market Reveals Strategic Trends
End-use industry segmentation of the Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market points to high adoption in construction, automotive, furniture, electronics, and packaging. Construction is the largest end-user, accounting for nearly 40 percent of global consumption. Growth in green infrastructure projects and public-sector retrofitting continues to drive this trend.
In automotive, OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers are increasingly deploying formaldehyde-free solutions in lightweight composites, sealants, and paints. The furniture and woodworking sector, especially in developed economies, is phasing out toxic resins to meet indoor air quality standards.
Electronics manufacturing in Japan and South Korea is adopting ultra-low emission curing agents for use in semiconductors and high-performance plastic coatings. Packaging, especially for food and pharmaceuticals, is seeing a sharp increase in formaldehyde-free adhesives as regulatory norms around migration and contamination tighten.
Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Price and Regional Cost Variations Reflect Market Complexity
The Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Price is influenced by raw material availability, production technology, and regional demand-supply balances. For instance, bio-based agents tend to be priced 15–25 percent higher than their synthetic counterparts due to higher processing costs and feedstock limitations. However, in regions like Europe where environmental compliance offers economic incentives, these prices are offset by reduced regulatory burdens.
The Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Price Trend shows moderate volatility, particularly in Asia Pacific, where raw material imports and petrochemical price fluctuations affect final product costs. In contrast, North America maintains more stable pricing due to vertically integrated supply chains and mature logistics networks.
Datavagyanik notes a 4.2 percent annual increase in average Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Price globally over the past three years. This rise is attributed to growing demand, innovation costs, and the transition from traditional to sustainable manufacturing practices.
Global Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Price Trend Shows Upward Momentum
Across markets, the Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Price Trend is steadily rising as demand continues to outpace legacy production capacities. In addition, the transition to higher-specification formulations—such as cycloaliphatic and low-temperature curing agents—is influencing price points.
Price differences also exist across product types. Water-based agents remain the most cost-competitive, while specialty epoxy-based and bio-based agents command premium pricing. As production technologies improve and economies of scale are achieved, Datavagyanik projects a stabilization of the Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Price Trend by 2027, with more cost-effective variants entering the market.
“Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Manufacturing Database, Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Manufacturing Capacity”
“Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents price charts, Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents weekly price tracker and Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents monthly price tracker”
The Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market is led by a competitive group of global and regional manufacturers, each with specialized product lines catering to diverse application sectors such as coatings, adhesives, composites, and electronics. These companies are not only addressing environmental compliance but are also introducing high-performance curing agents to replace traditional toxic systems.
Among the key players, Huntsman Corporation, BASF SE, Evonik Industries, Aditya Birla Chemicals, Cardolite Corporation, and Mitsubishi Chemical Group have established strong footprints. They are investing heavily in R&D to develop formaldehyde-free formulations that offer superior chemical resistance, mechanical durability, and fast curing times.
Huntsman Corporation Expands Eco-Friendly Product Portfolio
Huntsman is a leading contributor to the Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market, with an extensive product line that includes the JEFFAMINE and ARALDITE systems. JEFFAMINE polyetheramines are widely used in coatings and adhesive formulations that require non-toxic and flexible curing profiles. The company has strategically aligned its product innovation with the shift toward low-emission building materials and electronic encapsulants.
In particular, ARALDITE FST systems are used in structural bonding for aerospace and rail transportation, offering fire, smoke, and toxicity compliance without the use of formaldehyde. These systems are gaining traction in safety-sensitive applications and are enabling Huntsman to capture market share in high-performance, regulated industries.
BASF SE Focuses on Industrial Applications and Composites
BASF, a global chemicals leader, offers a range of curing agents under its Baxxodur brand. These formaldehyde-free products are used extensively in industrial flooring, automotive composites, and wind energy components. BASF has achieved substantial growth in Asia and Europe by targeting construction and energy-related applications that demand high-performance, non-toxic materials.
The company is also pioneering low-viscosity, low-emission curing systems that enhance processing efficiency while maintaining regulatory compliance. Datavagyanik estimates BASF’s share in the global Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market to be approximately 12 percent, with strong growth in polyurethane and epoxy-based agent segments.
Evonik Industries Drives Innovation in Waterborne Systems
Evonik has positioned itself as a key innovator in waterborne and cycloaliphatic curing systems, particularly for industrial coatings and adhesives. Its Ancamine and Anquamine series include formaldehyde-free solutions designed for use in high-durability floor coatings, corrosion-resistant paints, and civil infrastructure.
Anquamine 701, for example, is a water-reducible curing agent used in epoxy floor coatings where low odor and rapid curing are required. This product has gained popularity in hospitals, food processing plants, and schools, where indoor air quality and hygiene are top priorities. Evonik continues to expand its share by offering value-added systems with superior performance-to-cost ratios.
Cardolite Corporation Leads the Bio-Based Segment
Cardolite has emerged as a specialist in bio-based formaldehyde-free curing agents derived from cashew nutshell liquid. Its NX-series products, such as NX-8501 and NX-8101, are recognized for their excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and low toxicity. These agents are being adopted in marine coatings, electronic adhesives, and automotive composites where sustainability and performance are equally prioritized.
With a dedicated focus on green chemistry, Cardolite has secured a niche market and is rapidly increasing its presence in North America and Europe. Datavagyanik estimates that Cardolite holds a dominant share in the global bio-based curing agent segment, accounting for nearly 30 percent of that subcategory.
Aditya Birla Chemicals Strengthens Presence in Asia
Aditya Birla Chemicals is a key player in the Asian Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market, supplying a wide range of epoxy and amine-based curing agents across the region. Its Epotec product line includes low-emission and VOC-free systems that are used in electronics, electrical laminates, and civil infrastructure.
The company’s regional production capabilities in India and Thailand provide a cost advantage and logistical efficiency, enabling it to supply growing markets such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Aditya Birla Chemicals is also expanding its offerings into water-based formulations to meet the increasing demand for eco-certified building materials in South and Southeast Asia.
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Targets Electronics and Automotive
Mitsubishi Chemical Group is leveraging its deep expertise in high-performance chemicals to supply formaldehyde-free curing agents for electronics and precision composites. Products such as DURABIND and DURANOL are used in semiconductors, electronic encapsulation, and advanced composites. These systems are formaldehyde-free and engineered for thermal resistance, dimensional stability, and long-term reliability.
The company’s innovations are focused on meeting stringent environmental norms in Japan and expanding into Taiwan and South Korea, where electronics manufacturing is concentrated. Datavagyanik identifies Mitsubishi as a critical supplier in the formaldehyde-free electronics adhesive sector, with rising export volumes and a strong innovation pipeline.
Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market Share by Manufacturer
The market share in the Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market is currently fragmented, with the top five manufacturers holding approximately 50 percent of global revenues. Huntsman and BASF are the front-runners, each accounting for around 10–12 percent, followed by Evonik and Aditya Birla Chemicals with 8–10 percent shares respectively. Cardolite, although smaller in overall market share, dominates the bio-based niche.
Market shares are shifting as regional players in Asia Pacific ramp up production and global leaders form strategic alliances. Joint ventures between European manufacturers and local Asian firms are becoming increasingly common, driven by the need to localize production while maintaining global standards.
In January 2024, Huntsman Corporation announced the expansion of its advanced curing agent facility in Texas, aiming to increase output by 20 percent to meet North American demand. This move aligns with the company’s focus on sustainable building materials and industrial coatings.
In March 2024, BASF launched a new line of formaldehyde-free curing agents under the Baxxodur family, designed specifically for fast-curing applications in wind turbine blades and infrastructure composites.
In June 2024, Evonik unveiled a new product innovation, Anquamine 900, a waterborne curing agent with enhanced adhesion and UV resistance. The product targets outdoor architectural coatings and marine applications.
Aditya Birla Chemicals announced in August 2023 its investment in a new greenfield production facility in Gujarat, India, dedicated to formaldehyde-free curing systems. The facility is expected to begin operations by Q1 2025.
Cardolite signed a collaboration agreement in November 2023 with a leading European automotive OEM to develop bio-based curing agents for structural composite components, indicating rising interest in renewable formulations in high-load applications.
Mitsubishi Chemical introduced DURABIND 1800 in February 2024, a next-generation curing agent for electronic encapsulants that improves thermal conductivity and dielectric strength, without using formaldehyde or halogenated compounds.
These developments reflect the strategic direction of the Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market, where innovation, regional expansion, and sustainability are at the core of competitive positioning.
“Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Production Data and Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Production Trend, Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Production Database and forecast”
“Track Real-time Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Prices for purchase and sales contracts, Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents price charts, Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents weekly price tracker and Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents monthly price tracker”
Key questions answered in the Global Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market Analysis Report:
The report covers Formaldehyde-Free Curing Agents Market revenue, Production, Sales volume, by regions, (further split into countries):
Table of Contents:
Other recently published reports:
“Every Organization is different and so are their requirements”- Datavagyanik
© 2024 All rights reserved
Datavagyanik- Your Research Partner
Add the power of Impeccable research, become a DV client