Restrictions on N, n-dimethylformamide(DMF) are proposed to be added to Appendix 17 of REACH

On 23 September 2020, the European Commission submitted to the WTO a communication G/TBT/N/EU/749 to amend the list of restricted Substances in Annex XVII of THE REACH regulation, proposing to add restrictions on the use of N, n-dimethylformamide (DMF) as a substance itself or in mixtures. The draft will come into force 20 days after the official gazette is published, with a two-year buffer period, which means it will be formally implemented 24 months after it comes into force. The public consultation period for the draft is 60 days.

DMF common uses

DMF is a very wide range of aprotic polar solvent, commonly used as paint remover and dye solvent, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile and polyvinyl chloride slurry, but also used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates, tin parts quenching and circuit board cleaning.

DMF current control status

DMF is currently classified as a reproductive, acute and eye-irritant substance under CLP and is also regulated under REACH. DMF is listed under SVHC under REACH (concentration threshold 0.1%) and Appendix 17 (Entry 72), whereas it is currently listed under Article 72 of Appendix 17, The main restricted products are clothing or related accessories, textiles (in contact with human skin and to a degree similar to clothing) and footwear, with a limit of 3000mg/kg. 

Exporting enterprises to Europe should actively take risk management measures to control exposure risks and avoid the failure of exporting related products due to excessive DMF content.