SG 059/26
European Union (EU) restricts 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) in articles.
In 2025, the EU informed the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its proposed restriction of 2,4-DNT in articles (SafeGuardS 144/25).
On April 21, 2026, the EU issued Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/859, amending Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 ‘Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals’ (Annex XVII of REACH, current consolidated version to October 2025) by restricting 2,4-DNT in articles under new entry 83.
What does this regulation require?
This amendment restricts the use of 2,4-DNT in articles from May 10, 2027, with several derogations (see Table 1 below).
Who is impacted?
The amendment affects stakeholders across the supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and other intermediaries operating in the EU market.
2,4-DNT has a variety of uses including, but not limited to, automotive airbags, ceramic articles, electronic devices, gelatinizing-plasticizing agent in explosives, plastic bottles for sample taking in industrial settings, production of toluene diisocyanate for manufacturing polyurethane foams, propellants for military and civilian small-arms ammunition, such as hunting and sports shooting, refractory products and seat-belt pre-tensioners.
When does it apply?
This new law will be implemented in phases, starting May 10, 2027.
| Substance | Scope | Requirement | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,4-dinitrotoluene (CAS 121-14-2) | Articles for professional users and the general public | < 0.1% | May 10, 2027¹, ² |
| ¹ Exempts, inter alia, a) articles containing 2,4-DNT placed on the market before this date, b) food contact materials and articles (Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004), c) medical devices (Regulation (EU) 2017/745) and d) toys (Regulation (EU) 2025/2509) ² May 11, 2029, for motor vehicle applications under certain specified conditions: a) micro gas generators for seat belt pre-tensioners and bonnet actuators and b) spare parts | |||
Table 1
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