April 21, 2026, the European Commission published Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/859, amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH), which introduces new restrictions on 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) in articles.
2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) (CAS No. 121-14-2, EC No. 204-450-0) is classified in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as a Category 1B carcinogen.
Although its use as a substance or in mixtures was already restricted in the EU, the Commission identified a gap: imported articles were not covered by REACH authorization.
REACH Annex XVII
Entry ‘83. 2,4-dinitrotoluene; CAS No 121-14-2; EC No 204-450-0
1. After 10 May 2027, shall not be placed on the market, or used, as a substance in articles for professional users or the general public, in a concentration equal to or greater than 0,1 % by weight.
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3. Paragraph 1 shall not apply to: (a) explosives, as defined in Article 2, point (1), of Directive 2014/28/EU; (b) articles for military use; (c) ammunition for use, in accordance with national law, by the police or other security forces; (d) toys within the scope of Regulation (EU) 2025/2509 of the European Parliament and Council (*); (e) devices within the scope of Regulation (EU) 2017/745; (f) articles intended to come into contact with food, within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004.
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Source COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2026/859 of 20 April 2026: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202600859
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