European Commission Approves Restriction on DMAC and NEP
On 2 June 2025, the European Commission adopted a restriction on N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC) and 1-ethylpyrrolidin-2-one (NEP). This measure bans the placing on the market, production, and use of these aprotic solvents in concentrations of 0.3% or higher from 23 December 2026, unless companies comply with the agreed derived no-effect levels (DNEL) for worker protection.
For the placing on the market for use or the use of DMAC as a solvent in the production of synthetic fibers, these obligations will only apply from 23 June 2029.
Both substances are known to be reproductive toxicants and can harm the unborn child.
The restriction proposal was submitted by the Netherlands in April 2022. The scientific committees for risk assessment (RAC) and socio-economic analysis (SEAC) supported the proposal in their 2023 opinions.
The restriction is listed in REACH Annex XVII, entries 80 and 81
DMAC
N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC), with CAS 127-19-6/ EC 204-826-4 is listed in Part 3 of Annex VI to CLP Regulation as toxic substance to reproduction category 1B based on developmental toxicity and as acute toxic substance, category 4. DMAC is a dipolar aprotic solvent used for many organic reactions and industrial applications, including crop protection products, pharmaceuticals, and fine chemicals. It is miscible with water, ethers, esters, ketones and aromatics compounds.
DMAC is used in the production of polyacrylonitrile and polyurethane based fibers, films and coatings. The polar nature of DMAC enables it to act as a combined solvent and reaction catalyst in many reactions producing high yields and pure product in short time periods.
NEP
1-Ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (NEP), with CAS 2687-91-4/ EC 220-250-6 is listed in Part 3 of Annex VI to CLP Regulation as toxic substance to reproduction category 1B. NEP is a polar, aprotic solvent known for its high solubility, low vapor pressure, and low dielectric constant. It’s used in various applications, including as a selective solvent, catalyst, and cationic surfactant. In the industry is used in refining oil products, producing drugs, dyes, pesticides, daily chemicals, coatings, and resins. It’s also used as a transdermal absorption-enhancing compound and for modifying coir fiber.
NEP is applied in cleaning agents, oil extraction, and water treatment.
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