Restrictions on use

There are certain restrictions on the use of DEHP that apply in the European Union:

Toys and childcare articles

DEHP is not permitted for use in toys and childcare articles due to the levels of exposure that may result from prolonged periods of sucking and chewing on such items.

This legislation was introduced in January 2007 and states that Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) (CAS No 117-81-7) (Einecs No 204-211-0), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (CAS No 84-74-2) (Einecs No 201-557-4) and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) (CAS No 85-68-7) (Einecs No 201-622-7) Shall not be used as substances or as constituents of preparations, at concentrations of greater than 0,1 % by mass of the plasticised material, in toys and childcare articles. Such toys and childcare articles containing these phthalates in a concentration greater than the limit mentioned above shall not be placed on the market.

The complete text of the legislation: DIRECTIVE 2005/84/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 14 December 2005 amending for the 22nd time Council Directive 76/769/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations (phthalates in toys and childcare articles).

Cosmetics

DEHP is not permitted for use in cosmetics in the European Union. DEHP and the phthalate plasticisers DBP and BBP are all prohibited from use in cosmetics due to their classification as a reproductive toxicant. For full details please refer to Commission Directive 2004/93/EC of 21 September 2004 amending Council Directive 76/768/EEC for the purpose of adapting its Annexes II and III to technical progress.

Food contact materials

There are certain restrictions on the use of DEHP in food contact materials in the European Union.

DEHP can be safely and legally used in non fatty food contact materials for repeated use which includes such items as tubes and conveyer belts, provided the migration of the plasticiser does not exceed the Substance Migration Limit (SML) of 1.5 mg/kg food.

DEHP is not permitted for use in single-use applications such as cap seals or gaskets.

The regulation governing the use of DEHP is EU Directive 2007/19/EC