Geneva (June 24, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 080.25, highlighting a significant regulatory update under the EU’s REACH legislation. The adoption of Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/1090 introduces important changes.

Effective June 23, 2025, this new regulation adds two hazardous substances, N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC) and 1-ethylpyrrolidone-2-one (NEP), to Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH), placing new limits on their use across multiple industries.

These substances are commonly used as solvents in paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, plastics and man-made fibers. Both have been recognized for their potential risks to human health, with DMAC already listed as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) since 2011.

Key restrictions are as follows:

• DMAC and NEP will be prohibited as standalone substances and as constituents of other substances from December 23, 2026
• In mixtures, their concentration must not exceed 0.3%, unless exposure controls meet stringent safety thresholds
• Additional restrictions for DMAC’s use in manufacturing man-made fibers will apply from December 23, 2029

These measures require manufacturers, importers and downstream users to incorporate derived no-effect levels (DNELs) into their safety documentation and demonstrate that worker exposure remains below the specified limits.

SGS publishes SafeGuardS to help stakeholders stay informed of key regulatory developments. SafeGuardS 080.25 includes a table summarizing the key restrictions for DMAC and NEP.

Stakeholders are encouraged to review the full SafeGuardS 080.25 for further details.

SGS chemical testing
SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS chemical testing services. [www.sgs.com/en/services/chemicals-testing]

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Restricts Two Chemicals under REACH SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2025/06/safeguards-08025-eu-restricts-two-chemicals-under-reach]

Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. [http://www.sgs.com/subscribes]

For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

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