,On 21 April 2026, the European Commission adopted Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/859, amending Annex XVII to REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 to introduce new restrictions on the presence of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) in articles. Classified as a category 1B carcinogen and a substance of very high concern, 2,4-DNT poses significant risks to human health, particularly as a non-threshold carcinogen for which no safe exposure level can be established. Although its use within the EU has largely ceased, the regulation highlights ongoing risks from imported articles containing the substance. The measure follows an assessment by the European Chemicals Agency, which identified exposure risks in products such as automotive safety systems, industrial plastics, and ammunition. Given that exposure through inhalation or skin contact cannot be reliably controlled in many applications, the regulation sets a concentration limit of 0.1% by weight in articles to prevent intentional use and ensure consistency between EU-produced and imported goods. Certain exemptions apply, including uses in industrial settings, explosives regulated under other EU laws, and military applications. Transitional periods of 12 months and up to 36 months for specific automotive components are to allow stakeholders to adapt.
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