The European Commission has published Regulation (EU) 2025/1090 introducing new restrictions on the use of N,N-Dimethylacetamide (DMAC) and 1-Ethylpyrrolidin-2-one (NEP), two widely used aprotic solvents in industrial settings. As of 23 December 2026, these substances may no longer be placed on the market or used in concentrations equal to or above 0.3%, unless it can be demonstrated through technically sound data and documentation that worker exposure is strictly controlled and remains below the thresholds defined in the regulation.
This measure, based on risk assessments carried out by ECHA, signals a possible shift in regulatory approach: managing exposure levels as an alternative to inclusion in REACH Annex XIV (authorisation list). Companies will need to incorporate these conditions into safety data sheets and chemical safety reports and implement appropriate risk management measures.
A longer transitional period (until 2029) is foreseen for the use of DMAC in the production of synthetic or artificial fibres, to allow a gradual adaptation to the new technical requirements.
For more information, please refer to the full regulation available at the following link