Substance information

EGME (Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether)

Glycol Ethers in Europe are classified according to Regulation EC No. 1272/2008 on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP). As laid out in the regulation, glycol ethers have been assessed against pre-defined criteria using all of the available data, including the results of research work carried out by the producers of these substances.

Please find below the information for EGME (Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether):

EGME is one of the 8 Glycol Ethers classified for reproductive toxicity 1B under the CLP Regulation. The “OSPA Charter” applies. It was  set up in 1996 and forbids, under penalty of non-delivery, all uses of glycol ethers classified as reprotoxic in any product sold to the public and strictly limits the use to industrial applications, for which no substitute has been found so far. All customers must ensure that Occupational Exposures/Emissions are within the legal constraints. The charter must be signed by buyers (from direct customers) and any distributor involved. The producers oblige all buyers to reconfirm the application of the charter annually.

  • In 2009, an indicative occupational exposure limit value was set for EGME.
  • In 2010, EGME was identified as Substance of Very High Concern under Reach and added to the Candidate List
  • In 2019, EGME was included in the 9th Recommendation for annex XIV inclusion. Ten years had passed since the Candidate List inclusion and the OEL setting.
  • In autumn 2021, the European Commission proposed not to include EGME in annex XIV of REACH. This was endorsed later this year by the Reach Committee (Member States) via written vote. Comitology Register (europa.eu)
  • On 10th February 2022, the period for the co-legislator ended with no opposition from the European Parliament or the Council, leading to EGME not being included in annex XIV as the outcome.
  • Following Council decision, EGME is one of the 12 substances moved from the Chemical Agent Directive (CAD) in order to include reprotoxic substances in the Carcinogenic & Mutagenic Directive (CMD). https://osha.europa.eu/en/legislation/directive/directive-200437ec-carcinogens-or-mutagens-work. The indicative OEL is to become a binding OEL.

More information in this FAQ document.