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Annex II Entry 1565 CMR30/07/2020

Vinyl acetate

Vinyl acetate is listed in Annex II as a prohibited substance for cosmetic products placed on the EU market.

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Prohibited substance— Annex II, EU Regulation 1223/2009
Entry: 1565
CMR

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 108-05-4
CAS 108-05-4PubChem CID 7904

Vinyl Acetate

Vinyl acetate is an acetate ester. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
ethenyl acetate
Molecular formula
C4H6O2
Molecular weight
86.09 g/mol
Exact mass
86.036779430 Da
XLogP3
0.7
Topological polar surface area
26.3 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
2
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

Acetic acid ethenyl esterAcetic acid vinyl esterEthenyl ethanoateAcetoxyethyleneVinylacetateVinyl acetate monomerVinyl A monomerAcetoxyethene
16 more reported names
1-AcetoxyethyleneVinyl ethanoateVinylacetatZeset TVinylacetaatAcetic acid, ethenyl esterOctan winyluAcetate de vinyleVinyl acetate H.Q.VyAcEthanoic acid, ethenyl esterVinile (acetato di)Vinyle (acetate de)Acetic acid, ethylene etherAcetic acid, vinyl esterVinylester kyseliny octove
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External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match7904

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • First Aid: Signs and Symptoms of Acute Vinyl Acetate Monomer Exposure: Vinyl acetate monomer may irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract; blisters may form. Inhalation of vapors may result in dizziness or suffocation.; Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to vinyl acetate monomer may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.; Inhalation Exposure:; 1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to vinyl acetate monomer.; 2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.; 3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive p Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • ERG2024, Guide 129P (Vinyl acetate, stabilized): General First Aid:; · Call 911 or emergency medical service.; · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.; · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.; · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.; · If victim is not breathing:; -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.; -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).; -- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.; · Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.; · For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.; · In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.; · For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.; · Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, Source: Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
  • First Aid: (General first aid procedures); Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.; Skin: Soap flush immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.; Breathing: Respiratory support; Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. Source: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • Signal: Danger Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]; H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P271, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P317, P318, P319, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (1 of 2185) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H225 (> 99.9%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]; H332 (56.8%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H335 (56.7%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H351 (57.8%): Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]; H412 (28.9%): Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P271, P273, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P317, P318, P319, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 2185 reports by companies from 39 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 1 of 2185 reports by companies.; There are 38 notifications provided by 2184 of 2185 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: Not Classified; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria by 1 of 1 companies. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation]; H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]; H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]; H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]; H401: Toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P273, P280, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P317, P318, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • NFPA Health Rating: 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Fire Rating: 3 - Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all ambient temperature conditions. Materials produce hazardous atmospheres with air under almost all ambient temperatures or, though unaffected by ambient temperatures, are readily ignited under almost all conditions. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Instability Rating: 2 - Materials that readily undergo violent chemical changes at elevated temperatures and pressures. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Specific Notice: W - No water: Materials that react violently or explosively with water. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: Polyvinyl acetate usually contains trace amounts of its precursor, vinyl acetate. One of the metabolites of vinyl acetate, acetaldehyde, is a known animal carcinogen. Acetaldehyde can form adducts with DNA, causing damage such as cross-links. (L1304, A354) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Toxicity Summary: One of the metabolites of vinyl acetate, acetaldehyde, is a known animal carcinogen. Acetaldehyde can form adducts with DNA, causing damage such as cross-links. (L1304, A354) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 3.2 was calculated for vinyl acetate(SRC), using a log Kow of 0.73(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 60(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.73(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that vinyl acetate is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of vinyl acetate from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.1X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 90.2 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 20,000 mg/L(5). However, a hydrolysis half-life of 7.3 days (25 °C and pH 7)(6) indicates that hydrolysis may occur in moist soils and is expected to attenuate leaching in the soil column(SRC). Vinyl acetate is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(4). Vinyl acetate readily polymerizes; therefore, if vinyl acetate is released to the environment, polymerization may occur(SRC). Complete biodegradation of vinyl acetate occurred using a soil inoculum within 26 hours under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions; acetaldehyde and acetate were formed as reaction products under both oxygen conditions(7). This suggests that biodegradation may be an important environmen Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 60(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 0.73(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that vinyl acetate is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.1X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 90.2 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 20,000 mg/L(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 4 hours and 4 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3.2(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Vinyl acetate is degraded in natural water by hydrolysis with an estimated hydrolysis half-life at 25 °C and pH 7 of 7.3 days(8); the hydrolysis rate increases as the pH increases(8). Reaction with hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen in natural water may proceed with half-lives of approximately 13 and 8 days, respectively, based on rates determined for olefin Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), vinyl acetate, which has a vapor pressure of 90.2 mm Hg at 20 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere(SRC). Vapor-phase vinyl acetate is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 14 hours(SRC) calculated from its rate constant of 2.50X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Vapor-phase vinyl acetate may also be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with ozone(4); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 3.9 days(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Consumer Uses: Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Intermediate; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Processing aids not otherwise specified; Monomers; Other Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Industry Uses: Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Intermediate; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Processing aids not otherwise specified; Monomers; Wrinkle resisting agent; Polymerization promoter; Other Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Uses: Vinyl acetate is primarily used as a monomer in the production of polyvinyl acetate and polyvinyl alcohol. Source: EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
  • Sources/Uses: Used in the production of polyvinyl acetate emulsions, acrylic fiber, and polyvinyl alcohol; Occupational exposure occurs in production workers, painters, and floor layers; [ACGIH] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Painting (Solvents) [Category: Paint] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: In polymerized form for plastic masses, films, and lacquers; in plastic form for food packaging; as a modifier for food starch Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: CHEMICAL INTERMEDIATE IN SYNTH OF POLYVINYL ACETATE EMULSIONS, RESINS & POLYVINYL ALCOHOL; INTERMEDIATE IN SYNTH OF OTHER POLYMERS, RESINS, AND EMULSIONS. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Safety glass interlayers Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Its chief use is as a monomer for making poly(vinyl acetate) and vinyl acetate copolymers, which are used as components in coatings, paints, and sealants, binders (adhesives, nonwovens, construction products, and carpet-backing) and in miscellaneous uses such as chewing gum and tablet coatings. Vinyl acetate is also copolymerized as the minor constituent with vinyl chloride and with ethylene to form commercial polymers and with acrylonitrile to form acrylic fibers. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for VINYL ACETATE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Polyvinyl acetate is a component of glue and is used mainly as an adhesive for porous materials, particularly for wood, paper, and cloth. (L1301) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Uses: Vinyl acetate is used mainly for the production of other industrial chemicals, such as polyvinyl acetate, an important polymer for which it is the precursor. These chemicals are used mainly to make glues for the packaging and building industries. They are also used to make paints, textiles, and paper. Vinyl acetate is also used as a coating in plastic films for food packaging and as a modifier of food starch. (L1302, L1304) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Record details

Chemical name

Vinyl acetate

Chemical / IUPAC name

Vinyl acetate

Regulatory information

Regulation

(EU) 2019/831

See every entry this act set

Identified ingredients

CMR

CategoryCarcinogenicMutagenicReprotoxic
Cat. 2✓——

Key data

CAS
108-05-4
EC
203-545-4
Annex
II
Entry number
1565

Inventory links for Vinyl acetate

Inventory Restriction reference
Ref 38882

VINYL ACETATE

CAS: 108-05-4
EC: 203-545-4

Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex II are shown as well.

Annex II 1564
Nearby record in the same annex

Gallium arsenide

CAS: 1303-00-0
EC: 215-114-8

What Annex II means for Vinyl acetate

Vinyl acetate is listed as a prohibited substance under Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and must not be intentionally added. Article 17 separately addresses unintended small quantities that are technically unavoidable under good manufacturing practice and compatible with the Article 3 safety requirement.

Formulators must screen their ingredients and raw materials to ensure none contain this substance. Suppliers should provide documentation confirming absence when requested.

This record is linked to 1 CosIng inventory ingredient for name and identifier cross-reference. The page also surfaces 12 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.

Compliance checklist

  • Verify this substance is absent from all raw materials and finished formulations.
  • Request absence confirmation or CoA from raw material suppliers.
  • Document the screening result in the Product Information File (PIF).
  • This substance has CMR classification. Review the CMR table above and verify current Annex II/III status before use.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Vinyl acetate is listed in Annex II of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and is prohibited as an intentionally added cosmetic ingredient. Article 17 provides a narrow exception for unintended small quantities that are technically unavoidable under good manufacturing practice, provided the product remains safe under Article 3.

CAS 108-05-4 is the unique numerical identifier assigned to Vinyl acetate by the Chemical Abstracts Service. In cosmetic compliance work, the CAS number is used to cross-reference the substance across regulatory databases, raw material specifications and safety assessment reports. Multiple EU annex entries may share the same CAS number if the same substance appears under different conditions or in different annexes.

Vinyl acetate has a CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic) classification under EU CLP Regulation. Under Article 15 of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, CMR substances of category 1A or 1B are prohibited in cosmetics unless specifically permitted. Category 2 CMR substances may be used only if assessed safe by the SCCS. Always verify current annex status and any applicable derogations before use.

Use the INCI Checker tool on this site to paste your full ingredient list (INCI) and scan it against all Annex II–VI entries. The tool highlights any ingredients that match restricted, prohibited or allergen-flagged records. This is useful for rapid compliance screening of finished product formulas or raw material declarations.
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Source note for Annex II record Vinyl acetate

This page summarizes one Annex II record for Vinyl acetate from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.

Use this record page to review Annex II conditions for Vinyl acetate, but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.

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