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Annex II Entry 1681 CMR11/11/2022

Tetrafluoroethylene

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

Prohibited substance— Annex II, EU Regulation 1223/2009
Entry: 1681
CMR

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 116-14-3
CAS 116-14-3PubChem CID 8301

Tetrafluoroethylene

Tetrafluoroethene is a fluorocarbon. ChEBI

IUPAC name
1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethene
Molecular formula
C2F4
Molecular weight
100.01 g/mol
Exact mass
99.99361265 Da
XLogP3
1.3
Topological polar surface area
0.0 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
4
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

TetrafluoroethenePerfluoroethylenePerfluoroetheneFluoroplast 41,1,2,2-TetrafluoroethyleneEthene, tetrafluoro-Ethylene, tetrafluoro-Tetrafluoroethylene monomer
16 more reported names
TetrafluorethyleneOMW63Z518SCHEBI:38866ethylene tetrafluorideRefChem:6295204-126-9NSC451C2F4PerfluoraethylenTetrafluoraethenTetrafluoraethylenF2C=CF2Polytetrafluoroethylene preparationEthene, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-TetrafluoretheneFluoropolymer, Fluorinated polymer, PTFE
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match8301

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

  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: CAUTION: Exposure of skin to compressed gases may result in freezing of the skin. Treatment for frostbite may be necessary. Remove the victim from the source of contamination. IMMEDIATELY wash affected areas gently with COLD water (and soap, if necessary) while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Dry carefully with clean, soft towels. If symptoms such as inflammation or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician or go to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a ho Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • ERG2024, Guide 116P (Tetrafluoroethylene, 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)
  • Signal: Danger Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P280, P318, 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 59.3% (481 of 811) of all reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Danger Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H220 (30.7%): Extremely flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]; H280 (36.6%): Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]; H350 (36%): May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]; H371 (32.2%): May cause damage to organs [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P210, P222, P260, P264, P270, P280, P308+P316, P318, P377, P381, P403, P405, P410+P403, 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 811 reports by companies from 12 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 481 of 811 reports by companies.; There are 11 notifications provided by 330 of 811 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)
  • Signal: Danger Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P280, P318, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H220: Extremely flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]; H231: May react explosively even in the absence of air at elevated pressure and/or temperature [Danger Flammable gases]; H280: Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]; H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]; H371: May cause damage to organs [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] 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: 4 - Materials that rapidly or completely vaporize at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature or that are readily dispersed in air and burn readily. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • NFPA Instability Rating: 3 - Materials that in themselves are capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction but that require a strong initiating source or must be heated under confinement before initiation. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for tetrafluoroethylene(SRC), using an estimated/ log Kow of 1.21(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 95(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that tetrafluoroethylene is expected to have high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of tetrafluoroethylene from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 0.63 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), based upon its vapor pressure, 2.45X10+4 mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 159 mg/L(4). Tetrafluoroethylene is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(3). Biodegradation data were not available(SRC, 2010). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 95(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that tetrafluoroethylene 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 0.63 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 2.45X10+4 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 159 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 3 hours and 4 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from an estimated log Kow of 1.21(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Biodegradation data were not available(SRC, 2010). 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), tetrafluoroethylene, which has a vapor pressure of 2.45X10+4 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a gas in the ambient atmosphere. Gas-phase tetrafluoroethylene 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 17 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.13X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 298 K(3). Gas-phase tetrafluoroethylene will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with ozone(3,4) and nitrate radicals(3). The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of tetrafluoroethylene with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 1.13X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 298 K(1). The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of tetrafluoroethylene with ozone has been reported as 4.8X10-21 cu cm/molecule-sec at 298 K(1). The Global Warming Potential is considered to be negligible(5). Tetrafluoroethylene does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(6), and therefore is not expected to be susceptible to dire Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Sources/Uses: Used to produce polytetrafluoroethylene polymers (Teflon); [ACGIH] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: In prepn of propellants for food product aerosols Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: MONOMER FOR POLYTETRAFLUOETHYLENE RESINS; CHEM INT FOR HEXAFLUOROPROPYLENE; COMONOMER FOR PERFLUOROALKOXY RESINS, FLUORINATED ETHYLENE-PROPYLENE RESINS, & ETHYLENE-TETRAFLUOROETHYLENE RESINS; TERMONOMER WITH VINYLIDENE FLUORIDE & HEXAFLUOROPROPYLENE Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Used as a copolymer with hexafluoropropylene to substitute for polytetrafluoroethylene Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: It is used mainly for the production of fluoropolymers. It reacts with perfluoronitrosoalkanes to produce so-called nitroso rubbers. It is also used in the production of low molecular mass compounds and intermediates, for example, for the manufacture of iodoperfluoroalkanes. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Principal industrial use of CF2:CF2 is for preparation of polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon (R)) Resins and copolymers. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: • Manufacture of chemicals and chemical products [Ref: http://www.spin2000.net/spinmyphp/]; • Coating for fishing lines [Ref: CAS2019 (JP01160443)]; • Construction [Ref: http://www.spin2000.net/spinmyphp/]; • Manufacture of radio, television and communication equipment [Ref: http://www.spin2000.net/spinmyphp/]; • Lubricants and additives [Ref: http://www.spin2000.net/spinmyphp/]; • Inert surface in UPLCs [Ref: https://doi.org/10.1039/C9EM00163H]; • Use in lithium batteries [Ref: Kountz, Dennis J., James R. Hoover, and George Martin Pruce. 2015. Li-Ion battery having improved safety agains combustion. EP 2 891 196 B1, issued 2015.]; • Floor polish [Ref: http://www.spin2000.net/spinmyphp/]; • Cosmetics (bronzer, blush, eye shadow, shaving cream (men's), foundation, mascara, facial powder, eye liner, mascara, sunscreen, sunscreen lip balm, sunscreen makeup, anti-aging, oil controller, eye cream, brow liner, concealer) [Ref: Brinch2018, GSP2014]; • Use in printed circuit boards [Ref: CAS2019 (US20030203174)]; • Architechtural membranes [Ref: https://www.bdir.com/projects/tensile-pvdf-membrane-roof-structures-tent-hotel-resort-guizhou-china]; • Reinforcement of fluorinated membranes [Re Source: NORMAN Suspect List Exchange

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

Tetrafluoroethylene

Chemical / IUPAC name

Tetrafluoroethylene

Regulatory information

Regulation

(EU) 2022/1531

See every entry this act set

CMR

CategoryCarcinogenicMutagenicReprotoxic
Cat. 1B

Key data

Annex
Entry number
1681

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

Annex II 1686
Nearby record in the same annex

3-methylpyrazole

CAS: 1453-58-3
EC: 215-925-7

What Annex II means for Tetrafluoroethylene

Tetrafluoroethylene 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.

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. Tetrafluoroethylene 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 116-14-3 is the unique numerical identifier assigned to Tetrafluoroethylene 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.

Tetrafluoroethylene 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.

Source note for Annex II record Tetrafluoroethylene

This page summarizes one Annex II record for Tetrafluoroethylene 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 Tetrafluoroethylene, but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.

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