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Annex II Entry 314 CMR15/10/2010

Tetrachloroethylene

Tetrachloroethylene 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: 314
CMR

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 127-18-4
CAS 127-18-4PubChem CID 31373

Tetrachloroethylene

Tetrachloroethene is a chlorocarbon that is tetrachloro substituted ethene. It has a role as a nephrotoxic agent. It is a member of chloroethenes and a chlorocarbon. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethene
Molecular formula
C2Cl4
Molecular weight
165.8 g/mol
Exact mass
165.872461 Da
XLogP3
3.4
Topological polar surface area
0.0 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
0
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

TetrachloroethenePerchloroethyleneTetrachlorethylenePercPerchlorethyleneEthene, tetrachloro-Ethylene tetrachloride1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethylene
16 more reported names
AnkilostinDidakenePercleneTetracapTetropilTetraguerTetralenoPerawinTetralexTetlenTetrachloraethenPerSecCarbon bichloridePercloroetileneTetracloroetenePERK
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External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match31373

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

  • Autoignition Temperature: Not flammable (USCG, 1999) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • Autoignition Temperature: Fully encapsulating, vapor-protective clothing should be worn for spills and leaks with no fire. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors; do not put water directly on leak, spill area or inside container. Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Autoignition Temperature: > 650 °C Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
  • 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: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknow Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • ERG2024, Guide 160 (Perchloroethylene): 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)
  • ERG2024, Guide 160 (Tetrachloroethylene): 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 wash promptly - If this chemical contacts the skin, promptly wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, promptly remove the clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. Get medical attention promptly.; 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: Warning Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]; H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P273, P280, P318, P391, 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
  • Signal: Warning Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H315 (46.7%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317 (45.3%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H319 (45.8%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H336 (45.5%): May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H351 (99.8%): Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]; H411 (100%): Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P272, P273, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P318, P319, P321, P332+P317, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P391, P403+P233, 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 574 reports by companies from 22 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; 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: H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H332: Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]; H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]; H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]; H362: May cause harm to breast-fed children [Reproductive toxicity, effects on or via lactation]; H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]; H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P260, P261, P263, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P308+P316, P317, P318, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H305: May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways [Warning Aspiration hazard]; H313: May be harmful in contact with skin [Warning Acute toxicity, dermal]; H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects]; H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]; H361: Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]; H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]; H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P260, P261, P264, P264+P265, P270, P271, P280, P301+P316, P301+P330+P331, P302+P317, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P305+P354+P338, P308+P316, P316, P318, P319, P321, P331, P337+P317, P363, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • Health Effects: Tetrachloroethylene is a central nervous system depressant. It is also known to cause liver and kidney damage, and is a probably carcinogen. (L116) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Teterachloroethylene (PCE) is a colorless liquid. It is used in the textile industry for dry-cleaning and for processing and finishing. PCE is used in both cold cleaning and vapor degreasing of metals, it is also used as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of fluorocarbons, and as a heat-exchange fluid. It is used as anthelmintic in veterinary medicine. HUMAN STUDIES: Potential symptoms of overexposure are irritation of eyes, nose and throat, nausea, flushing of face and neck, vertigo, dizziness, incoordination, headache, somnolence, skin erythema, and liver damage. Liver and kidney toxicity have been reported as effects of acute exposures to very high doses. In dry cleaners chronically exposed to PCE, increased levels of markers of early renal damage or dysfunction were attributed to the exposure. In children, estimated intakes of 1.6-4.8 g/kg bw have produced vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, shock, and even death in one case. Epidemiology studies suggest that the risk of epilepsy and certain types of cancer such as cervical cancer may be increased among adults who were exposed to PCE-contaminated drinking water exposure during gestation and early Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: Tetrachloroethylene is believed to affect the central nervous system by altering the fatty acid pattern of brain phospholipids and amino acids, or being incorporated into brain membranes, which may alter neural conduction velocity. Tetrachloroethylene's liver toxicity is caused mainly by its metabolite, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which induces hepatocellular peroxisomes, causing DNA damage and leading to liver cancer. It is also thought to interfere specifically with energy-dependent hepatic transport functions by inhibiting cell membrane ATPases and decreasing hepatocyte ATP levels. (L116, A63) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: The BCF of tetrachloroethylene in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) was 39.6(1). The BCF for bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) was 49(2). BCFs of 28.4-75.7 and 25.8-77.1 were measured in carp (Cyprinus carpio) which were exposed to respective concentrations of 0.01 and 0.1 ppm of tetrachloroethylene over an 8-week period(3). A log BCF 1.69 was reported for bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) and a log BCF range of 1.59-2.06 for rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)(4), corresponding to BCFs of 49 and 36-115, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), BCF values of 0-30 are low and from 100-1000 are high. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: The bioconcentration factor for tetrachloroethylene analyzed at different exposure concentrations in dab (Limanda limanda) was as follows(1):; Table: Accumulation Factors [Table#367] Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values in the range of 200-237(2-4) indicate that tetrachloroethylene is expected to have moderate mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of tetrachloroethylene from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 0.0177 atm-cu m/mole(5). Tetrachloroethylene may volatilize from dry soil surfaces based on a vapor pressure of 18.5 mm Hg at 25 °C(6). Volatilization half-lives in the range of 1.2-5.4 hrs were measured for tetrachloroethylene from a sandy loam soil surface and volatilization half-lives of 1.9-5.2 hrs were measured from an organic topsoil(7). Using soil microcosms (60% municipal solid, 40% bulk, industrial, and sewage treatment sludge), tetrachloroethylene, present at 5 ug/L, exhibited no degradation when incubated at 20 °C(8) indicating that biodegradation is not a fast environmental fate process in soil(SRC). There is evidence that slow biodegradation of tetrachloroethylene occurs under anaerobic conditions when the microorganisms have been acclimated, yielding trichloroethylene as a product(9,10). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), measured Koc values of 200-237(2-4), indicate that tetrachloroethylene is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(5) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 0.0177 atm-cu m/mole(6). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(5), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 4 hours and 5 days, respectively(SRC). Measured hydrolysis half-lives of 9 months to 3.34X10+11 years indicate hydrolysis is not an environmentally relevant process(7). According to a classification scheme(8), BCFs of 26-115(7, 9-11) measured in fish, suggest bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low to high. Tetrachloroethylene may undergo indirect photolysis in natural waters when photosensitizers such as humic acids are present(12). This process is only expected to be important in sunlit surface waters containing humic material. The biodegradation half-lives of tetrachloroethylene in aerobic and anaerobic waters were reported as 180 and 98 days, respectively(13). In anaerobic microcosms established with surface sediments from tidal flats, tetrachloroethylene dechlo 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), tetrachloroethylene, which has a vapor pressure of 18.5 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase tetrachloroethylene 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 96 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.67X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). Tetrachloroethylene may also be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with ozone, but the rate of this reaction is too slow to be environmentally important(4). Direct photolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since tetrachloroethylene only absorbs light weakly in the environmental UV spectrum(5). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Industry Uses: Cleaning agent; Refrigerants; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Intermediate; Processing aids, specific to petroleum production; Laboratory chemicals; Solvent; Other; Processing aids not otherwise specified Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Sources/Uses: Primary dry cleaning solvent being used today; [Ladou, p. 552] Used in dry cleaning, metal degreasing, as a chemical intermediate, and in typewriter correction fluids; [HSDB] Dry cleaning operators who transferred wet garments to a dryer had mean levels of 150 ppm. Other job tasks with substantial exposure were degreasing (95 ppm), cleaning mining equipment, testing coal, cleaning animal coats (taxidermy), and cleaning/duplicating film. [PMID 18949603] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Restricted Notes: Sales of perchloroethylene in Sweden dropped about 95% between the early 1970s and 30 years later due to regulations and changes in dry-cleaning operations. [PMID 20886350] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Metal Degreasing [Category: Clean]; Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other]; Dry Cleaning [Category: Clean]; Mining [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Activities with risk of exposure: Preparing and mounting animal skins (taxidermy) [Category: Hobbies] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: For tetrachloroethylene (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 078501) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered /pesticide/ products ... "cancelled." Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Dry cleaning; textile processing; degreasing metals; solvent; chemical intermediate in production of fluorocarbons. Insulating fluid and cooling gas in electric transformers Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: The major use for tetrachloroethylene is as a chemical intermediate for fluorocarbons, such as HFC-134a and HFC-125. Another important application is the use as a solvent for dry cleaning. ... Other uses are textile finishing and dyeing and extraction processes. In smaller quantities, tetrachloroethylene is used to formulate various types of adhesives, sealants, and coatings. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for Tetrachloroethylene (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Tetrachloroethylene is used for dry cleaning of fabrics and for metal-degreasing. It is also used to make other chemicals and is used in some consumer products, such as paint strippers and spot removers. (L116) 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 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Record details

Chemical name

Tetrachloroethylene

Regulatory information

Regulation

(EC) 2009/1223

See every entry this act set

CMR

CategoryCarcinogenicMutagenicReprotoxic
Cat. 2✓——

Key data

CAS
127-18-4
EC
204-825-9
Annex
II
Entry number
314

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

Annex II 310
Nearby record in the same annex

Thiotepa (INN)

CAS: 52-24-4
EC: 200-135-7
Annex II 308
Nearby record in the same annex

Sultiame (INN)

CAS: 61-56-3
EC: 200-511-0

What Annex II means for Tetrachloroethylene

Tetrachloroethylene 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. Tetrachloroethylene 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 127-18-4 is the unique numerical identifier assigned to Tetrachloroethylene 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.

Tetrachloroethylene 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 Tetrachloroethylene

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

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