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InventoryRef 9526907/02/2018

MELAMINE

Cyanuric triamide,triaminotriazine,1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine

MELAMINE is linked to 1 EU annex record on this page.

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Regulatory evidence by market

This matrix separates verified ingredient rules from sources that are mapped but not yet imported. No imported rule does not mean the ingredient is permitted.

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MarketEvidence statusRecordsSource language
European UnionEvidence linked
Prohibited entry found
Open this evidence		1English and EU languages
Great BritainEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence		1English
CanadaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English and French
New ZealandSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
ASEANSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English and national languages
ChinaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Chinese with selected English material
JapanSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Japanese; official English translation available
South KoreaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Korean with some English names
United StatesSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
AustraliaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English
BrazilSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0Portuguese with INCI crosswalks
IndiaSource mapped
Official source mapped; ingredient rule not imported
0English and Hindi
Saudi ArabiaEvidence linked
Prohibited
Open this evidence		1Arabic and English

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 108-78-1
CAS 108-78-1PubChem CID 7955

Melamine

Melamine is a trimer of cyanamide, with a 1,3,5-triazine skeleton. It has a role as a xenobiotic metabolite. It is functionally related to a cyanamide. It is a conjugate base of a melamine(1+). — ChEBI

IUPAC name
1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine
Molecular formula
C3H6N6
Molecular weight
126.12 g/mol
Exact mass
126.06539422 Da
XLogP3
-1.4
Topological polar surface area
117.0 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
3
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
6
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

CyanuramideCyanurotriamideCyanurotriamineIsomelamineTheoharnCyanuric triamides-TriazinetriamineTeoharn
16 more reported names
TriaminotriazineHicophor PR2,4,6-Triamino-1,3,5-triazineAeroPluragardYukamelamine2,4,6-Triamino-s-triazineCymelVirset 656-4Spinflam ML 94MPluragard C 1332,4,6-TriaminotriazineMark ZS 27ADK Stab ZS 27DG 002 (amine)NCI-C50715
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match7955

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: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; 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 unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Ap Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • 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]; H373: May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P260, P280, P318, P319, 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 67.5% (624 of 924) of all reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Warning Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H351 (18.2%): Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]; H361 (18.7%): Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]; H361f (17.1%): Suspected of damaging fertility [Warning Reproductive toxicity]; H373 (18.5%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P203, P260, P280, P318, P319, 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 924 reports by companies from 31 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 624 of 924 reports by companies.; There are 28 notifications provided by 300 of 924 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: Warning Source: NITE-CMC
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H227: Combustible liquid [Warning Flammable liquids]; H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Narcotic effects] Source: NITE-CMC
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P210, P261, P264, P271, P272, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P319, P321, P332+P317, P333+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: NITE-CMC
  • Health Effects: Studies ranging from skin irritation to carcinogenicity are available. Melamine is not genotoxic but it causes carcinomas of the urinary bladder at high doses. Melamine is not irritating to skin and eye, not sensitising and not teratogenic. (L1777) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION: Melamine is a monoclinic prismatic substance that is slightly soluble in water and ethanol. It is insoluble in diethyl ether. Melamine forms synthetic resins with formaldehyde. It is used in the manufacture of melamine resins, laminates, surface coating resins, plastic molding compounds, textile resins, bonding resins, gypsum melamine resin mixtures, orthopedic casts, rubber additives and paper products. HUMAN EXPOSURE: Occupational exposure to melamine may occur during its production and use in manufacture of synthetic resins with formaldehyde. ANIMAL STUDIES: Melamine was tested for its carcinogenicity by oral diet in mice and rats and for initiating activity by skin application in mice. No neoplasm related to treatment was observed after oral administration in mice. Male rats fed diets containing melamine developed transitional cell tumors in the urinary bladder, with one exception; all tumor bearing animals had bladder stones probably containing melamine. The incidence of urinary bladder hyperplasia associated with toxicity in male mice treated with melamine in the diet was observed. Groups of 20 male Fisher 344 rats, six weeks old were fed diets containing mela Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Toxicity Summary: Melamine causes carcinomas of the urinary bladder at high doses (in male rats). Formation of bladder stones occurred and these calculi are necessary for the induction of tumours. Carcinomas are induced by continuous irritation of the bladder epithelium by the calculi, so that melamine acts only indirectly as a non-genotoxic carcinogen. (L1777) Source: Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 3 was calculated in fish for melamine(SRC), using a log Kow of -1.37(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 5(SRC), determined from a log Kow of -1.37(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that melamine is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of melamine from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.8X10-14 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 3.59X10-10 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 3.23 mg/L(5). Melamine is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(4). No biodegradation using a standard 5-day BOD test(6) suggests that biodegradation may not be an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 5(SRC), determined from a log Kow of -1.37(2) and a regression-derived equation(3), indicates that melamine is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.84X10-14 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 3.59X10-10 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 3.23X10+3 mg/L(5). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow(2) and a regression-derived equation(7), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is(SRC). No biodegradation using a standard 5-day BOD test was observed(8), suggesting that biodegradation may not be an important environmental fate process in water(SRC). 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), melamine, which has a vapor pressure of 3.59X10-10 mm Hg at 20 °C(2), is expected to exist solely in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere. Particulate-phase melamine may be removed from the air by wet or dry deposition(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Consumer Uses: Filler; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Sealant (barrier); Flame retardant; Surface modifier; Hardener; Pigment; Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Other; Binder Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Industry Uses: Flame retardant; Sealant (barrier); Stabilizing agent; Filler; Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable; Hardener; Pigment; Adhesion/cohesion promoter; Intermediate; Other; Processing aids not otherwise specified; Surfactant (surface active agent) Source: EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
  • Sources/Uses: Used as a co-monomer with formaldehyde to make high pressure laminate resins, molding compounds and surface coating resins, textile and paper treating resins, adhesive resins for gluing lumber, plywood, and flooring; Also used as a flame retardant additive for polypropylene and polyethylene, a leather tanning agent, a rust remover, a metal surface cleaner, an etching agent in the semiconductor industry, and a reagent in numerous fluorination processes; [HSDB] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Metal Degreasing [Category: Clean]; Semiconductor Manufacturing [Category: Industry]; Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry]; Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry]; Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides) [Category: Paint]; Working with Glues and Adhesives [Category: Other]; Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry]; Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: Melamine, melamine cyanurate, other melamine salts and guanidine compounds are currently the most used group of nitrogen-containing flame retardants. Melamine is used as a flame retardant additive for polypropylene and polyethylene. Melamine cyanurate is employed commercially as a flame retardant for polyamides and terephthalates (PET/PBT) and is being developed for use in epoxy and polyurethane resins. Melamine phosphate is also used as a flame retardant for terephthalates (PET/PBT) and is currently being developed for use in epoxy and polyurethane flame retardant formulations. Also in the development stages for use as flame-retardant additives are melamine salts and melamine formaldehyde for their application in thermoset resins. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Melamine resins, organic syntheses, leather tanning. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: TO MAKE HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATE RESINS, MOLDING COMPOUNDS & SURFACE COATING RESINS, TEXTILE & PAPER TREATING RESINS, ADHESIVE RESINS FOR GLUING LUMBER, PLYWOOD, & FLOORING Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: COMONOMER WITH FORMALDEHYDE FOR AMINO RESIN PRODN Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for MELAMINE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Plastics -> Typical concentration range in plastic materials -> 25% Source: NORMAN Suspect List Exchange
  • Uses: Melamine has many industrial uses, including the production of laminates, glues, adhesives, moulding compounds, coatings and flame retardants. It is also used in some fertilizers and in the production of melamine resins, typically by reaction with formaldehyde. Melamine is a metabolite of the pesticide cyromazine in plants, goats, hens and rats. (L1775) (L1778) 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.

Inventory details for MELAMINE

INCI name

MELAMINE

Description

Cyanuric triamide,triaminotriazine,1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine

Record provenance

Inventory reference
95269
Imported identity
MELAMINE
Source update
07/02/2018
European Commission CosIng source notes

Key data

CAS
108-78-1
EC
203-615-4
Restriction
—
Function
NOT REPORTED
No function currently reported.

Ingredients with overlapping formulation functions

LIDOCAINENOT REPORTED
LIDOCAINE HCLNOT REPORTED
LITHIUM CHLORIDENOT REPORTED
MACLURA COCHINCHINENSIS LEAF PRENYLFLAVONOIDSNOT REPORTED
MERCAPTOPHENYLBORONIC ACIDNOT REPORTED
METHACRYLAMIDENOT REPORTED
METHACRYLAMIDOPROPYL LAURYLDIMONIUM CHLORIDENOT REPORTED
METHACRYLOYLOXYETHYL ISOCYANATENOT REPORTED

Additional official and scientific sources

11 external databases to check this identity in

Each link searches that source for this identity. What each source is, and its legal weight

ECHA CHEM / Information on chemicalsPubChem PUG RESTEU Safety Gate cosmetic product alertsECHA CHEMUS EPA CompToxCosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessmentsFDA Global Substance Registration SystemILO/WHO International Chemical Safety CardsJapan NITE-CHRIPNIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical HazardsOECD eChemPortal

How MELAMINE appears in the CosIng inventory

The CosIng inventory lists MELAMINE as a cosmetic ingredient and this page links it to 1 annex record. The inventory entry captures names and identifiers, while the annex record shows where the substance is prohibited, restricted or positively listed in EU cosmetics law.

MELAMINE is also tagged with 1 cosmetic function in the official data. Function labels describe intended use, but they do not replace regulatory review of linked annex records before formulation or labelling work.

Frequently asked questions

MELAMINE appears in the EU CosIng inventory and has linked annex records. Check the annex records above for applicable restrictions, concentration limits and conditions of use. Annex II listing means prohibited; Annex III means restricted; Annexes IV, V and VI mean permitted under specified conditions.

According to the EU CosIng inventory, MELAMINE carries the following function designation(s):

CAS 108-78-1 may appear across multiple EU annex records. Viewing the CAS lookup page shows all Annex II–VI entries sharing this identifier, which is useful for identifying cross-annex regulatory status of the same chemical substance.
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Source note for MELAMINE

This page combines the CosIng inventory entry for MELAMINE with 1 linked Annex II–VI record from the local dataset built from public European Commission cosmetic ingredient materials.

Use this inventory page to research MELAMINE and compare linked records, but verify restrictions and legal status against the current official source text and law before making regulatory decisions.

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