EPA’s Deadline for Methylene Chloride Usage

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Methylene Chloride, commonly known as dichloromethane (DCM), has had many uses in industrial, commercial, and research including chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, metal degreasing, adhesives, polyurethane foam and electronics.

 

It can also be found in consumer products such as paint strippers. However, the EPA determined that DCM is a neurotoxicant and carcinogen.

The deadline to comply with the US EPA Methylene Chloride rule is April 28, 2026. The rule, issued July 2024, bans most industrial uses of methylene chloride, except those allowed under the Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP). This ruling affects many industries and marks a major change for operations using DCM.

 

Initially, the EPA issued a ruling to ban the immediate commercial use of methylene chloride in paint strippers on March 15, 2019. This was followed by a ban on all consumer use of methylene chloride with a compliance deadline of May 5, 2025.  Building on these initial restrictions, the EPA issued a blanket ban on its use and manufacturing which prohibits most commercial uses except very specific furniture refinishing, which will also be banned by May 8, 2029.

 

Those operations are required to conduct comprehensive exposure monitoring, develop exposure control plans, and must train employees about DCM’s health risks, understanding that the exposure threshold issued by the EPA is much lower than OSHA’s.

Deadline Industries Impacted Compliance Requirement
Feb 3, 2025 Distributors / Retailers • Distributors cannot sell methylene chloride products to any retailers.
May 5, 2025 Retailers / Manufacturers • Retailers cannot distribute methylene chloride products to any customer, including commercial.

• All manufacturing must stop, except for that identifies under WCPP.
Aug 1, 2025 Processors • All processing of methylene chloride, including any methylene chloride-containing products, must be discontinued, except for conditions of use under the WCPP.
Jan 28, 2026 Production Distributors • All distributing in commerce (including making available) methylene chloride, including any methylene chloride-containing products, must be discontinued except for conditions of use identified in the WCPP.
April 28, 2026 Industrial & Commercial Consumers • All persons are prohibited from industrial or commercial use of methylene chloride, and/or methylene chloride containing products, except for conditions of use under the WCPP.
May 8, 2029 Manufacturers / Processor / Distributors not previously prohibited due to conditions of use identified under the WCPP • All manufacturing (including import), processing, distribution in commerce, or use of methylene chloride, including any methylene chloride containing products, for industrial or commercial use for paint and coating removal for refinishing of wooden furniture, decorative pieces, and architectural fixtures of artistic, cultural, or historic significance, with interim requirements must be discontinued.

• All manufacturing (including import), processing, distribution in commerce, or use of methylene chloride, including any methylene chloride-containing products, for industrial or commercial use for adhesives and sealants in aircraft, space vehicle, and turbine applications for structural and safety critical non-structural applications must be discontinued.

 Facilities should check their inventory for methylene chloride and comply with relevant regulations on its management and disposal. The EPA offers a compliance guide for the new rule.