Quick Answer: No. O-Xylene (ortho-xylene, CAS 95-47-6) is not subject to a general nationwide federal ban in the United States. It can be manufactured, imported, sold and used for lawful industrial purposes, provided applicable chemical safety, environmental, workplace and transportation requirements are met.
In the European Union, o-xylene is also regulated rather than generally prohibited. Importers and industrial users must comply with applicable REACH, CLP, occupational exposure and environmental requirements.
The distinction between a chemical ban and regulatory restrictions is important for companies purchasing or importing o-xylene.
How Is O-Xylene Regulated in the United States?
O-Xylene is regulated in the US through several federal frameworks, including OSHA workplace standards, EPA environmental regulations, TSCA chemical import requirements and DOT hazardous materials transportation rules.
These regulations apply to different activities. Some concern chemical manufacturers and importers, while others apply to employers, waste generators or facilities with reportable emissions.
The following table summarizes the main US regulatory requirements.
| Regulation | Requirement | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| OSHA | Workplace exposure limit: 100 ppm (8-hour TWA) | Employers must control occupational exposure |
| EPA Clean Air Act | Xylenes are listed hazardous air pollutants | Covered facilities may need emission controls |
| EPCRA Section 313 | O-Xylene is subject to TRI reporting rules | Qualifying facilities must report releases |
| RCRA | Certain spent xylene solvents may qualify as F003 hazardous waste | Applicable waste streams require proper management |
| TSCA | Chemical import compliance requirements | Importers must verify applicable TSCA obligations |
| DOT | Regulated as a Class 3 flammable liquid | Compliant packaging and shipping documents are required |
Is O-Xylene Banned in the European Union?
No. O-Xylene (CAS 95-47-6) is not generally banned in the European Union, but its manufacture, import and industrial use must comply with applicable chemical regulations.
The main requirements include REACH, CLP classification and labeling, occupational exposure limits and VOC regulations.
| EU Regulation | Main Requirement |
|---|---|
| REACH | Applicable chemical registration and supply-chain compliance |
| CLP | Hazard classification, labeling and packaging |
| Workplace exposure | Applicable EU and national occupational exposure limits |
| VOC regulations | Emission or product-content limits for covered applications |
| Industrial emissions rules | Environmental requirements for qualifying industrial facilities |
Does O-Xylene Require REACH Registration?
O-Xylene is identified under CAS 95-47-6 and EC 202-422-2 in the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) database.
For EU imports, REACH registration obligations depend on the substance identity, annual import volume, exemptions and supply-chain arrangements.
Importers should confirm whether their specific supply is covered by an appropriate registration or other valid compliance arrangement.
o-Xylene Hazards Classification
- GHS pictograms: Flammable (GHS02), Irritant/Harmful (GHS07), Health Hazard (GHS08). Some SDS also show Environmental Hazard (GHS09).
- Hazard statements: Flammable liquid and vapor (H226); may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways (H304); harmful in contact with skin or if inhaled (H312+H332); causes skin irritation (H315); causes serious eye irritation (H319); may cause respiratory irritation (H335); may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (H373).
- UN Number: UN 1307
- Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable Liquids)
- Packing Group: III
What Should You Check Before Importing O-Xylene?
Important checks include:
- Product identity: Confirm o-Xylene, CAS 95-47-6, rather than mixed xylene, CAS 1330-20-7.
- Quality documents: Request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Technical Data Sheet (TDS).
- Safety documentation: Obtain an applicable Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS).
- Import regulations: Verify TSCA compliance for US imports or applicable REACH obligations for EU imports.
- Transportation: Confirm the dangerous goods classification, approved packaging and shipping documents.
High Quality o-Xylene Supplier
O-Xylene Supply from GNEE BIO
GNEE BIO is a China chemical supplier and exporter supporting international buyers sourcing o-xylene (CAS 95-47-6) for industrial applications. We can assist customers with product specifications, available quality and safety documentation, packaging options and international shipping arrangements.
Buyers can request:
- Product specifications and available grades
- COA, TDS and SDS/MSDS
- Bulk quotations in USD/MT
- Packaging and shipping information
- Available documentation relevant to the destination market
- You can also visit our O-Xylene Product Page.
Other Hot-Selling Products
CAS 64-19-7 Acetic acid/Glacial Acetic Acid; CAS 75-05-8 Acetonitrile; CAS 67-68-5 Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO); CAS 67-63-0 Isopropyl alcohol (IPA); CAS 95-47-6 o-Xylene; CAS 106-42-3 p-Xylene; CAS 75-09-2 Dichloromethane (DCM).
GNEE BIO Product Packaging
Customer Visit
Request O-Xylene COA, SDS and Bulk Pricing
O-Xylene is not generally banned in the United States or European Union, but buyers must follow the regulations applicable to their intended use and destination market.
To receive a quotation, please provide your required purity, quantity, packaging preference and destination port.
- Email: sales@gneebio.com
Regulatory Disclaimer: This article provides general regulatory information and does not constitute legal advice. Buyers should verify current official requirements, destination-country regulations and the applicable product SDS before importing or using o-xylene.