Substances that have until now been considered in the category of endocrine disruptors are mainly low molecular weight plasticizers  DEHP, BBP, DBP and DiBP. In 2001 they were classified as reprotoxic substances. Despite this, DEHP is still widely used outside the EU.

DINP has replaced these phthalates in many applications. However, the EC is currently trying to limit the use of DINP. The Danish proposal is now being considered to classify DINP  as reprotoxic  cat. 1 B . Public consultations on the proposal was opened till May 2017. Both EuPC and European Plasticizers have commented on the proposal critically pointing a major effort by the industry to replace low molecular weight plasticizers by DINP. They have also highlighted the lack of clear evidence for the effect of DINP on reproduction. At the same time, the organizations recall that extensive scientific data on DINP and other high molecular weight phthalates  indicate a clear lack of reproductive effects. Other high molecular weight phthalates are DIDP, DPHP and DINCH.

DINP is one of the main general plasticizers for PVC. According to European Plasticizers  three  plasticizers : DINP, DIDP and DPHP represent 57% of the demand for plasticizer in Europe. DINP is the most commonly used plasticizer in this family. Main applications are: floor coverings, cables, roofing / foils and sheets, wall coverings, coated fabrics, flexible profiles, totaling 1 million tons. They also apply in the automotive industry.