If you export finished goods — especially footwear, leather, furniture or textiles — you may have been asked for DMF-free desiccants. This is an important compliance point that can hold up shipments if overlooked. Here's what it means and how to stay on the right side of it.
What is DMF?
DMF stands for dimethyl fumarate, an anti-mould agent that was once added to some desiccant sachets to stop mildew during shipping. It was found to cause severe skin allergic reactions in consumers, and as a result the European Union and several other markets banned products containing DMF above trace limits.
What does "DMF-free silica gel" mean?
DMF-free simply means the silica gel and its sachet contain no dimethyl fumarate. Standard silica gel controls moisture physically and does not need DMF at all — the concern is only with sachets that had DMF deliberately added. Reputable manufacturers supply DMF-free desiccants as standard.
Why it matters for your shipments
| Risk of non-compliant desiccant | Benefit of DMF-free |
|---|---|
| Consignments rejected or recalled in the EU | Smooth customs clearance |
| Consumer skin-allergy complaints | Safe for end users |
| Damage to brand reputation | Compliant, exportable packaging |
How to make sure your desiccants are compliant
- Source silica gel from a manufacturer that confirms DMF-free supply in writing.
- Use standard non-indicating white silica gel or cobalt-free orange silica gel for consumer goods.
- Keep documentation for buyers who require declarations.
Our silica gel is supplied DMF-free and is well suited to export packaging and logistics. Contact us if you need a declaration for your market.