The distribution, excretion and metabolism of diethyl phthalate following a single i.p. administration to rats at the dose of 80 mg/kg was investigated using radiotracer 14C and GC-MS technique. The compound is fast taken up from the peritoneal cavity into the blood and is eliminated with urine (in the form of monoethyl phthalate), and through the bile (about 6%) - with faeces.