To apply the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) approach to the risk assessment of dimethyl 1,2-benzenedicarboxylate (DMP) and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid diethyl ester (DEP).Methods Cramer schematic diagram and Toxtree software were used to classify DMP and DEP into Cramer systems. DMP and DEP exposure in general population as well as in different age groups was estimated by using data from the Chinese National Nutrition and Health Survey in 2002 and data of DMP and DEP contents in 24 kinds of foods. TTC decision tree approach was used for risk assessment and the exposure was compared with the corresponding TTC value. Results DMP and DEP belongs to class I Cramer and its TTC value was 30 μg/kg BW. The maximum dietary exposures of general population and four age groups were 2.43 and 1.72 μg/kg BW respectively, which are 8.10% and 5.72% of their TTC value. Among 8 age groups, the maximum dietary exposures of DMP and DEP are 2.01 and 1.44 μg/kg BW. These exposure values accounted for 6.71% and 4.79% of TTC values.Conclusion The dietary exposure of DMP and DEP in Chinese population was low and no health concern was required.