In order to study the toxicokinetics of terephthalic acid(TPA) in rats, and provide scientific basis for its biological exposed index (BEI), the concentrations of urine TPA in rats after single oral administration in dose of 100 mg/kg BW were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography. The toxicokinetic parameters were computed by using 3P97 program. The results showed that the first-order kinetics and two-compartment model were noted on the elimination of TPA. The main toxicokinetic parameters were as follows: Ka = 0.51/h, T1/2ka = 0.488 h, T1/2 alpha = 2.446 h, Tpeak = 2.160 h, Ku = 0.143/h, T1/2 beta = 31.551 h, Xu(max) = 10.00 mg. The excretion rates of TPA in urine were about 50%, 52% and 53% in 0-24 h, 0-48 h and 0-72 h respectively after administration. TPA is well absorbed when given orally and rapidly eliminated via urine. Urine TPA at the end of work shift should be considered as a biomarker of exposure for the occupational workers.