A process for producing phosgene having low content of carbon tetrachloride is disclosed. The process entails reacting carbon monoxide with chlorine in the presence of elemental carbon, in a reactor. Critically the temperature of the gas stream emerging from the reactor is restricted to 30 to 80° C. and its pressure, measured directly downstream from said reactor is restricted to 120 to 400 kPaabs. The phosgene thus produced has a content of carbon tetrachloride that is less than 150 ppm.