The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has proposed adding chitosan to the list of active chemicals authorised in exempted minimum-risk pesticides. This approach is consistent with a recent action by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Regulation and background

The DPR's proposed change to Title 3 of the California Code of Regulations (3 CCR) section 6147(a)(5)(A) is consistent with EPA's inclusion of chitosan in Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR) section 152.25(f)(1), which was published in the Federal Register on November 8, 2022.

Updates

This change will affect pesticide registration efforts in California. Chitosan, a naturally occurring biopolymer derived from crustacean shells, has shown promise as a biopesticide. Its addition the list of exempted components will speed up the registration procedure for chitosan-based products.

The DPR believes this action will benefit Californians by boosting the availability of alternatives to traditional pesticides, potentially resulting in reduced regulatory burdens for manufacturers and lower costs for consumers. The state also expects to see an increase in the manufacture and availability of chitosan-based insecticides.

Comment Period

Interested parties are encouraged to provide written comments on the proposed action by March 17, 2025. Although no public hearings are presently scheduled, a public hearing will be scheduled if requested in writing to the DPR at least 15 days before the end of the comment period. The DPR's contact information for sending comments is available on its website.

*Source

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulates chemical manufacturing, importation, and use in the U.S. Since its 2016 amendment under the Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act (New TSCA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has expanded chemical testing, risk-based assessments, and regulatory actions to protect human health and the environment.

In 2024, EPA updated the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data, tracking over 20,000 facilities and highlighting zinc, lead, and PFAS releases. The TSCA Inventory now includes 86,741 substances, with 900 chemicals moved from confidential to public status. New regulations for PBT chemicals DecaBDE and PIP (3:1) introduced stricter safety measures, water release bans, and phase-out plans. EPA also proposed new Significant New Use Rules (SNURs), requiring notification before new chemical applications.

To enhance workplace safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) aligned the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) with GHS 7, updating labeling, hazard classification, and safety data sheets. EPA expanded the Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL) with 27 new chemicals, promoting safer alternatives. Additionally, PFAS regulations were tightened, classifying them as hazardous constituents and removing previous reporting exemptions.

These updates reflect New TSCA’s focus on stricter chemical oversight, risk-based regulation, and stronger transparency requirements, ensuring greater environmental and public health protections in the U.S.

Key News from 2024

EPA Releases Updated 2023 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Data

EPA has released updated data for the 2023 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), which details toxic chemical waste management, releases, and pollution prevention activities across more than 20,000 industrial and federal facilities. The new data provides insights into chemical releases and waste management practices, helping communities and regulatory agencies track environmental impact. Read more here.

EPA Updates TSCA Inventory with New Chemical Listings

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory has been updated, now listing 86,741 chemical substances, with 42,293 classified as active in commerce. This update improves transparency in chemical manufacturing and includes regulatory data on commercial activity and significant new use requirements. Approximately 900 previously confidential chemicals have now been made public as part of ongoing efforts to enhance chemical safety. Read more here.

EPA Proposes Significant New Use Rules (SNURs) for Chemicals

EPA has proposed new Significant New Use Rules (SNURs) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for certain chemicals previously deemed “not likely to present an unreasonable risk”. Under these rules, companies must notify EPA at least 90 days before manufacturing or processing these chemicals for new applications. This allows EPA to review potential health and environmental risks before the chemicals enter widespread use. Read more here.

Compliance Deadlines for the Updated Hazard Communication Standard

The updated Hazard Communication Standard establishes deadlines for compliance, requiring manufacturers to update labels and safety data sheets for substances by 2026 and for mixtures by 2027. Employers have additional time to update workplace training and compliance measures, with final deadlines extending to 2028. Special provisions have been introduced for labeling small containers, particularly those under 100 milliliters, to ensure that workers can still access critical hazard information. Read more here.

OSHA Updates Hazard Communication Standard to Align with GHS 7

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has updated its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS 7). The revised standard introduces changes to hazard classification, safety data sheets, and labeling requirements to improve worker safety. Chemical manufacturers and importers must now include harmonized signal words, pictograms, and hazard statements on their labels, along with updated classification criteria for mixtures Read more here.

Key Dates for 2025-2026

On May 20, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published an updated Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). OSHA is adopting the new requirements by January 19, 2026, for substances and by July 19, 2027 for mixtures.