EPA Advances Multiple TSCA Significant New Use Rules
Reference source : US EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued three related Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) actions under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) covering a total of 42 chemical substances. These actions include two proposed SNURs covering 27 and 14 substances, respectively, and a final SNUR for multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). These actions are intended to ensure that EPA can review designated significant new uses before manufacturers or processors begin such activities.
Key Regulatory Updates
|
Notification |
No. of Chemical Substances |
Status |
Federal Register Date |
Key Timeline |
|
26-3 |
27 |
Proposed Rule |
July 23, 2026 |
Comments Due: August 24, 2026 |
|
26-4 |
14 |
Proposed Rule |
July 30, 2026 |
Comments Due: August 31, 2026 |
|
MWCNT SNUR |
1 |
Final Rule |
July 24, 2026 |
Effective: September 22, 2026 |
90-Day Notification Requirement
Once finalized, the proposed SNURs will require, manufacturers, importers, and processors intending to manufacture or process a covered chemical substance for a designated significant new use would be required to notify EPA at least 90 days before beginning the activity. The activity cannot begin until EPA has completed its review and taken the appropriate regulatory action.
The proposed rules are based on existing TSCA Orders that establish protective measures for the relevant chemical substances. EPA is proposing to designate activities that do not comply with these protective measures as significant new uses, thereby extending the applicable requirements beyond the original PMN submitters.
Final SNUR for Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
EPA has also finalized a SNUR for multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PMN P-22-163). Following a request for expedited finalization, EPA finalized the SNUR as proposed. The MWCNT substance was included in an earlier proposed SNUR action published on June 5, 2026. The remaining substances from that proposed rule will be finalized through separately.
The MWCNTs are intended for use as an additive in battery manufacture. The final SNUR includes requirements related to workplace protection, exposure monitoring, and hazard communication, reflecting potential health concerns identified by EPA.
The final SNUR will take effect on September 22, 2026, and will establish notification requirements for designated significant new uses of the substance.
Regulatory Significance
These actions strengthen EPA's oversight of new uses of chemical substances by providing the Agency with an opportunity to review potential health and environmental risks before designated activities begin. The SNURs also help to ensure that manufacturers and processors comply with the relevant protective requirements under TSCA.