Reference source : WTO
US TSCA Industrial use Textiles Batteries Environmental Protection Agency EPA Significant New Use Rules SNUR Detergents Paints
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a series of Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) actions under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). These cover chemical substances that were previously reviewed through Premanufacture Notices (PMNs) and are subject to orders issued under TSCA. The updates include two proposed rules and one final rule, reinforcing EPA's oversight of significant new uses of chemical substances.
The three rulemakings together cover a broad range of chemical substances intended for use in batteries, supercapacitors, semiconductors, flame-retardant plastics, detergents, lubricants, paints and coatings, packaging, textile treatment, polyurethane foam insulation, oilfield operations and other industrial applications.
Notification Requirements
Under both the proposed and final SNURs, manufacturers, importers, and processors intending to undertake designated significant new uses of the listed chemical substances must notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing such activities. This notification enables EPA to evaluate the proposed use and determine whether additional regulatory action is necessary before manufacture, import, or processing begins.
Key Regulatory Updates
|
Notification |
No. of Chemical Substances |
Status |
Federal Register Date |
Key Timeline |
|
Significant New Use Rules (25-2.5e) |
35 |
Final Rule |
May 29, 2026 |
Effective: July 28, 2026 |
|
Significant New Use Rules (25-3.5e) |
25 |
Proposed Rule |
June 5, 2026 |
Comments Due: July 6, 2026 |
|
Significant New Use Rules (26-1) |
17 |
Proposed Rule |
June 10, 2026 |
Comments Due: July 10, 2026 |
Regulatory Significance
These actions strengthen EPA's oversight of chemical substances by ensuring that significant new uses undergo regulatory review before manufacture, import, or processing begins. The SNURs are intended to protect human health and the environment by allowing EPA to assess the potential risks associated with new applications of these substances before they enter commerce.