EPA Proposes Further Extension to TCE Compliance Deadlines
Reference source : Federal Register USA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed extending compliance deadlines under its Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) restrictions on trichloroethylene (TCE), offering affected industries additional time to adapt to existing regulatory requirements. The proposal would amend both the EPA's 2024 TCE risk management rule and the 2025 interim final rule, while also introducing revisions to downstream notification obligations.
Key Industrial Uses Could Receive Additional Time
Under the proposal, the compliance deadline for processing TCE as a reactant or intermediate would be extended from 18 December 2026 to 31 December 2027. The extension would also apply to several specified industrial and commercial uses where TCE functions as a processing aid.
These uses include process solvents in battery manufacturing, polymer fibre spinning, fluoroelastomer production and Alcantara manufacturing, as well as its use in caprolactam extraction and beta-cyclodextrin production. EPA has also proposed aligning wastewater disposal deadlines for these activities, allowing TCE-containing waste streams to continue being managed through approved industrial treatment systems until the end of 2027.
Phase-Down Timeline Revised for HFC-134a Production
The proposal would additionally postpone the first feedstock reduction requirement for manufacturers using TCE as an intermediate in the production of HFC-134a. Rather than taking effect in June 2027, the reduction would begin on 31 December 2027.
From that date, manufacturers would be restricted to processing no more than 75% of their established baseline volume of TCE. EPA believes the additional time could help ensure continuity within critical supply chains while facilities transition to the new regulatory framework.
New SDS and Notification Requirements Proposed
Alongside the deadline extensions, EPA is proposing updates to downstream communication requirements. Manufacturers, importers, processors and distributors of TCE or TCE-containing products would be required to revise Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and notification materials within 30 days of publication of a final rule to accurately reflect applicable restrictions and prohibitions.
Public Consultation Now Open
The proposed amendments are not yet final. EPA is inviting stakeholders to submit comments by 13 November 2026 and is also seeking feedback on whether compliance dates should be extended further until December 2028. The agency will review all submissions before determining the final compliance framework.