News Details

On 15 January 2026, the United States notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a new regulatory proposal from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to remove 2‑Butoxyethyl Benzoate (2‑BEB, CAS No. 5451‑76‑3) from the Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP) list under the Clean Air Act (CAA). 

Basis of the Proposal 

• EPA has reviewed scientific information regarding the health and environmental effects of 2‑BEB. 

• The Agency concludes that the available data does not demonstrate significant risk. 

• These findings are presented in a 17‑page document titled “Petition to Delist Hazardous Air Pollutant: 2‑BEB.” 

Sectoral Relevance 

• 2‑BEB is associated with activities under several ICS categories, including:  

• ICS 13.020: Environmental protection 

• ICS 71.020: Chemical industry processes 

• ICS 71.100: Chemical products 

• The proposal aims to align regulatory requirements with updated scientific assessments relevant to these sectors. 

Regulatory Approach 

• EPA intends to delist 2-BEB from the glycol ethers category of hazardous air pollutants listed in 40 CFR Part 63 to reduce unnecessary compliance obligations. 

• The proposal also outlines a streamlined review approach to enhance transparency and improve regulatory efficiency. 

Access to Documents 

• The proposal and its supporting references, including 91 Federal Register 59767 (22 December 2025) and relevant provisions of Title 40 CFR Part 63, are accessible under Docket Number EPA‑HQ‑OAR‑2024‑0392 on Regulations.gov. 

Public Consultation 

• Stakeholders may submit comments until 20 February 2026, 4:00 PM Eastern Time. 

• All submissions should be directed to the USA WTO TBT Enquiry Point at usatbtep@nist.gov.