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The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is a critical piece of legislation that empowers the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the authority to regulate chemical substances and mixtures in the United States. It was initially enacted in 1976 but saw significant updates in 2016 with the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.

2016 TSCA Update
President Obama signed the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act in 2016, ushering in significant changes to the TSCA, modernizing its approach to chemical regulation.

TSCA
TSCA primarily deals with reporting, record-keeping, testing, and restrictions related to chemical substances and mixtures. Notably, it excludes certain substances such as food, drugs, cosmetics, and pesticides.

Authority Sections
Various sections of TSCA grant authority to require pre-manufacture notifications, testing of chemicals, issuance of Significant New Use Rules (SNURs), maintenance of the TSCA Inventory, and certification reporting for imports and exports.

Compliance and Enforcement
TSCA compliance is monitored through inspections and investigations to ensure that chemical manufacturers and importers adhere to the regulations.

Recyclers that import should take note of compliance when certifying the TSCA status of imports in writing. Complete the TSCA Import Certification Form and provide it to customs or the shipper at the airport.

For a detailed understanding of TSCA, including the official text of the 2016 amendments, please refer to the United States Code(link). This act’s purpose is to protect both human health and the environment by regulating the production, importation, use, and disposal of various chemicals. It’s a pivotal piece of legislation that ensures the responsible management of chemicals in the United States, safeguarding our health and surroundings. For any other questions, feel free to contact us by phone at (248) 358-3388 or email [email protected].

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