EPA's New Rules: Understanding Significant New Use Requirements for Chemicals

You might care about this because the Environmental Protection Agency, also known as EPA, is putting new rules in place for certain chemical substances. These rules are called Significant New Use Rules, or SNURs, and they operate under the Toxic Substances Control Act, TSCA. Essentially, if you plan to make, process, or bring in any of these specific chemicals for a new purpose, you must tell the EPA first. You need to give them at least 90 days notice before you start that new activity. The EPA will then review what you plan to do. You cannot begin your activity until the EPA has completed its review and given its approval. This action helps the EPA keep an eye on new chemical uses to make sure they are safe for people and the environment. These new rules are effective starting October 26, 2026. This document details who is affected, including manufacturers and importers, and explains the financial costs associated with submitting the required notifications. These rules are particularly interesting because they represent the EPA's proactive approach to chemical safety. Instead of reacting to problems after they occur, the EPA requires a pre-market review for certain new uses of chemicals. This means that any activity the EPA deems a 'significant new use' must undergo scrutiny before it can begin. This is important for preventing potential harm from chemicals that might be safe for one purpose but risky for another. The rule also clarifies that even if a company starts a new use after a proposed rule is published but before it becomes final, they would still have to stop and get EPA approval. This prevents companies from trying to get around the rules. There are also specific financial costs involved for businesses that need to submit these notifications, which are important considerations for anyone in the chemical industry. This legal document is most relevant to anyone involved in the chemical industry. Specifically, it applies to companies that manufacture, process, or use these particular chemical substances. This includes businesses in chemical manufacturing, which falls under NAICS code 325, and petroleum refineries, under NAICS code 324110. It is also very important for importers of chemical substances. Importers must certify that their shipments follow all relevant rules under TSCA. Additionally, if you plan to export any of these chemicals, you will need to provide a one-time notification to the EPA for each country you export to. So, if your business deals with new chemicals in any of these ways, understanding these SNURs is directly applicable to your operations and compliance responsibilities.