EPA proposes Significant New Use Rules (SNURs) for certain chemicals — 90-day notice before new uses (TSCA)

EPA published a proposed rule establishing Significant New Use Rules (SNURs) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for certain chemical substances.

The substances were the subject of premanufacture notices (PMNs) and are also subject to an Order issued by EPA under TSCA. The SNURs require anyone who intends to manufacture (defined by statute to include import) or process any of these substances for an activity proposed as a significant new use to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity.

The required notification initiates EPA's evaluation of the conditions of that use for that chemical. Manufacture or processing for the significant new use may not commence until EPA has reviewed the notification, made an appropriate determination, and taken such actions as required by that determination.

TSCA is the core U.S. chemicals law; SNURs let EPA review the safety of new uses before they begin. For firms that manufacture, import, or process the listed chemicals, the key practical point is whether their use is a covered significant new use requiring 90-day prior notice.