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Toxic Substances Control Act

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TSCA Law

Background

Advancing Chemical Innovation Through Smart Regulation

Chemical innovation forms the foundation of most products in society and is key to a growing, vibrant, and sustainable economy, including job creation.

ACI supports a risk-based regulatory approach for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) chemical management process that is practical, timely, and firmly grounded in sound science. This ensures member companies can formulate new innovative products for American consumers. We remain committed to a transparent and effective implementation process that enables meaningful stakeholder engagement, relies on the best available scientific data, and reflects real-world conditions across the chemical value chain.

Why It Matters

Ongoing Challenges with TSCA Implementation

Signed into law by President Barack Obama, the Frank L. Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act for the 21st Century [P.L. 114-182] represents a bipartisan compromise and a critical update to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). However, its implementation has faced growing challenges. In recent years, ACI and its partners have raised concerns about EPA’s approach to new and existing chemical reviews. ACI member companies have reported significant delays in EPA’s ability to process Pre-Manufacture Notice (PMN) submissions within the 90-day statutory deadline, with some reviews taking multiple years.

These delays hinder the development and commercialization of next-generation chemistries that could otherwise use improved manufacturing and processing techniques that reduce risk, exposure, energy use, and environmental impact. In some cases, EPA has imposed overly conservative assumptions and data requirements that actively hamper the speed at which industry can release new safe and innovative products. Additionally, most new chemical PMN determinations have been regulated via Significant New Use Rules (SNURs), which often prohibit usage by downstream manufacturers with complex supply chains.

What's Next?

Protecting Innovation and U.S. Competitiveness

ACI has submitted letters to the EPA and committees of jurisdiction in both the House and Senate, outlining the importance of restoring statutory compliance and ensuring timely, science-based chemical reviews. ACI and our members have conducted multiple Capitol Hill fly-ins to advocate directly to Congress on these priorities.

ACI stands ready to work with Congress, EPA, and stakeholders to implement a chemical management process that supports American innovation, ensures safety, and benefits U.S. consumers and international business competitiveness.

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