BANNOCKBURN, IL – The US EPA said it is exploring exemptions to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Fees Rule, says IPC.

The TSCA Fees Rule is designed to collect revenues to pay for risk evaluations of toxic substances. However, the EPA now says it will consider exemptions for manufacturers that import articles containing high-priority substances or produce such substances as byproducts or impurities.

This regulatory relief has the potential to reduce long-term administrative and financial burdens for those three categories of manufacturers. If the change is approved, manufacturers who fall into these categories would no longer be required to self-identify under the TSCA Fees Rule.

In addition, the US EPA is providing a no action assurance to these manufacturers with respect to the self-identification requirements. This means the EPA will exercise its discretion to not pursue enforcement action against such companies for violations of the self-identification reporting obligations.

“IPC welcomes the news of these potential changes to the TSCA Fees Rule,” said John Mitchell, IPC president and CEO. “We appreciate the EPA is responsive to our concerns about unnecessary financial obligations for some of our members.”

IPC will continue to engage with the EPA regarding the proposed changes and the process for executing these changes.