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[US] EPA to Apply Significant New Use Rules (SNURs) to 35 New Chemical Substances

[Summary]

 

Issuing Authority: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), United States

Date of Issue: April 4, 2025

Subject: Proposed Significant New Use Rules (SNURs) for 35 Chemical Substances

Legal Basis:

 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA): The primary federal law governing the regulation of chemical substances in the U.S.

 

[Main Points]

Purpose:

  • To propose SNURs for 35 chemical substances that were previously the subject of premanufacture notices (PMNs) and are currently regulated under TSCA Section 5(e) orders.​
  • To require entities intending to manufacture or process these substances for significant new uses to notify the EPA at least 90 days before commencing such activities.​

 

Scope and Policy:

  • Affected Chemical Substances: The 35 chemical substances identified in the proposed rule have undergone EPA review and are subject to TSCA Section 5(e) consent orders due to potential risks.
  • Significant New Uses: The proposed SNURs designate specific activities related to these substances as significant new uses, which may include
    • Manufacturing or processing methods that differ from those stipulated in existing consent orders.​
    • New applications or uses not previously evaluated by the EPA.​
    • Changes in production volume or exposure scenarios that could increase risk.​

 

Implementation:

  • Notification Requirement: Entities must submit a Significant New Use Notice (SNUN) to the EPA at least 90 days before initiating any activity designated as a significant new use.
  • EPA Evaluation: Upon receiving a SNUN, the EPA will assess the potential risks associated with the proposed new use and determine whether additional regulatory action is necessary.
  • Compliance Obligation: Manufacturing or processing for the significant new use may not commence until the EPA has completed its review and taken any required actions.

 

Regulatory Impact:

  • Manufacturers and Processors: Must evaluate their operations to determine if planned activities fall under the significant new uses and comply with notification requirements.​
  • Innovation and Product Development: Entities planning to introduce new uses for these substances must account for potential delays due to the EPA's review process.​
  • Environmental and Public Health: The SNURs aim to prevent unintended exposures and environmental releases by ensuring the EPA can evaluate and manage risks associated with new uses before they occur

 

Reference :

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/04/2025-05480/significant-new-use-rules-on-certain-chemical-substances-24-45e

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