The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has added nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), with reporting starting in 2025. Facilities handling these chemicals must track their usage and submit reports by 1 July 2026. This update follows the framework established by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to ensure greater transparency in chemical management.
List of Newly Added PFAS
The nine PFAS added to the TRI for Reporting Year 2025 are:
- Ammonium perfluorodecanoate (PFDA NH4) – CASRN: 3108-42-7
- Sodium perfluorodecanoate (PFDA-Na) – CASRN: 3830-45-3
- Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid – CASRN: 377-73-1
- 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate acid – CASRN: 27619-97-2
- 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate anion – CASRN: 425670-75-3
- 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate potassium salt – CASRN: 59587-38-1
- 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate ammonium salt – CASRN: 59587-39-2
- 6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate sodium salt – CASRN: 27619-94-9
- Acetic acid, [(γ-ω-perfluoro-C8-10-alkyl)thio] derivatives, Bu esters – CASRN: 3030471-22-5
Significance of the Update
The addition of these PFAS allows for greater public access to data on their production, use, and release into the environment. Facilities are required to report detailed information, contributing to a better understanding of chemical management practices across the country. "The public has the right to know if toxic chemicals are being released in their communities," noted Michal Freedhoff, Assistant Administrator for the EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.
Regulatory Framework and Requirements
Under the 2020 NDAA, PFAS are automatically added to the TRI when specific criteria, such as the finalisation of toxicity values or the removal of confidentiality claims, are met. These newly added PFAS are designated as “chemicals of special concern,” which eliminates certain reporting exemptions, such as the de minimis threshold. This change ensures facilities report even small concentrations of these substances.
Implications for Facilities
Facilities subject to TRI reporting requirements must begin tracking their activities involving the nine added PFAS as of 1 January 2025. Reporting forms will need to be submitted by 1 July 2026. These updates aim to strengthen the understanding of PFAS management and improve accountability.
