United States
US EPA Proposes TSCA SNURs For 27 Chemical Substances
EPA has proposed significant new use rules for 27 chemicals, with comments due by 24 August 2026.
Dr Steven Brennan
2 min readAI-drafted, expert reviewed
The US Environmental Protection Agency has proposed TSCA SNURs for 27 chemical substances covered by earlier premanufacture notices and section 5(e) orders. Published in the Federal Register on 23 July 2026, the proposal could affect chemical manufacturers, importers, processors, formulators and downstream users. Comments close on 24 August 2026.
How The Proposed TSCA SNURs Work
The proposal would add sections 721.12279 to 721.12305 to federal rules. If finalised, a company intending to manufacture, import or process a listed substance for a designated significant new use would have to submit a significant new use notice at least 90 days before starting. Activity could not begin until EPA completed its review, made the required determination and imposed any resulting controls.
The significant uses vary by substance. They can cover departures from order conditions involving workplace protection, release to water, disposal, production volume, processing methods or permitted industrial and commercial uses.
Import, Export And Worker Controls
The proposed TSCA SNURs interact with existing import certification requirements. Importers of bulk chemicals, mixtures and some articles may need to certify compliance with applicable TSCA rules and orders. The notice also states that section 12(b) export notification applies to exports or intended exports from 24 August 2026.
Manufacturers and processors should compare current uses with the docket, including worker protection measures, respiratory protection, gloves, environmental releases and waste routes. Distributors and brands should obtain enough information from suppliers to identify whether restricted substances enter coatings, metal parts, detergents, electronics or semiconductor applications.
Practical Response Before 24 August
Companies should screen inventories and confidential substance identifiers, consult US suppliers, document use conditions and submit evidence where proposed controls could disrupt safe established uses. The TSCA SNURs remain proposals, not final legal restrictions.
Official source
US EPA, Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances (26-3), 91 FR 46364, 23 July 2026federalregister.gov
Questions about this change
What Is A Significant New Use Notice?
A SNUN gives EPA 90 days to evaluate proposed manufacture, import or processing designated as a significant new use. The activity cannot begin until EPA completes review, makes the statutory finding and takes any action required by that finding under TSCA section 5.
Do The Proposed TSCA SNURs Already Prohibit Uses?
No. The 23 July document is a proposed rule with comments due 24 August 2026. Existing section 5(e) orders still govern covered companies. Wider SNUR obligations would arise only after a final rule, although export notification consequences begin on EPA's stated date.
Dr Steven Brennan
CEO and co-founder of Foresight, and a co-opted member of ECHA's Committee for Socio-economic Analysis. He holds a PhD in chemical engineering.
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