What is TSCA?
The Toxic Substances Control Act, or TSCA for short, was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1976 and took effect in 1977. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for its implementation. The bill aims to prevent "unreasonable risks" to human health and the environment by comprehensively considering the environmental, economic and social impacts of chemical substances circulating in the United States.
On January 6, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule pursuant to Section 6(h) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
The rule, which restricts five chemicals that are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT), came into effect on February 5, 2021.
TSCA is an important regulation for the effective management of chemical substances in the United States. For companies whose products are exported to the United States that fall into the TSCA-regulated category, TSCA compliance is a prerequisite for normal trade.
What is the scope of TSCA control?
The scope of products regulated by TSCA is substances, mixtures and articles. Similar to the EU REACH regulation control scope.
TSCA manages chemical substances as "existing substances" and "new substances".
For chemicals under the control of TSCA: different notification procedures apply according to different product types, tonnages, applications and other characteristics.
For some existing substances: It is also prohibited or restricted in articles. For example, the final rule for 5 PBT substances promulgated this year (2021).
Five TSCA controlled substances and their common uses?
DecaBDE (DecaBDE): a flame retardant in plastic casings for wires and cables used in televisions, computers, audio and video equipment, textiles and upholstered items, communications and electronic equipment, and other applications;
Tris(4-isopropylphenyl)phosphate (PIP (3:1)): in hydraulic oils, lubricants, lubricants and greases, various industrial coatings, adhesives, sealants and plastics Plasticizers, flame retardants, anti-wear additives or anti-compression additives;
2,4,6-Tri(tert-butyl)phenol (2,4,6-TTBP): an intermediate/reactant in processing that is incorporated into formulations for fuels and fuel-related additives;
Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD): a chemical used as a halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon, produced as a by-product in the production of chlorinated hydrocarbons;
Pentachlorothiophenol (PCTP): A chemical used to make rubber softer for industrial use.
Except for 2,4,6-TTBP, which only controls substances or mixtures, the other 4 substances involve the control requirements for electrical and electronic products.
The range of products targeted by TSCA testing is the packaging of products, such as product coatings, outer packaging, etc. Taking a mobile phone as an example, what needs to be tested by TSCA is the box containing the mobile phone and the foam in the mobile phone box.
