The US Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) has opened a public consultation on five final rules released to
regulate five persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) chemicals under Section 6(h) of the
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
The final rules
relate to:
- 2,4,6-Tris(tert-butyl)phenol
- Decabromodiphenyl ether
- Phenol, isopropylated
phosphate (3:1) (PIP (3:1) - Pentachlorothiophenol
- Hexachlorobutadiene
[if !supportLists]
Published
in January 2021, the final rules were to be implemented in phases, beginning on
March 8, 2021. The EPA then announced a 60-day public consultation on March 16,
2021, complementing a news release of March 8, 2021 – ‘Seeking public
comment on protecting human health and the environment from PBT chemicals’.
The EPA is seeking comments on:
- Whether
there are further exposure reductions that could be achieved, including exposures
potentially exposed or susceptible subpopulations, and the environment - Implementation
issues relating to these final rules - Whether to
consider additional or alternative measures or approaches
[if !supportLists]
The EPA is particularly interested in comments
relating to the compliance date for:
- Prohibitions
on processing and distribution of PIP (3:1) for use in articles - PIP
(3:1)-containing articles as it could impact articles used in a variety of
electronics (e.g., cell phones, robotics to manufacture semiconductors,
equipment to transport COVID-19 vaccines at the correct temperature, etc.)
[if !supportLists]
To ensure there is no disruption, the EPA
has published a temporary ‘No Action Assurance’ that suspends enforcement for 180-days.
Stakeholders have until to May 17, 2021 to
submit comments to the EPA.
SGS Chemical Testing
SGS offers
a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers
ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international
regulations concerning harmful chemicals. Learn more about SGS Chemical Testing
Services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the
latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full U.S.
EPA Requests Comments for PBT Chemicals SafeGuardS.
Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.
For further information contact:
Dr HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420
Email: crs.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/cgnr
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification
company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity.
With more than 89,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices
and laboratories around the world.