The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new Significant New Use Rules (SNURs) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) covering 27 chemical substances. The proposed rules are intended to ensure that any significant new use of these chemicals is reviewed before manufacture, import, or porcessing begins, helping to protect human health and the environment.
Under the proposal, manufacturer, importers, and processors intending to engage in a deisgnated significant new use would be required to submit a Significant New Use Notice (SNUN) to the EPA at least 90 days before starting the activity. This notification period enables the Agency to evaluate the intended use and determine whether additional risk management measures are necessary.
The proposed SNURs cover 27 chemical substances spanning multiple chemical categories, including polymers, organic intermediates, surfactants, and speciality industrial chemicals. Most of these substances have previously undergone EPA review throught the Premanufacture Notice (PMN) prcess and are already subject to specific conditions of use. The new proposal would extend EPA oversight to any future uses failing outside those previously assessed conditions.
If finalised, companies would not be permitted to manufacture, import, or process these substances for designated significant new uses without notifying the EPA. The Agency would review the proposed activity, assess potential worker, consumer, and environmental exposure, and determine whether additional regulatory controls are required before the activity may proceed.
The proposal is currently open for public consultation, with comments accepted until 24 August 2026. Following the consultation period, the EPA will review stakeholder feedback before issuing a final rule.
Companies manufacturing, importing or using these chemical substances should evaluate whether any current or planned applications fall within the scope of the proposed SNURs. Early assessment of product portfolios and supply chains will help businesses prepare for potential compliance obligations once the final regulation is adopted.