New Demands Set for US Companies to Make, Import New Chemicals

The EPA issued a final rule on Wednesday laying out new requirements for companies that want to make a new chemical in the US or import one.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s rule (RIN 2070–AK65) revised procedures for companies that want to make or import a commercial or industrial chemical that’s never been in the US before.

The goal, the agency has said, is to make the process clearer, more efficient, and consistent with mandates Congress set in 2016 when it overhauled the Toxic Substances Control Act, the nation’s primary commercial chemicals law.

Efficiency is important for the agency ...