Exemption for Laboratory and Analytical Uses

The laboratory exemption allows the continued production and import of small amounts of class I ozone depleting substances (ODSs) for chemicals used in essential laboratory and analytical methods (defined by 40 CFR Subpart A, Appendix G).

"Laboratory uses" include: equipment calibration; use as extraction solvents, diluents or carriers for chemical analysis; biochemical research; inert solvents for chemical reactions, as a carrier or laboratory chemical; and other critical analytical and laboratory purposes.

Any distributor of laboratory supplies receiving an essential use exemption for sale to laboratory customers must keep records and submit reports according to 40 CFR 82.13. In short, distributors must:

Report quarterly the quantity received of each controlled substance from each producer or importer;
Report quarterly the quantity of each controlled substance purchased by each laboratory customer whose certification was previously provided to the distributor; and
Maintain as records copies of certifications from laboratory customers provided.

Laboratory customers purchasing controlled substances under the global laboratory essential-use exemption must provide the producer, importer or distributor of the chemical with a one-time-per-year certification for each controlled substance, that the substance will only be used for essential laboratory applications and will not be resold or used in manufacturing.

Fact sheet on 2007 final rule to extend the laboratory and analytical use exemption beyond 2007
Final Rule (PDF) (6 pp, 121 kb, About PDF) (December 19, 2007; 72 FR 73264)
Fact sheet on 2005 final rule
Final Rule (PDF) (5 pp, 102 kb, About PDF) (December 29, 2005; 70 FR 77048)

Exemption for Laboratory and Analytical Uses

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