Reminder Comment Period on Proposed PFAS Rule Closes on April 17, 2020

For Release: April 15, 2020

This is a reminder that on Friday, April 17, 2020, the 45-day comment period closes for the proposed significant new use rule on certain long-chain PFAS used as surface coatings. Please submit your comments at http://www.regulations.gov/ under docket ID EPA-HQ-OPPT-2013-0225.

This proposed rule would ensure that any new uses are reviewed by EPA before any products containing these chemicals could be imported into the United States again. As part of the agency’s review, EPA has the authority to place restrictions on the import of products containing these chemicals as part of a surface coating.

The National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2020 requires EPA to finalize this rule by June 22, 2020.

To learn more about this rule, visit the Risk Management for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) under TSCA page.

For more information on EPA’s actions to address PFAS, visit the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) page.

Background

In February 2020, EPA proposed regulations on imported products that contain certain persistent long-chain PFAS chemicals that are used as surface coatings. This proposal supplements a previously proposed rule on PFAS imports by clarifying the categories of products that would be covered under the significant new use rule. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) provides EPA the authority to regulate products that are imported as an article, meaning goods that are imported as a component of another product. By clarifying the previously proposed rule, the agency is aligning its regulations with the Lautenberg Act amendments to TSCA.