Basic Information on TSCA Import-Export Requirements

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) places requirements on those importing chemicals into, or exporting chemicals out of, the customs territory of the United States.

TSCA Requirements for Imports

Under U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations implementing TSCA section 13, importers are required to certify that imported chemicals either comply with TSCA (positive certification) or, if they are not clearly identified as excluded from TSCA,  are not subject to TSCA (negative certification). Certain chemicals require no certification.

• Read the official text amending section 13 of TSCA, as amended by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act of the 21st Century available in the United States Code (15 USC 2612) and implementing regulations developed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in consultation with EPA, at 19 CFR 12.118 through 12.127.
• EPA’s TSCA section 13 Import Compliance Checklist provides a roadmap to help chemical importers determine how to certify their chemical imports.
• Learn more about TSCA section 13 requirements for importers.

TSCA Requirements for Exports

Under TSCA section 12(b), any person who exports or intends to export a chemical substance or mixture that is subject to certain TSCA regulations is required to notify the Agency. EPA, in turn, provides information about such exported chemical and EPA’s related regulatory actions, to the importing government.

• Read about export notification requirements under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which updates section 12(b) of TSCA (15 USC 2611) and in EPA’s implementing regulations at 40 CFR 707 Subpart D (PDF, 3 pp., 183 kb.)
• Learn more about TSCA section 12(b) requirements for exporters.