What is TSCA? TSCA is the abbreviation of the Toxic Substances Control Act, which was promulgated by the U.S. Congress in 1976, took effect in 1977, and was implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

On January 6, 2021, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published final rules 40 CFR 751.401-751.413 for five persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) substances in the Federal Register. The final rules apply to DecaBDE decabromodiphenyl ether, PIP (3:1) isopropylated triphenyl phosphate, PCTP pentachlorophenol, HCBD hexachloroprene in substances, mixtures, or articles The control requirements for five PBT substances, 2,4,6-TTBP, 2,4,6-tert-butylphenol, have been put forward. These requirements have officially come into effect on February 5, 2021, and will be gradually implemented from March 8.

These chemicals accumulate in the environment over time, which may pose potential risks to exposed populations, including the general population, consumers, and business users, as well as susceptible populations such as workers, subsistence fishermen, tribes, and children. The five controlled substances and their common uses are as follows:

Decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE): a flame retardant used in plastic shells of wires and cables for television, computers, audio and video equipment, textiles and upholstered items, communication and electronic equipment, and other applications;

Phenol, isopropyl phosphate (3:1) (PIP (3:1)): plasticizers, flame retardants, anti-wear additives, or compression additives in hydraulic oils, lubricants, and greases, various industrial coatings, adhesives, sealants, and plastic products;

2,4,6-tris (tert butyl) phenol (2,4,6-TTBP): an intermediate/reactant in processing, incorporated into formulas for fuel and fuel related additives;

Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD): a chemical substance used as a halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon and produced as a byproduct in the production of chlorinated hydrocarbons;

Pentachlorobenzene thiophenol (PCTP): A chemical used to make rubber softer in industrial applications.


What product requires a TSCA declaration?

TSCA is applicable to naturally occurring and chemically reactive chemicals themselves, chemicals in mixtures, and intentionally released chemicals in items.

It should be noted that the chemicals defined by TSCA also include microorganisms. However, the following categories of chemicals are subject to other federal laws and are not regulated by TSCA: tobacco and tobacco products, nuclear materials, arms, food, food additives, drugs, cosmetics, and substances used only as pesticides.

If your product belongs to pesticides (excluding pesticide intermediate products), nuclear materials, food, food additives, drugs, cosmetics, or medical equipment, you need to provide a TSCA exemption statement; If your product is a TSCA controlled chemical substance, mixture, or item containing intentionally released substances, you need to provide a TSCA compliance statement. (Except for exempted products, almost all products require TSCA.)