New Chemicals Program

The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) New Chemicals Program, located in the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, was established to help manage the potential risk from chemicals new to the marketplace. It is mandated by Section 5 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). TSCA, enacted by Congress in 1976, gives EPA broad authority to identify and control substances that may pose a threat to human health or the environment.

The New Chemicals Program functions as a "gatekeeper" which can identify conditions, up to and including a ban on production, to be placed on the use of a new chemical before it is entered into commerce. Anyone who plans to manufacture or import a new chemical substance for a non-exempt commercial purpose is required by Section 5 of TSCA to provide EPA with notice before initiating the activity. This premanufacture notice, or PMN, must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the manufacture or import of the chemical.

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For more information:  The Toxic Substances Control Act Hotline (tsca-hotline@epa.gov) is available to answer general questions about the PMN process or filing a PMN form. The TSCA hotline operates Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. Call (202) 554-1404. FAX requests for documents are received every day, at all times, on (202) 554-5603.

Other TSCA Resources

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