New nanotechnology reporting rule from EPA

(Nanowerk News) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued guidance materials for the recently-issued TSCA section 8(a) Nanotechnology Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements Rule (pdf) which becomes effective on August 14, 2017.
This rule establishes one-time reporting and recordkeeping requirements for certain chemical substances when they are manufactured or processed at the nanoscale as described in the rule issued January 12, 2017.
As part of the Agency's effort to ensure a more comprehensive understanding of nanoscale materials in commerce, EPA issued a final regulation requiring one-time reporting and recordkeeping of existing exposure and health and safety information on nanoscale chemical substances in commerce pursuant to its authority under TSCA section 8(a). This rule requires companies that manufacture (including import) or process certain chemical substances already in commerce as nanoscale materials notify EPA of certain information, including
  • – specific chemical identity;
  • – production volume;
  • – methods of manufacture;
  • – processing, use, exposure and release information; and
  • – available health and safety data.
  • The guidance reflects input received on draft guidance EPA issued in May 2017 and provides answers to questions the Agency has received from manufacturers (including importers) and processors of certain chemical substances when they are manufactured or processed at the nanoscale, as described in the final rule.
    EPA has incorporated public comments and included additional questions in the guidance. They intend to update the guidance based on questions and input we receive.
    If this general guidance does not answer those questions or other questions you have about the rule, please contact EPA and the Agency will answer these questions on a case-by-case basis. EPA intends to add further questions/answers and update the guidance as warranted based on further questions we may receive.
    EPA’s technical contact for this rule, Jim Alwood, can be reached at [email protected].
    Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Subscribe to a free copy of one of our daily
    Nanowerk Newsletter Email Digests
    with a compilation of all of the day's news.