Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) - Chemical Substance Inventory

Under Section 8(b) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), EPA is required to compile, keep current and publish the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory. The Inventory lists chemical substances manufactured, processed or imported in the United States for TSCA purposes, and serves as the primary basis for determining whether an industrial chemical is an existing substance or a new chemical substance in the United States. The Inventory also includes public and confidential substances as well as active/inactive designations, so companies should verify the substance identity against EPA’s latest Inventory release.

Listed substance: The substance is generally treated as an existing chemical substance under TSCA. However, before manufacture, import, processing or use, companies should confirm its public or confidential identity, active/inactive designation, and whether it is subject to any SNUR, testing order, CDR reporting obligation or other TSCA measure. If the substance is designated as inactive, a Notice of Activity Form B is generally required before reintroducing it into U.S. commerce. The intended commercial activities must be carried out within 90 days of submitting the notification.

Not listed substance: The substance is generally treated as a new chemical substance under TSCA. Before manufacturing or importing the substance in the United States, a company generally must submit a Premanufacture Notice (PMN) or applicable exemption at least 90 days in advance, and may proceed only after EPA review and satisfaction of the applicable legal conditions.