EPA considers changes to export reporting requirements
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposes to amend its export notification regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
EPA plans to change the current annual notification requirement to a one-time activity for exporters of chemicals. The agency is also considering to change its own requirement to notify overseas governments annually after the agency’s receipt of export notifications to once per exporter.
In addition, the EPA is proposing that export notification would not be required for chemicals having a concentration level of known human carcinogens of less than 1 percent (by weight or volume).
The United States is a signatory to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, but has not yet ratified the international agreement. However, the EPA said the proposed rule changes are in line with the convention.
The agency will accept comments on its proposed rulemaking through April 10. For more information, contact Kenneth Moss of EPA’s Chemical Control Division at (202) 564-9232.