TSCA Activity Tracker 2026
2026 TSCA Activity Tracker
Latest on TSCA Risk Evaluations and New Regulations
Recent updates from US EPA affecting chemical risk management regulations, evaluation of chemical risks, and/or prioritization of chemicals for evaluation as mandated by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), as amended.
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EPA released a draft risk evaluation for trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, finding that 20 out of 25 conditions of use studied pose an unreasonable risk to the health of workers, occupational non-users, and/or consumers.
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EPA released a draft risk evaluation for ethylene dibromide, finding that 10 conditions of use contribute to an unreasonable risk to the health of workers and/or occupational non-users
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EPA released a draft risk evaluation for 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, finding that the chemical poses an unreasonable risk to workers' health under 10 conditions of use
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Final Rule: EPA extended the deadlines for non-federal facilities to comply with TSCA chemical risk management requirements for perchloroethylene (PCE) and carbon tetrachloride (CTC)
- Final Rule: EPA extended—for 1 year, until May 21, 2027—the deadline for chemical manufacturers to submit unpublished health and safety data about 16 chemical substances, including vinyl chloride
What Are TSCA Chemical Risk Evaluations?
The Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA), as amended, directs US EPA to evaluate the risks of chemicals on the TSCA Inventory and address any “unreasonable risks” with regulations to restrict manufacturing, distribution, and/or use. Lion tracks the risk evaluation and rulemaking process here—from prioritization of a chemical through publication of risk management standards under TSCA Section 6, when applicable.
This page also highlights key dates for industry stakeholders who wish to participate in the chemical risk evaluation and rulemaking process by submitting comments, attending public meetings, etc.
Use the orange tabs above to explore the latest TSCA chemical risk management rules, track risk evaluations as they are drafted and finalized, and look ahead at which chemicals are up next for evaluation.
Past Updates
- EPA postponed the effective date of certain provisions in the 2024 TCE Final Rule, until judicial review of that Rule is completed
- EPA made draft risk evaluations available for two substances, HHCB and phthalate anhydride
- EPA proposed extending the compliance dates for certain workplaces that use PCE or carbon tetrachloride (CTC)
- EPA further postponed (for 90 days—until 5/18/26) the effective date of certain provisions applicable to uses of TCE exempted under TSCA §6(g)
- EPA completed the final risk evaluation for 1,3-butadiene, finding it poses an unreasonable risk to health under 12 conditions of use
- EPA is preparing to reconsider the 2024 Final Rule to prohibit or restrict uses of perchloroethylene (PCE), and is seeking public comments
- EPA extended the deadline for manufacturers to submit health and safety data on 16 high priority chemicals, until 5/22/26
- EPA postponed the compliance date for workplace chemical protections for non-prohibited uses of TCE, until 2/17/26
- EPA announced the availability of Draft Risk Evaluations for two phthalates, butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
- EPA announced that the final Risk Evaluation for 1,1-dichloroethane is available
- EPA delayed the effective date for specific provisions in the TCE Final Rule until 8/19/25
- EPA will accept comments on draft risk evaluations for two phthalates, DBP and DEHP, until 8/4/25
- EPA extended the deadline for chemical manufacturers to submit health and safety data for 16 substances until 5/22/26
- EPA extended the comment period for the draft risk evaluation of DCHP until May 9.
- EPA re-opened the comment period for the proposed rule to add worker protections for PV29 in powder form
- EPA extended the comment period for the draft scope of a risk evaluation for vinyl chloride
- EPA extended the comment period for the draft risk evaluation of 1,3-butadiene
- EPA delayed the effective date of the Final Rule for the chemical trichloroethylene (TCE)
- EPA issued a supplement to the Draft Risk Evaluation for 1,3-butadiene and is extending the comment period
Final Rules
When a risk evaluation shows a that chemical poses an “unreasonable risk” to human health or the environment, EPA must act to address the risk(s) with regulations for manufacturing, distribution, and/or use of the substance.
| Chemical name | Effective Date | See 40 CFR 751... | Link to Final Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trichloroethylene (TCE) | 3/21/25 (*) | Subpart D (751.301—.325) | Update (5/5/26) |
| Carbon Tetrachloride (CTC) | 1/17/25 (**) | Subpart H (751.701—.713) | Update (9/17/25) |
| Perchloroethylene (PCE) | 1/17/25 (***) | Subpart G (751.601—.617) | Update (07/30/25) |
| Methylene Chloride (MCL) | 7/8/24 | Subpart B (751.101—.117) | Final Rule (05/08/24) |
| Asbestos (Chrysotile) | 5/28/24 | Subpart F (751.501—.515) | Final Rule (03/28/24) |
* Trichloroethylene (TCE). As of May 5, 2026, EPA has further extended the effective date of certain regulatory provisions applicable to non-prohibited uses of TCE under TSCA section 6(g) until judicial review of the 2024 TCE Final Rule concludes.
** Carbon Tetrachloride (CTC). EPA announced on September 12, 2025 that the 2024 Final Rule for carbon tetrachloride or "carbon tet" will be reconsidered in response to legal challenges.
*** Perchloroethylene (PCE). EPA is preparing to reconsider the December 2024 Final Rule to prohibit or restrict uses of PCE. On July 30, 2025, the Agency requested comments from stakeholders and the public to inform that effort.
Final Rules for PBT Chemicals
Section 6(h) of TSCA directs US EPA to evaluate and, if necessary, address the risks posed by specific persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemical substances or "PBTs".
| Chemical name | Latest Update | See 40 CFR 751... |
|---|---|---|
| Decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE) | Final Rule—Revisions (11/19/24) | Subpart E (751.405) |
| Phenol, Isopropylated Phosphate 3:1 (PIP 3:1) | Final Rule—Revisions (11/19/24) | Subpart E (751.407) |
| Pentachlorothiophenol (PCTP) | Final Rule (1/6/21) | Subpart E (751.411) |
| Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) | Final Rule (1/6/21) | Subpart E (751.413) |
| 2,4,6-tris(tert-butyl)phenol (2,4,6- TTBP) | Final Rule (1/6/21) | Subpart E (751.409) |
Proposed Rules
EPA follows strict procedure to impose new TSCA restrictions. The process involves talking with stakeholders, proposing a rule, taking comments, and having the rule approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
| Chemical name | Comments End | Rule Details | Link to Proposed Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| C.I. Pigment Violet 29 (PV-29) | Details | Comments Extended | |
| 1-bromopropane (1-BP) | Details | Proposed Rule | |
| n-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) | Details | Proposed Rule |
Proposed Rules for PBT Chemicals
Section 6(h) of TSCA directs US EPA to evaluate and, if necessary, address the risks posed by specific persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemical substances or "PBTs".
| Chemical name | Comments End | Link to Proposed Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Phenol, Isopropylated Phosphate 3:1 (PIP 3:1) | Final Rule published 11/19/24 | |
| Decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE) | Final Rule published 11/19/24 | |
Final Risk Evaluations
After reviewing and addressing public comments, EPA announces the result of each risk evaluation along with a final determination concerning “unreasonable risk.” Completed evaluations will be listed below until EPA takes further action.
| Chemical name | Announced | Unreasonable Risk? | Link to Notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethylene dichloride | 4/30/26 | Yes (Health) | Final Risk Evaluation |
| 1,3-butadiene | 12/30/25 | Yes (Health) | Final Risk Evaluation |
| 1,1-dichloroethane (1,1-DCA) | 6/23/25 | Yes (Health) | Final Risk Evaluation |
| Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) * | 1/14/25 | Yes (Health) | Final Risk Evaluation |
| Formaldehyde | 1/3/25 (**) | Yes (Health) | Update (12/2025) |
| Asbestos (Legacy Uses/Disposals) | 11/27/24 | Yes (Health) | Final Risk Evaluation |
| 1,4-dioxane | 11/14/24 | Yes (Health) | Final Risk Evaluation |
| Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) | 9/26/24 | Yes (Health, Environment) | Final Risk Evaluation |
| HBCD 1 | 6/29/22 | Yes (Health, Environment) | Rev. Risk Evaluation |
* Manufacturer requested risk evaluation
** In December 2025, EPA announced the availability of an Updated Draft Risk Calculation Memorandum for formaldehyde, and will accept public comments until February 2, 2026
1 a.k.a. Cyclic Aliphatic Bromide Cluster
Draft Risk Evaluations
Before acting on the results of a risk evaluation, EPA must share the evaluation in draft form. At this stage, stakeholders and the public can review and comment on EPA’s findings before a final determination is made.
| Chemical name | Comments End | Unreasonable Risk? | Link to Notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene | 10/26/26 | Yes (Health) | Draft Available |
| Ethylene dibromide | 10/19/26 | Yes (Health) | Draft Available |
| 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | 9/28/26 | Yes (Health) | Draft Available |
| TBBPA 1 | Yes (Health, Environment) | Draft Available | |
| HHCB 2 | No | Draft Available | |
| Phthalic Anhydride | Yes (Health) | Draft Available | |
| Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) * | Yes (Health, Environment) | Draft Available | |
| Di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP) | Yes (Health, Environment) | Draft Available | |
| Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) | Yes (Health, Environment | Draft Available | |
| Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) | Yes (Health, Environment) | Draft Available | |
| Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) | Yes (Health, Environment) | Draft Available | |
| Dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) | Yes (Health) | Comments Extended | |
| Di-iosdecyl phthalate (DIDP) * | Yes (Health) | Draft Available |
(*) Manufacturer requested risk evaluation
(1) 4,4'-(1-Methylethylidene)bis[2, 6-dibromophenol] [TBBPA]
(2) 1,3,4,6,7,8-Hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta [g]-2-benzopyran [HHCB]
High Priority Chemicals
To identify chemicals as “high priority” for risk evaluation, EPA draws mostly from a TSCA Work Plan completed in 2014. EPA also considers public comments, available scientific data, and statutory requirement/limits.
| Chemical name | Comments End | Designated | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| (Update) 1,2-Dichloropropane | 7/23/26 | 12/20/19 | Draft Hazard Assessment |
| (Update) Ethylene dibromide | 7/23/26 | 12/20/19 | Draft Exposure Assessment |
| (Update) Vinyl Chloride | 12/18/24 | Comment Period Reopened | |
| 4-tert-Ocylphenol | 12/18/24 (Proposed) | Notice | |
| Benzene | 12/18/24 (Proposed) | Notice | |
| Ethylbenzene | 12/18/24 (Proposed) | Notice | |
| Naphthalene | 12/18/24 (Proposed) | Notice | |
| Styrene | 12/18/24 (Proposed) | Notice | |
| Acetaldehyde | 12/18/24 | Notice | |
| Acrylonitrile | 12/18/24 | Notice | |
| Benzenamine | 12/18/24 | Notice | |
| MBOCA 3 | 12/18/24 | Notice | |
| o-Dichlorobenzene | - | 12/20/19 | Final Scope |
| p-Dichlorobenzene | - | 12/20/19 | Final Scope |
| Phosphoric acid, triphenyl ester (TPP) | - | 12/20/19 | Final Scope |
| Phthalic anhydride | - | 12/20/19 | Final Scope |
* Manufacturer-requested Risk Evaluation
3 '4-4'-methylene bis(2-chloroaniline) [MBOCA]
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