top of page

What is TSCA? Understanding the Backbone of Chemical Regulation

  • Writer: Georgie Whitehouse
    Georgie Whitehouse
  • Jan 23
  • 2 min read
What is TSCA?

Environmental health and safety (EHS) acronyms are everywhere. But if you handle, manufacture, or import chemicals in the United States, there is one four-letter word you absolutely need to know: TSCA.


Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is the primary law governing chemical safety in the U.S. Whether you’re a seasoned compliance officer or a business owner trying to stay above board, understanding TSCA is non-negotiable for avoiding hefty fines and ensuring product safety.


A Brief History of TSCA: From 1976 to the Lautenberg Act


TSCA was first enacted in 1976, giving the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to track the thousands of industrial chemicals produced or imported into the U.S.

For decades, the law was criticized for being "toothless" because it made it incredibly difficult for the EPA to ban or restrict even known hazardous substances. That changed significantly in 2016 with the passage of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. This amendment modernized the law, requiring the EPA to evaluate existing chemicals with a focus on "vulnerable populations" like children and pregnant women.


What Does TSCA Cover?


TSCA gives the EPA the power to regulate chemicals throughout their entire lifecycle. This includes:


  • Pre-market Review: New chemicals must be reviewed by the EPA before they enter the market (via a Pre-Manufacture Notice or PMN).

  • The TSCA Inventory: A massive "list of lists" containing every chemical substance manufactured, processed, or imported in the U.S.

  • Testing Requirements: The EPA can require companies to conduct health and environmental effect testing.

  • Reporting and Recordkeeping: Companies must document how much of a chemical they produce and what the health risks might be.


How to Comply with TSCA


Under the updated law, the EPA follows a specific three-step process to manage chemical risks:


  1. Prioritization: The EPA identifies "High-Priority" chemicals that need immediate risk evaluation and "Low-Priority" ones that don’t.

  2. Risk Evaluation: The EPA determines if a high-priority chemical poses an "unreasonable risk" to health or the environment under its conditions of use.

  3. Risk Management: If a risk is found, the EPA must implement rules to limit or ban the substance to ensure safety.


Why TSCA Matters for Your Business


Non-compliance is expensive. Civil penalties for TSCA violations can exceed $40,000 per violation, per day. Common pitfalls include:


  • Importing a substance not listed on the TSCA Inventory.

  • Failing to submit a Significant New Use Notice (SNUN) when changing how a chemical is used.

  • Poor recordkeeping of chemical volumes and safety data sheets (SDS).


Stay Compliant with GoCompliance


The regulatory landscape is shifting faster than ever as the EPA works through its list of high-priority chemicals (like PFAS and certain solvents). Staying ahead of these changes requires more than just a spreadsheet; it requires a proactive compliance strategy.


Pro Tip: Always check the TSCA Inventory status of your raw materials before switching suppliers. A small oversight in the supply chain can lead to a major regulatory hurdle.


Book a call with one of our experts to see if GoCompliance is the right fit for your team. 





Or, go at your own pace with our click-through platform demo.



 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page