Significant New Use Rule on a Certain Chemical Substance; Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Key claim: EPA is issuing a TSCA Significant New Use Rule for certain multi-walled carbon nanotubes that requires 90-day advance notification before manufacture (including import) or processing for designated significant new uses, and bars commencement until EPA completes review.
Abstract
(Rule · Environmental Protection Agency) EPA is issuing a significant new use rule (SNUR) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for a certain chemical substance that was the subject of a premanufacture notice (PMN) and is also subject to an Order issued by EPA pursuant to TSCA. The SNUR requires persons to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing the manufacture (defined by statute to include import) or processing of this chemical substance for an activity that is designated as a significant new use in the SNUR. The required notification initiates EPA’s evaluation of the conditions of that use for that chemical substance. In addition, the manufacture or processing for the significant new use may not commence until EPA has conducted a review of the required notification; made an appropriate determination regarding that notification; and taken such actions as required by that determination.
Why this matters
SNURs act as a chemical-specific gatekeeping mechanism: manufacturers and importers must give EPA 90 days’ notice before starting a designated new use, giving the agency a window to impose controls or restrictions on potential health or environmental risks. For multi-walled carbon nanotubes—used in composites, electronics, and energy applications—this creates a compliance checkpoint that can affect supply chains and product development timelines while EPA reviews potential exposure and toxicity concerns.