Search

TSCA e-Reporting Expands, Moves to Cloud

Posted on 7/20/2015 by Roger Marks

Update: US EPA will hold three webinars to discuss changes to the e-PMN submission system. More information about the webinars is available here. 

In a Direct Final Rule posted to the Federal Register today, US EPA is mandating the use of a new version of electronic reporting software (e-PMN) for businesses subject to Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) §5 Premanufacture and Significant New Use Notifications and other chemical reporting requirements.

In addition to making the new version of e-PMN software mandatory, the direct final rule expands the electronic reporting requirement to a new TSCA reporting element: bona fide intent to manufacture, or “bona fides.”

TSCA Electronic Reporting (e-PMN) History

In 2010, US EPA issued a final rule that required chemical manufacturers, importers, and processors to submit TSCA-required reports electronically through EPA’s Central Data Exchange (CDX).

The new version of the e-PMN software is a “cloud”-based or “thin-client” system. In the past, regulated businesses downloaded the e-PMN software, prepared their reports offline, and submitted data to US EPA through CDX. By switching TSCA reporting “to the cloud,” EPA hopes to reduce reporting time and eliminate difficulties with uploading large files.

EPA provides a guide to electronic TSCA chemical data reporting here.

TSCA reporting for chemical manufacturers, importers, and more


What About Confidential Business Information (CBI)?

In the Final Rule, EPA states that the thin-client e-PMN software will “support TSCA CBI needs by providing a secure environment that meets Federal standards.” EPA lists specific security in the Direct Final Rule.

Expanding e-Reporting to “Bona Fides”

To manufacture or import a chemical substance in the US, the manufacturer must first check EPA’s TSCA Inventory List. Generally speaking, if the chemical appears on the public TSCA Inventory, the manufacturer must notify EPA of its intent.

A portion of the TSCA Inventory is kept confidential. To know if a chemical substance appears on the confidential part of the TSCA Inventory, manufacturers must first submit a “bona fide intent to manufacture.” In the past, this notification could be prepared and submitted on paper. Under the new Final Rule, “bona fides” must be submitted through the CDX using the cloud-based e-PMN software.

TSCA Regulations Online Course

Be confident you know what you must report, record, and keep on file to meet your TSCA chemical reporting and recordkeeping requirements with the easy-to-use TSCA Regulations Online Course. Get up to speed with the latest rules and management requirements for chemical manufacturing, handling, storing, and processing chemical substances. Interactive, engaged online learning will prepare you to keep your business in compliance and avoid costly EPA civil penalties.

Tags: EPA, new rules, reporting and recordkeeping, TSCA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion is at the top of the industry in compliance training. Course content and structure are updated frequently to make annual re-training enjoyable. I like that Lion has experts that I can contact for 1 year after the training.

Caroline Froning

Plant Chemist

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

The exercises in the DOT hazardous materials management course are especially helpful in evaluating your understanding of course information.

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I really enjoy your workshops. Thank you for such a great program and all the help Lion has provided me over the years!

George Chatman

Hazardous Material Pharmacy Technician

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Start with these fundamentals to simplify hazardous materials shipping compliance.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.