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

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

More thorough than a class I attended last year through another company.

Troy Yonkers

HSES Representative

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

Lion courses are the standard to which all other workshops should strive for!

Brody Saleen

Registered Environmental Health Specialist

The instructor was probably the best I ever had! He made the class enjoyable, was humorous at times, and very knowledgeable.

Mary Sue Michon

Environmental Administrator

Lion courses always set the bar for content, reference, and practical application. Membership and access to the experts is an added bonus.

John Brown, CSP

Director of Safety & Env Affairs

I can take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

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

Lion's online training is more comprehensive, has better slides, and is a superior training experience than what I would get from other trainers.

Robert Brenner

District Environmental Manager

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Get to know the top 5 changes to OSHA’s revised GHS Hazard Communication Standard at 29 CFR 1910.1200 and how the updates impacts employee safety at your facility.

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.