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

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

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

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

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

Brody Saleen

Registered Environmental Health Specialist

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

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Your hazmat paperwork is the first thing a DOT inspector will ask for during an inspection. From hazmat training records to special permits, make sure your hazmat documents are in order.

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.