EPA Eases PFAS 'Forever Chemical' Reporting Burdens Slightly
Published Date: 11/12/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is updating rules for companies that make or import PFAS chemicals, asking them to report certain info about these substances from 2011-2022. The changes add some smart exceptions to ease reporting on things companies probably don’t know, saving time and hassle. Comments on the proposal are open until late December 2025, so affected businesses should get ready to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Large estimated industry and small business savings
EPA estimates the proposed amendments would cut industry reporting burden by about 10–11 million hours and save $786–$843 million compared to the October 11, 2023 rule. EPA estimates small businesses would be relieved of about 9.3–9.9 million hours and $703–$761 million in costs.
0.1% de minimis reporting exemption
EPA proposes a de minimis exemption that would let companies skip reporting PFAS in mixtures or articles when the PFAS concentration is below 0.1%. The exemption would apply to the retrospective reporting required for PFAS manufactured or imported between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2022 and would apply regardless of total production volume.
Imported articles exempted from reporting
EPA proposes to exempt PFAS that are imported as part of an article from the scope of the TSCA PFAS reporting rule for the 2011–2022 period. If finalized, importers of articles containing PFAS during January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2022 would not have to report those article-related PFAS under the rule.
Byproduct, impurity, intermediate exemptions
EPA proposes to exempt PFAS that were manufactured solely as byproducts, impurities, or non-isolated intermediates (under conditions described in 40 CFR 720.30(h)) from the reporting rule for the 2011–2022 period, unless the byproduct has a separate commercial use. Reporting on byproducts that result from manufacture of a reportable PFAS remains required.
Who is covered: manufacturers and importers (2011–2022)
The proposed rule (and the underlying TSCA 8(a)(7) requirement) applies to any person who manufactured (including imported) a PFAS for a commercial purpose at any time from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2022. EPA lists potentially affected sectors such as utilities (NAICS 22), manufacturing (NAICS 31–33), wholesale trade (NAICS 42), and waste management and remediation services (NAICS 562).
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13667, Minor New Source Review Program Air Permitting Public Participation Requirements for State Implementation Plans
The EPA wants to give states more freedom to decide how much public input is needed when approving small air pollution sources or changes. This means local air agencies can tailor public participation to fit their community’s needs while still protecting air quality. If you’re involved in air permits, watch for comment deadlines and possible virtual hearings this summer!
2026-13263, Revisions To Establish the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) for Public Water Systems
The EPA is rolling out the sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) to check for new, sneaky chemicals in public drinking water. Big water systems serving 3,300+ people and some smaller ones will test for 30 different contaminants, including certain PFAS and pesticides, to keep our water safe. Comments and feedback are open until late August 2026, and the EPA will host fun online meetings to chat about the plan!
2026-12927, U.S. Ecology Nevada, Inc. High Mercury Subcategory Wastes Land Disposal Restrictions Variance
The EPA is giving U.S. Ecology Nevada a special green light to handle and dispose of high-mercury waste a bit differently than usual. This means mercury waste treated in Pennsylvania can now be safely sent to U.S. Ecology’s Nevada site for disposal under new rules starting July 27, 2026. This change helps protect people and the environment while keeping mercury waste management efficient and cost-effective.
2026-11047, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From Hazardous Waste Combustors: Residual Risk and Technology Review
The EPA just updated rules for places that burn hazardous waste, like incinerators and boilers, to keep the air safe and clean. They confirmed current standards work well but added new limits on harmful gases like hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide. These changes start June 3, 2026, and include easier electronic reporting and some new rules for startup and shutdown times—helping protect health without big costs.
2026-10641, Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Federal CCR Permit Program; Reopening of Comment Period
The EPA is reopening the comment period until June 29, 2026, for its proposed rule to create a federal permit program for safely disposing of coal ash from power plants. This affects electric utilities that handle coal waste and aims to improve environmental safety while possibly impacting their costs. Now’s the time for everyone to share their thoughts and help shape the rules!
2026-10387, Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
The EPA is updating rules to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals used in cooling systems like refrigerators and air conditioners. These changes affect businesses in refrigeration, supermarkets, semiconductor manufacturing, and more, allowing some older equipment made before 2025 to keep running. The new rules kick in on July 27, 2026, helping industries transition smoothly while cutting harmful emissions.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19865, Small Business Lending Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B)
The CFPB is updating rules for small business loans to make things simpler and fairer for lenders and borrowers. These changes affect banks and lenders by redefining which loans count and what info they must collect, aiming to improve data quality. Comments on the proposal are open until December 15, 2025, so get ready to weigh in!
Next: 2025-19884, Approval of Clean Air Plans; San Joaquin Valley, California; Contingency Measures for 1997 Ozone Standards
The EPA is proposing to approve California’s plan to keep the air cleaner in the San Joaquin Valley by sticking to smog check rules for 1997 ozone pollution standards. This means California has met its promise to have backup plans ready if air quality slips. People living and working in the Valley can expect continued efforts to reduce smog without new costly changes right now.