Rice Byproduct Wax Dodges Pesticide Limits in EPA Move
Published Date: 2/13/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA just made it official: rice bran wax can be used safely in pesticides without setting a strict residue limit. This change helps farmers, food makers, and pesticide producers by cutting red tape and speeding up product use starting February 13, 2026. No extra costs or delays—just smoother, safer pesticide formulations for crops, animals, and food equipment.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tolerance Exemption for Rice Bran Wax
Effective February 13, 2026, the EPA exempts rice bran wax (CAS 8016-60-2) from the requirement of a tolerance when used as an inert ingredient lubricant on growing crops and raw agricultural commodities pre- and post-harvest, when applied to animals, and when used in antimicrobial food-contact formulations (public eating places, dairy-processing, and food-processing equipment). This exemption removes the need to set a maximum permissible residue level for those uses.
No Numerical Limit or Testing Required
The rule states there is 'None' listed under Limits for rice bran wax and that an analytical enforcement method is not required for enforcement purposes because the Agency is establishing an exemption without any numerical limitation. This can reduce testing and enforcement burden for pesticide formulators and food processors starting February 13, 2026.
EPA Finds Rice Bran Wax Safe for Consumers
EPA concluded there are no toxicological endpoints of concern for rice bran wax and determined 'there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the general population, or to infants and children' from aggregate exposure. This determination supports the exemption effective February 13, 2026.
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: 2026-02922, Sulfonic Acids, C14-16-Alkane Hydroxy and C14-16-Alkene, Sodium Salts in Pesticide Formulations; Exemption From the Requirement for a Tolerance
The EPA just made it official: certain sulfonic acids used as surfactants in pesticides on food-contact surfaces don’t need a residue limit anymore. This helps food and pesticide makers by cutting red tape starting February 13, 2026, with a chance to raise concerns by April 14. If you work with food processing or pesticides, this rule makes your life a bit easier and could save some money on compliance.
Next: 2026-02933, Afidopyropen; Pesticide Tolerances
The EPA just doubled the allowed amount of afidopyropen pesticide residue on strawberries from 0.15 to 0.3 parts per million, making it official as of February 13, 2026. This change affects farmers, food makers, and pesticide companies by updating safety limits to keep food safe and regulations clear. If anyone wants to object or request a hearing, they have until April 14, 2026, to speak up.