EPA Unchains Monster Chemical Name in Bug Killer Rules
Published Date: 4/10/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA just made it official: certain chemicals used in pesticides don’t need a safety limit on food or feed anymore. This change helps farmers, food makers, and pesticide companies by cutting red tape and speeding up product approvals. The new rule kicks in April 10, 2026, and if anyone has concerns, they have until June 9, 2026, to speak up.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tolerance Exemption for Specific Polymer
If you make pesticides, grow crops, or process food, EPA exempted residues of hexanedioic acid, polymer (CAS No. 67815-81-0) from the requirement of a tolerance when used as an inert ingredient. The exemption is effective April 10, 2026 and means companies do not need a maximum permitted residue level set for food or feed when the polymer is used as allowed.
EPA Finds Polymer Safe for Public
EPA concluded there is a reasonable certainty of no harm to the U.S. population, including infants and children, from aggregate exposure to this polymer when used as an inert ingredient. The agency notes the polymer meets low-risk polymer criteria and has a number average molecular weight of 64,900 Daltons; the exemption is effective April 10, 2026.
No Enforcement Method Required
EPA states that no analytical enforcement method is required for this exemption because it establishes no numerical residue limit for the polymer. That means companies and regulators do not need to rely on a specific lab test to enforce a numerical tolerance for this substance under the exemption effective April 10, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-06953 — Polyethylhexyl Glycidyl Ether Polyethylene Oxide Copolymer in Pesticide Formulations; Exemption From the Requirement for a Tolerance
The EPA just made it official: a special ingredient called polyethylhexyl glycidyl ether polyethylene oxide copolymer can now be used in pesticides without worrying about residue limits, as long as it’s no more than 10% of the mix. This helps farmers and pesticide makers by cutting red tape and speeding up product use starting April 10, 2026. If anyone wants to challenge this, they have until June 9, 2026, to speak up.
Next: 2026-06955 — Import Regulations for Horses; Pre-Export Examination
Starting May 11, 2026, horses imported to the U.S. no longer need a special vet’s signed health check within 48 hours before shipping. This change helps horse owners and shippers avoid tricky paperwork delays without lowering safety rules. If you’re in the horse import business, get ready for smoother, faster imports with no extra fees for this step!