EPA Proposes Alerts for Emerging Chemical Uses Ahead
Published Date: 11/2/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The EPA is proposing new rules that require companies to tell them 90 days before using certain chemicals in new ways. This gives the EPA time to check if the new use is safe before it starts. If you make or import these chemicals, you’ll need to follow these rules by December 3, 2025, or risk delays and extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
High SNUN Submission and User Fees
If you submit a Significant New Use Notice (SNUN), EPA estimates average submission costs of about $45,000 for large businesses and $14,500 for small businesses. In addition, submitters must pay a user fee of either $37,000 (standard) or a reduced fee of $6,480 if they qualify as a small business.
90‑Day Pre-Notice Before New Uses
If you plan to manufacture, import, or process any listed chemical for a use EPA calls a "significant new use," you must notify EPA at least 90 days before starting that activity. You may not begin the new use until EPA reviews the notification and makes a determination.
November 3, 2025 Cutoff for Ongoing Uses
EPA designates November 3, 2025 as the cutoff date to decide whether a use is ongoing. If a person begins manufacture or processing for a significant new use on or after that cutoff date and the final rule later makes it a SNUR, they would have to stop the activity when the final rule is effective and comply with SNUR notification requirements to resume.
Existing TSCA Order Restrictions Must Be Followed
These SNURs identify as a "significant new use" any manufacturing, processing, use, distribution, or disposal that does not follow the restrictions in the underlying TSCA Orders. Examples of those restrictions include respirator requirements (specified APFs such as 50, 1,000, or 10,000), limits on processing above 5% in formulation, limits on domestic manufacture (import-only), processing only at specified facilities, and release limits (e.g., surface water concentration limits of 152 ppb, 160 ppb, 14 ppb, 6 ppb, or a dust release limit of 8.3 kg/year).
Export Notification and Per-Notice Cost
If you export a chemical listed in this proposed rule on or after December 3, 2025, you must provide a one-time export notification to EPA for the first export or intended export to each country. EPA estimates the per-notification cost at about $106.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06275 — Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program: Standards for 2026 and 2027, Partial Waiver of 2025 Cellulosic Biofuel Volume Requirement, and Other Changes
The EPA just set new rules for renewable fuels in 2026 and 2027, including how much biofuel must be used. They’re also easing the 2025 cellulosic biofuel goals because production fell short and dropping renewable electricity as a qualifying fuel. These changes affect fuel producers and sellers, kick in mostly by mid-2026, and aim to keep America’s fuel cleaner and greener without breaking the bank.
2026-05167 — National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Ethylene Oxide Emissions Standards for Sterilization Facilities Residual Risk and Technology Review Reconsideration
The EPA is proposing changes to rules for sterilization facilities that use ethylene oxide, a chemical that can be harmful if not controlled. They want to remove some strict risk-based limits, fix technical mistakes, and update how facilities prove they’re following the rules. If you run or work with these facilities, get ready for new deadlines and clearer standards by mid-2026, which could affect how you manage emissions and compliance costs.
2026-04646 — Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Large Municipal Waste Combustors Voluntary Remand Response and Five-Year Review
The EPA is updating pollution rules for big trash-burning plants to cut harmful emissions like lead, mercury, and dioxins. These changes affect both new and existing facilities, tighten limits, remove some loopholes, and improve reporting, all starting May 11, 2026. This update will help clean the air by reducing over 3,200 tons of pollution each year, making communities healthier and safer.
2025-21788 — Oil and Natural Gas Sector Climate Review: Extension of Deadlines in Standards of Performance for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources and Emissions Guidelines for Existing Sources
The EPA is giving oil and natural gas companies more time to meet new pollution control rules and report their emissions. Deadlines for fixing leaks, monitoring equipment, and submitting state plans are pushed back to help everyone get ready without rushing. These changes keep the climate goals on track while easing the financial and timing pressure on the industry.
2025-20402 — Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The EPA and Army Corps are updating the rules that decide which waters are protected under the Clean Water Act, following a 2023 Supreme Court decision. This change helps everyone know exactly which waters are covered, making it easier to protect lakes, rivers, and wetlands while respecting state and tribal rights. People and businesses affected should share their thoughts by January 5, 2026, as this update could impact water projects and environmental protections.
2025-19882 — Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Data Reporting and Recordkeeping Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Revision to Regulation
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!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19755 — Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances (25-1.5e)
The EPA is setting new rules for certain chemicals that need a heads-up before anyone makes or uses them in new ways. If you plan to start a new use, you must tell the EPA 90 days ahead so they can check if it’s safe. This affects manufacturers and importers, and you have until December 3, 2025, to share your thoughts on these rules.
Next: 2025-19757 — Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemical Substances (25-2.5e)
The EPA is proposing new rules that require companies to tell them 90 days before using certain chemicals in new ways. This gives the EPA time to check if the new uses are safe before they start. If you make or import these chemicals, be ready for extra steps and possible delays starting soon!
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in