Basic Information for Chemical Data Reporting
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What is CDR?
The Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) rule, under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), requires manufacturers (including importers) to provide EPA with information on the production and use of chemicals in commerce in large quantities.
Under the CDR rule, EPA collects basic exposure-related information on the types, quantities and uses of chemical substances produced domestically and imported into the United States. It constitutes the most comprehensive source of basic screening-level, exposure-related information on chemicals available to EPA, and is used by the Agency to protect the public from potential chemical risks.
The information is collected every four years from manufacturers (including importers) of certain chemicals in commerce generally when production volumes for the chemical are 25,000 pounds or greater for a specific reporting year. Collecting the information every four years assures that EPA and (for non-confidential data) the public have access to up-to-date information on chemicals that are produced in large quantities.
The CDR rule is required by section 8(a) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), and was formerly known as the Inventory Update Rule (IUR).
Read the TSCA CDR requirements in the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR Part 711).
How does EPA use CDR data?
EPA uses the data to support risk screening, assessment, priority setting and management activities which allows EPA to construct an in-depth picture of the types, amount, end uses, and possible exposure to chemicals in commerce. Currently, processing and use information reported in 2012 is helping EPA screen and prioritize chemicals for the purpose of identifying potential human health and environmental effects.
The data also includes information on the manufacture (including import), industrial processing and use, and consumer and commercial use of certain chemicals currently listed on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory (TSCA Inventory), a list of chemicals that are manufactured (including imported) or processed in the United States.
Who must report?
Manufacturers (including importers) are required to report if they meet certain production volume thresholds, generally 25,000 lbs or more of a chemical substance at any single site. However, a reduced reporting threshold (2,500 lb) now applies to chemical substances subject to certain TSCA actions. Learn more about who must report and 2016 reporting.
Submitting CDR Data
The CDR regulation requires all companies to report data electronically using e-CDRweb, the CDR web-based reporting tool, and EPA's Central Data Exchange (CDX) system.
Businesses required to comply with the CDR regulation should have a thorough understanding of the TSCA Inventory and the criteria used to determine the listing of a substance on the TSCA Inventory.