The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) places requirements on those importing chemicals into, or exporting chemicals out of, the customs territory of the United States.

TSCA Requirements for Imports

Under TSCA section 13, importers are required to certify that they are either in compliance with TSCA regulations or not subject to TSCA before importing a chemical substance, mixture or article containing a chemical substance or mixture into the U.S.  Importers must certify that imported chemical substances either comply with TSCA (positive certification) or are not subject to TSCA (negative certification). Certain chemicals require no certification.

• Read section 13 of TSCA (PDF) and implementing regulations developed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in consultation with EPA, at 19 CFR 12.118 through 12.127.
• EPA’s TSCA section 13 Import Compliance Checklist provides a roadmap to help chemical importers determine how to certify their chemical imports.
• Learn more about TSCA section 13 requirements for importers.

TSCA Requirements for Exports

Any person who exports or intends to export a chemical substance or mixture subject to certain TSCA regulations is required to notify EPA. Under TSCA section 12(b), exporters are required to notify EPA of their intention to export a chemical substance or mixture regulated under certain parts of the law. EPA, in turn, provides information about such exported chemical and EPA’s related regulatory actions, to the importing government.

• Read about export notification requirements in section 12(b) of TSCA and in EPA’s implementing regulations at 40 CFR 707 Subpart D.
• Learn more about TSCA section 12(b) requirements for exporters.