November 20, 2013
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has published a significant new use rule (SNUR) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) that requires prior notification to the EPA before a company may newly manufacture (including import) or process certain perfluorinated chemicals.
Perfluorinated chemicals have historically been used in the manufacture and treatment carpet products. These activities under the rule will be considered "new uses" and cannot be engaged in until the company first submits a significant new use notice ("SNUN"), which is similar to a pre-manufacture notification ("PMN") for new chemicals.