TSCA Certificate

31.10.2024

In 1976, the US government passed the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), requiring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate the production and import of chemicals and chemical mixtures deemed to pose irreversible risks to public health or the environment.

EPA Oversight and TSCA Regulations

The TSCA was designed to protect the public and the environment from exposure to harmful substances such as asbestos, radon, formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products, and lead-based paints. Unlike other laws, TSCA monitors all chemicals, not just those classified as toxic.

The EPA is authorised under TSCA to:

Collect hazard data from chemical manufacturers and processors
Require toxicity testing to evaluate health and environmental impact
Restrict or ban substances that fail safety standards based on risk assessments
Conduct inspections and impose penalties for non-compliance

What Is a TSCA Certificate?

A TSCA certificate ensures that any product containing chemicals used in commerce in the US complies with EPA safety standards. Products are subject to TSCA if they may expose users to chemicals during normal use. TSCA regulates substances such as asbestos, mercury, lead, and solvents. It is the American counterpart to the REACH regulation in the EU.

Some items—such as food, drugs, cosmetics, and pesticides—are excluded from TSCA as they fall under the jurisdiction of other federal agencies.

What Activities Are Regulated by TSCA?

Chemical imports (existing and new substances)
Commercial laboratory testing
Chemical risk evaluation regarding health and environmental impact

Types of TSCA Certification

Positive Certification: Confirms the imported substance is listed under TSCA and meets all regulations. The certificate must be signed by the importer or authorised agent, with full contact details.

Negative Certification: Used when imported substances are not subject to TSCA. The importer declares exemption.

Which Chemicals Require TSCA Certification?

All chemicals used in commerce must either have a positive or negative TSCA certificate, except for:

Pesticides (regulated by FIFRA)
Tobacco (regulated by ATF)
Radioactive materials (NRC)
Food, drugs, cosmetics (FDA)

Who Needs a TSCA Certificate?

Any importer of chemicals into the United States, including those for research and development, must provide a TSCA certificate signed with their name, email address, and phone number.

How to Obtain a TSCA Certificate

The certificate is issued by the importer and must be shown at customs. It includes the chemical name, CAS number, contact details, and a signature. Substances covered under TSCA must undergo lab testing. For composite wood products, compliance with Title VI of TSCA is required.

Rubber Products with TSCA Certificate

At Power Rubber, we offer high-quality rubber products with TSCA certification, including a wide range of sealing solutions for static and dynamic applications. Our technical team provides expert advice tailored to your working environment.