EPA Allows More Time for Comments on Proposed TSCA User Fees

The Environmental Protection Agency is extending until May 24 the period for comments on proposed new user fees for activities it conducts under Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act. Under the February proposed rule (see 1802230022), the user fees, which reach from about $1,000 to into the millions of dollars, would begin on Oct. 1, 2018. Authorized by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, the user fees will allow EPA to “defray some of the costs of administering certain TSCA requirements,” it said. The proposed fees would apply to manufacturers, including importers, that are required to submit information by a test rule, test order or enforceable consent agreement under TSCA Section 4; that submit notification or information related to intent to manufacture a new chemical or significant new use of a chemical under TSCA Section 5; or that manufacture a chemical substance subject to a risk evaluation, including at the request of a manufacturer or importer, under TSCA Section 6(b). Lower fees would apply for small businesses. EPA also said it has completed additional analysis on small business size definitions.