Regulatory Updates

Distribution date: 06 November 2006

The proposed regulatory action would amend the existing Consumer Products Regulation by adding and modifying product category definitions and by establishing new VOC limits for 16 product categories. For some of the categories, separate VOC limits are specified for different product forms. Most of the new or modified VOC limits would become effective on 31 December 2008. The remainder would become effective on 31 December 2010. In addition, various other modifications and clarifications are proposed to the existing regulatory language. These include amending several definitions, amending the VOC limit of “Nail Polish Remover,” and re–evaluating the VOC limit, effective date, and category definition for “Electronic Cleaner.” A number of minor changes are also proposed to various regulatory provisions in order to correct errors or improve clarity. In addition, an amendment is proposed to section 94523 (Exemptions) of the Aerosol Coatings Regulation. This amendment would clarify that several product categories are exempt from regulation under the Aerosol Coatings Regulation. The proposed regulatory action would also prohibit the use of three toxic air contaminants — methylenechloride, perchloroethylene, and trichloroethylene —in the regulations on “Bathroom and Tile Cleaner,” “Construction, Panel, and Floor Covering Adhesive,” “General Purpose Cleaner,” and “Oven Cleaner.” In addition to the proposed actions described above, the Board may consider whether to exempt tertiary–Butylacetate (tBac) from the definition of “Volatile Organic Compound.” The Board may also consider whether an exemption for this compound should be accompanied by provisions limiting or prohibiting its use in consumer products.

Products Covered: Consumer products (HS Chapter 3402) (ICS 71)

Regulation Type: Regular notification

Distribution date: 06 November 2006

The proposed regulatory action would amend the existing Consumer Products Regulation by adding and modifying product category definitions and by establishing new VOC limits for 16 product categories. For some of the categories, separate VOC limits are specified for different product forms. Most of the new or modified VOC limits would become effective on 31 December 2008. The remainder would become effective on 31 December 2010. In addition, various other modifications and clarifications are proposed to the existing regulatory language. These include amending several definitions, amending the VOC limit of “Nail Polish Remover,” and re–evaluating the VOC limit, effective date, and category definition for “Electronic Cleaner.” A number of minor changes are also proposed to various regulatory provisions in order to correct errors or improve clarity. In addition, an amendment is proposed to section 94523 (Exemptions) of the Aerosol Coatings Regulation. This amendment would clarify that several product categories are exempt from regulation under the Aerosol Coatings Regulation. The proposed regulatory action would also prohibit the use of three toxic air contaminants — methylenechloride, perchloroethylene, and trichloroethylene —in the regulations on “Bathroom and Tile Cleaner,” “Construction, Panel, and Floor Covering Adhesive,” “General Purpose Cleaner,” and “Oven Cleaner.” In addition to the proposed actions described above, the Board may consider whether to exempt tertiary–Butylacetate (tBac) from the definition of “Volatile Organic Compound.” The Board may also consider whether an exemption for this compound should be accompanied by provisions limiting or prohibiting its use in consumer products.

Products Covered: Consumer products (HS Chapter 3402) (ICS 71)

Regulation Type: Regular notification

Distribution date: 03 November 2006

Products Covered: Safety Matches,  HS:  36 05 00 00

Regulation Type: Regular notification

Distribution date: 03 November 2006

Products Covered: Safety Matches,  HS:  36 05 00 00

Regulation Type: Regular notification

Distribution date: 03 November 2006

EPA is proposing to revoke significant new use rules (SNURs) promulgated under section 5(a)(2) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for four chemical substances. The SNUR for the chemical substance covered by premanufacture notice (PMN) P-98-475 designated certain activities as significant new uses based on concerns identified in a corresponding TSCA section 5(e) consent order for that chemical substance and pursuant to 40 CFR 721.160. For the chemical substances covered by PMNs P-98-1043, P-99-0467, and P-01-71, EPA issued non-5(e) SNURs (i.e., SNURS on substances that are not subject to TSCA section 5(e) consent orders) designating certain activities as significant new uses based on the concern criteria in 40 CFR 721.170(b). EPA has received and reviewed new information and test data for each of the chemical substances, and proposes to revoke the SNURs pursuant to 40 CFR 721.185.

Products Covered: Benzenesulfonic acid, etc.  (HS:  Chapters 3808;  ICS:  13, 71)

Regulation Type: Regular notification

Distribution date: 03 November 2006

EPA is proposing to revoke significant new use rules (SNURs) promulgated under section 5(a)(2) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for four chemical substances. The SNUR for the chemical substance covered by premanufacture notice (PMN) P-98-475 designated certain activities as significant new uses based on concerns identified in a corresponding TSCA section 5(e) consent order for that chemical substance and pursuant to 40 CFR 721.160. For the chemical substances covered by PMNs P-98-1043, P-99-0467, and P-01-71, EPA issued non-5(e) SNURs (i.e., SNURS on substances that are not subject to TSCA section 5(e) consent orders) designating certain activities as significant new uses based on the concern criteria in 40 CFR 721.170(b). EPA has received and reviewed new information and test data for each of the chemical substances, and proposes to revoke the SNURs pursuant to 40 CFR 721.185.

Products Covered: Benzenesulfonic acid, etc.  (HS:  Chapters 3808;  ICS:  13, 71)

Regulation Type: Regular notification

Distribution date: 27 October 2006

Requirements and procedures harmonized with existing national regulations for the registration and legal and technical control of physiological regulators and adjuvants for agricultural use imported into, exported from, manufactured, formulated, packaged or distributed in Colombia; purpose and scope; definitions; registration and obligations of manufacturing, formulation, exporting, importing, distributing and packaging firms; issuing of registration by efficacy trial technical departments; product sales records; issuing of product sale registration; obligations of product registrants; claims for damages; official control; grounds for seizure; penalties and dissemination.

Products Covered: Physiological regulators and adjuvants for agricultural use

Regulation Type: Regular notification

Distribution date: 27 October 2006

Requirements and procedures harmonized with existing national regulations for the registration and legal and technical control of physiological regulators and adjuvants for agricultural use imported into, exported from, manufactured, formulated, packaged or distributed in Colombia; purpose and scope; definitions; registration and obligations of manufacturing, formulation, exporting, importing, distributing and packaging firms; issuing of registration by efficacy trial technical departments; product sales records; issuing of product sale registration; obligations of product registrants; claims for damages; official control; grounds for seizure; penalties and dissemination.

Products Covered: Physiological regulators and adjuvants for agricultural use

Regulation Type: Regular notification

Distribution date: 20 October 2006

Products Covered: Cosmetics (hair dye products)

Regulation Type: Regular notification

Distribution date: 20 October 2006

Products Covered: Cosmetics (hair dye products)

Regulation Type: Regular notification