New EPA Rule Aims to Strengthen Chemical Reporting

Aug. 5, 2011
In an effort to better identify risks to public health and the environment, EPA recently published the Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) Rule that will require chemical manufacturers to report more information about their chemicals.

The rule requires more frequent reporting of critical information on chemicals and requires the submission of new and updated information relating to potential chemical exposures, current production volume, manufacturing site-related data and processing and use-related data for a larger number of chemicals. According to EPA, this information will help the agency better identify and manage risks associated with chemicals.

“Collecting this critical information on widely used chemicals will enable EPA to more effectively identify and address potential chemical risks,” said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “The new electronic reporting requirement and limits on confidentiality claims also will bring EPA’s data collection effort into the 21st century and give the American people greater access to a wider range of information on chemicals to which their children and families are exposed every day.”

Under CDR, which falls under the Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory Update Rule (IUR), businesses must submit information electronically to EPA, rather than on paper. The rule also limits confidentiality claims by companies.

Companies will be required to start following the new reporting requirements in the next data submission period, which will occur Feb. 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012.

For more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/iur.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.

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