Comments due by December 15th
In October 2023, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to ban the manufacture (including import), processing, and distribution in commerce of TCE for all uses.
The proposed rule would rapidly phase down manufacturing, processing, distribution, and use of TCE for all uses, most of which would be fully phased out in one year.
EPA is prohibiting manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce of TCE for all consumer uses, including in:
• Cleaners and degreasers
• Automotive care products (brake cleaner and parts cleaner, tire cleaner)
• Aerosol cleaner
• Non-aerosol cleaner
• Lubricants and greases (tap and die fluid, lubricants and penetrating oils)
• Adhesives for arts and crafts
• Solvent based mold release
• Solvent based adhesives and sealants
EPA’s proposed rule would also prohibit all industrial and commercial uses, with longer compliance timeframes for certain uses.
Comments will be accepted on the proposed rule until December 15, 2023. EPA hosted a webinar on November 14, 2023 about the proposed risk management rule. View the materials from the webinar.