EPA Publishes Multiple Significant New Use Rules

Four notices published by EPA this week in the Federal Register announce significant new use rules, or SNURs, for dozens of chemicals.  

One of the notices is a final rule, originally proposed in April, that covers 35 substances. The SNURs referred to in the Federal Register notice identify requirements for workplace protections, hazard communication, and recordkeeping that go into effect on Jan. 5, 2026. 

The other three Federal Register notices—90 FR 49016, 90 FR 49148, and 90 FR 49180—are proposed rules that specify SNURs for a total of 89 substances. These SNURs would designate the absence of certain protective measures as a “significant new use” for the chemical in question. EPA is accepting comments on these rules through Dec. 3.  

In each case, the chemicals subject to the SNURs are ones for which the agency received premanufacturing notices and which are also subject to an agency order as specified under Section 5 of the Toxic Substances Control Act. Section 5 orders can require several actions from manufacturers, such as testing for a chemical’s toxicity or environmental fate, mandating the use of personal protective equipment for workers, and using certain language for hazard communication.  

EPA issues SNURs when it determines that a use of a chemical constitutes a significant new use requiring manufacturers to submit a notification to EPA at least 90 days before they manufacture, import, or process the chemical for that use. This notification triggers an agency review of the conditions of use for the chemical. Manufacture may not begin until EPA completes its review and determines whether further action is necessary. 

More information about Section 5 orders and SNURs is available from the EPA website.