EPA finalizes PFOA imports rule

By Annie Snider | Politico | June 24, 2020

Read the full article by Annie Snider (Politico)

“EPA finalized a rule limiting the import of products containing PFOA and certain other ‘forever chemicals,’ one of the agency’s first major regulations governing the widespread toxic chemicals.

The rule, issued under the Toxic Substances Control Act, blocks ‘significant new uses’ of long-chain PFAS that are used as surface coatings on items like carpeting, furniture and ski wax, unless EPA gives prior approval.

The use of PFOA and similar chemicals in surface coatings has already been phased out in the U.S., and the new rule requires EPA approval before any new surface applications could be used. It also requires anyone seeking to import products with these chemicals in surface coating to receive EPA signoff.

While the rule is largely aimed at closing loopholes rather than enacting major new changes, it has emerged as part of the confirmation battle for the Trump administration’s nominee to head the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Documents obtained by the office of Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) show that while the nominee, Nancy Beck, was serving at the White House, the Office of Management and Budget suggested that EPA include a ‘safe harbor’ provision in the Significant New Use Rule that would allow companies importing the restricted chemicals to avoid punishment if they said they were unaware of the rule.

That suggestion, as well as the Trump administration’s broader handling of PFAS, has emerged as a major sticking point with Senate Democrats and several Republicans as Beck seeks confirmation to the post…”

This content provided by the PFAS Project.