The United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently finalized a new per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) reporting rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The rule, TSCA Section 8(a)(7), will provide the largest-ever database of PFAS manufactured and used in the U.S., and help protect public health and the environment. Let’s explore the new rule's implications, scope, and compliance process.
Understanding the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
TSCA is a key piece of legislation that grants the EPA the authority to set use restrictions and reporting, record-keeping, and testing requirements for certain chemical substances and/or mixtures that may pose an unreasonable risk to human health or the environment. Explore these frequently asked questions about TSCA to learn more.
What is the new TSCA reporting rule for PFAS?
TSCA Section 8(a)(7) is a new PFAS reporting rule that requires certain companies to report on their use of PFAS in products from any year since 2011. This includes how the substances were used in a product, production volumes, disposal methods, exposures, and hazards. It also streamlines TSCA reporting requirements and lessens the compliance burden for companies that made or used small quantities of PFAS for research and development purposes or importers of articles containing PFAS.
More than 1,400 PFAS known to have been made or used in the U.S. since 2011 are subject to the final rule. The new rule allows the EPA to better research and regulate PFAS by understanding who uses the substances and how they are used. The rule will also produce actionable data that can be used to better protect people from the adverse effects of these harmful "forever chemicals."
Which companies are impacted by TSCA Section 8(a)(7)?
The new rule impacts manufacturers and importers of PFAS and PFAS-containing articles (from any year since 2011). This scope covers a broad spectrum of industries, given the widespread use of PFAS in products ranging from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam. The EPA specifically mentions construction and manufacturing companies, retail and wholesale traders, and waste management services; however, this is not an exclusive list.
How to comply with the new TSCA PFAS reporting rule
To comply with TSCA Section 8(a)(7), legal entities must electronically report information on PFAS uses, production volumes, disposal, exposures, and hazards. This includes both manufactured and imported products and materials. Companies must use the EPA’s Central Data Exchange (CDX) portal for electronic reporting. This process requires a simple registration. The process is as follows:
- Navigate to CDX Home | Central Data Exchange | US EPA to register
- Select the Chemical Safety and Pesticide Programs (CSPP) section from the 'Program Service' screen
- Follow the instructions in the CDX CSPP Registration User Guide v3.0 to set up access to different roles and to add user and organization information
The reporting application for the 8(a)(7) rule will not be publicly available until the start of the submission period. In the meantime, EPA encourages PFAS manufacturers to register with CDX and add the CSPP program to their accounts.
TSCA Section 8(a)(7) reporting deadline
The portal for reporting PFAS data will open on July 11, 2025, and data must be submitted by January 22, 2026. Small manufacturers (as defined by the regulation) have an extended data submission period and must submit data by July 11, 2026.
TSCA Section 8(a)(7) is a significant step forward in the U.S.'s commitment to understanding and mitigating the risks associated with PFAS. For further insights into other global PFAS regulations and compliance, check out our guide to PFAS compliance.
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