Revisions to Reporting Regulations Under TSCA Section 8(d)

As a part of EPA's 1994 regulatory review, the reporting requirements under section 8(d) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) were reviewed for burden reduction opportunities. As a result of this review, EPA is revising its TSCA section 8(d) health and safety data reporting rule that requires chemical manufacturers (including importers) and processors of listed substances and listed mixtures to report unpublished health and safety studies. Revisions include changes to the categories of persons required to report, the types of studies and the grade/purity of the substance for which reporting is required, the reporting period, and the measure of adequacy of the file search needed to comply with the requirements of TSCA section 8(d). Additionally, EPA is amending the sunset date for all chemical substances and mixtures listed in 40 CFR 716.120, for which reporting is currently required. Furthermore, because of this change in the reporting period, EPA will no longer conduct a biennial review of the chemical substances and mixtures listed in 40 CFR 716.120. The Agency's goal is to streamline the reporting requirements while maintaining the ability to protect human health and the environment through the collection of data regarding potential risks. DATES: Effective date: June 30, 1998. Comment date: All comments must be received by EPA by May 1, 1998. If EPA receives adverse comments to this direct final rule by May 1, 1998, EPA will issue a notice to withdraw this direct final rule and seek comment on the issue raised. After considering the comments submitted, EPA will respond to comments received in a final rule that is published in the Federal Register. If no adverse comments to this direct final rule are received, this rule will become effective as a final rule on the date specified above. ADDRESSES: Each comment must bear the docket control number OPPTS- 42188B. All comments should be sent in triplicate to: OPPT Document Control Officer (7407), Office of Pollut