Are you Required to Report Asbestos Data to EPA? New Reporting Instructions Are Available!
Released October 16, 2023
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the availability of reporting instructions for entities required to report on their use of asbestos under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
In July 2023, EPA finalized a rule that requires comprehensive reporting on all six fiber types of asbestos as the agency continues its work to address exposure to this known carcinogen and strengthen the evidence that will be used to further protect people from this dangerous chemical.
Under the reporting rule, manufacturers (including importers) or processors of asbestos between 2019 and 2022 with annual sales above $500,000 (combined with their parent company) in any of those years are required to report exposure-related information, including quantities of asbestos manufactured or processed, types of use, and employee data.
Importantly, the rule also covers asbestos-containing products (including products that contain asbestos as an impurity, such as asbestos-containing talc) and asbestos that is present as a component of a mixture. Manufacturers (including importers) and processors subject to the rule must submit all required information to EPA during the three-month data submission period beginning February 24, 2024, and ending May 24, 2024.
Reporters must use the asbestos section 8(a)(1) reporting tool on EPA’s Central Data Exchange (CDX) to submit information. EPA will not accept paper submissions or electronic media.
EPA has released a detailed set of instructions to help potential reporters determine if they need to report and how to use the CDX-based tool to submit their data.
While the submission period doesn’t begin until February, EPA encourages entities that are required to report or who believe they may be required to report to read the instructions as soon as possible and register with CDX if necessary.