EPA Files Case Against Chemical Supplier for Failing to Disclose Imports of Hundreds of Millions of Pounds of Toxic Chemicals and Their Intended Use
WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has filed an administrative complaint against Wego Chemical Group of Great Neck, N.Y., and related companies, for violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The complaint stems from Wego’s years-long failure to properly report its import and domestic distribution of chemical substances. Since at least 2016, Wego has imported hundreds of millions of pounds of hundreds of toxic chemicals, mostly from China, without meeting basic federal reporting requirements. The company initially failed to submit its required 2020 Quadrennial Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) submission, a filing essential to EPA’s ability to screen, assess, and manage chemical risks. When Wego ultimately submitted CDR data, it omitted required information on how any of the chemicals will be used, information that EPA needs to evaluate public health risks. The complaint also alleges that at least one chemical Wego imported could not lawfully have been imported at all.
“EPA will ensure that importers of potentially harmful chemicals fully comply with the law. We cannot have companies profit from importing unknown and toxic Chinese chemicals, distributing them without oversight, and threatening unprepared American communities,” said Jeffrey A. Hall, EPA Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Companies must disclose what toxic chemicals they are importing and how they will be used. This civil enforcement complements our broader work to protect our borders and prevent illegal, toxic chemicals and pesticides from entering the United States.”
“EPA is committed to holding companies accountable when they fail to comply with federal chemical import requirements,” said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. “Protecting public health and the environment requires full transparency and adherence to reporting requirements, and we will continue to enforce these standards for the benefit of our communities.”
The 10-count complaint alleges eight categories of TSCA violations reflecting a sustained pattern of failing to report, notify, and certify as required by law.
Specifically, the complaint alleges that Wego:
- Failed to timely submit CDR data for hundreds of chemicals across two reporting cycles;
- Never reported required use information for those chemicals in either submission;
- Failed to submit a Pre-Manufacture Notification (PMN) before importing a new chemical substance;
- Failed to file a required TSCA compliance certification at the time it unlawfully imported that new chemical;
- Failed to submit significant new use notices as required;
- Failed to notify EPA of the export to Canada of two chemicals that were subject to significant new use rules;
- Filed a Notice of Commencement claiming it had begun importing a chemical when, in fact, it had not; and
- Filed a false certification stating it had not imported a chemical under a TSCA Risk Evaluation during the previous five years, when, in fact, it had.
EPA's investigation into Wego's TSCA compliance began in May 2021. This administrative complaint initiates the formal enforcement process.