In its Agency Rule List issued on July 3, 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provided updates on the status of upcoming rulemaking activities. The regulatory agenda outlines the projected timelines for regulations in the pre-, proposed, and final rule stages.
In this blog, we highlight several key regulatory updates involving upcoming EPA rulemakings under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
Final Rules
- N-Methyl Pyrrolidone (NMP) [RIN: 2070-AK85]: The EPA is scheduled to issue a final rule by the end of July 2026 to address the unreasonable risk to human health from exposure to NMP, based on findings in its Final Risk Evaluation [Docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2019-0236]. The rule is expected to prohibit the manufacture (including import), use, processing, and distribution of NMP in commerce for several occupational conditions of use. It will also require employee safeguards through a Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP) and other means of exposure control for those occupational conditions of use that are allowed.
- Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Data Reporting and Recordkeeping [RIN: 2070-AL29]: The EPA expects to publish a final rule by the end of July 2026 amending TSCA reporting and recordkeeping requirements for PFAS. The existing regulation requires manufacturers (including importers) of PFAS during any year between 2011 and 2022 to submit data related to PFAS uses, production volumes, exposures, and environmental and health effects. The updated regulation is expected to include several exemptions and other modifications to the reporting requirements, including a de minimis exemption of 0.1% and exemptions for imported articles, byproducts, impurities, research and development (R&D) chemicals, and non-isolated intermediates.
- 1-Bromopropane (1-BP) [RIN: 2070-AK73]: The EPA is scheduled to publish a final rule by the end of August 2026 to address the unreasonable risk to human health presented by 1-BP, as identified in its Final Risk Evaluation [Docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2019-0235). The final rule is expected to prohibit consumer access to the chemical and restrict certain industrial and commercial uses, while allowing time for affected entities to phase out its use. During this period, adequate worker protections will need to be in place to prevent exposure. In addition, allowed uses will require a WCPP, exposure monitoring, and other controls.
Proposed Rules
- Perchloroethylene (PCE), Trichloroethylene (TCE), and Carbon Tetrachloride (CTC) [RIN: 2070-AL39, RIN: 2070-AL41, RIN: 2070-AL42]: The EPA is initiating rulemaking to amend certain provisions of the current regulations addressing the unreasonable risk to human health identified for these chemicals. The agency will solicit public comments through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) expected to be published by the end of July 2026. The original 2024 rules require various workplace exposure controls, prohibit certain industrial and commercial uses, and restrict consumer access, among other provisions. In response to several legal challenges filed in 2025, the EPA determined that the 2024 regulations should be reconsidered and is initiating rulemaking to gather additional public input. Final revised rules are anticipated in July 2027 for PCE and TCE and in September 2027 for CTC.
- Formaldehyde [RIN: 2070-AL22]: By the end of August 2026, the EPA plans to publish an NPRM to regulate formaldehyde under TSCA, with a final rule expected in August 2027. This rulemaking will address findings from the EPA’s Final Risk Evaluation [Docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2018-0438], which identified an unreasonable risk of injury to human health from formaldehyde exposure under its conditions of use.
- Laboratory Requirements [RIN: 2070-AL40]: The EPA is scheduled to publish an NPRM in October 2026 to address the unreasonable risk associated with the laboratory use of chemicals that have undergone a Risk Evaluation. The agency is initiating this rulemaking to establish a consistent regulatory framework for laboratory use across chemicals evaluated under TSCA. It has also indicated that it intends to consider existing Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, including OSHA’s Laboratory Standard [29 CFR 1910.1450] during rule development to avoid conflicting or duplicative regulations. A final rule is planned for August 2027.
Organizations that manufacture, import, distribute, or use chemicals regulated under TSCA should closely monitor these upcoming rulemakings. The proposed and final rules discussed above may introduce new restrictions, reporting obligations, workplace protection requirements, and compliance deadlines that could significantly affect operations.
Safety Partners can help your organization assess the impact of these EPA regulatory changes, identify compliance gaps, and develop a strategy to prepare your environmental, health, and safety programs. Contact us today to stay ahead of these evolving regulatory requirements.
This blog was written by Beth Graham, Director of Quality, Research, and Training at Safety Partners.
