Congress sends President TSCA Overhaul bill

On Tuesday, Congress passed a bill that would update the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).  The measure requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to evaluate new and existing chemicals with a risk-based safety standard.  The bill establishes deadlines for the EPA and makes it more difficult for industry to make proprietary claims. 

The American Chemistry Council (ACC), which represents the U.S. chemical industry, supported passage of the measure. 

Key Link(s):

• "Congress Sends Obama Bill to Regulate Toxic Chemicals" - Associated Press
• "Congress Passes Historic Legislation to Modernize TSCA" - ACC
• S.697 (Text of bill) - Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act - Congress.gov

The 'Blue Guide' on the implementation of EU product rules 2016

On April 5, 2016 the European Commission posted an updated 'Blue Guide'.  The guides intended purpose is to enhance the understanding of EU product rules.  The 2016 version of the Blue Guide replaces the 2000 edition.  Key topics covered within the guide include:

• Regulating the free movement of goods
• When does union harmonization legislation on products apply?
• The actors in the product supply chain and their obligations
• Product requirements
• Conformity assessment
• Accreditation
• Market surveillance    

Key Link(s):

• Blue Guide 2016 EN