Chemical Compounds Reference Database
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) provides a framework for managing chemicals used in various industries, including those derived from petroleum and renewable sources used as fuels and fuel additives. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in this process, and access to Confidential Business Information (CBI) is a key aspect of it.
The process for requesting access to CBI under TSCA depends on the stakeholder's role and purpose. Generally, stakeholders, such as researchers, industry representatives, and regulatory bodies, must follow a formal procedure to ensure the protection of sensitive information while enabling access for legitimate purposes under EPA oversight.
The initial step involves contacting the EPA, often through specified EPA offices or representatives, to request access to CBI related to TSCA submissions such as Premanufacture Notices (PMNs), Significant New Use Notices (SNUNs), or other chemical information.
The request must clearly articulate a legitimate need for accessing CBI. For example, researchers or risk evaluators need access to review chemical risk or exposure data while maintaining confidentiality. Those granted access must adhere to strict confidentiality agreements and security protocols to prevent unauthorized disclosure, including documentation retention and compliance with EPA’s handling standards for sensitive information.
The application process includes identification of the requester and their affiliation, the purpose of access (e.g., scientific research, regulatory review), a description of the specific CBI sought, and an agreement to EPA’s data security and confidentiality requirements.
The EPA evaluates the request to ensure the requester’s purpose aligns with TSCA’s public health and environmental safety goals without compromising business confidentiality. Upon approval, the EPA provides contact information for technical assistance or general TSCA inquiries to facilitate understanding of the data and request procedures.
The EPA has an extensive index of documents related to the work of the New Chemicals Division (NCD), including guidance documents, compliance advisories, templates, manuals, and other materials. This resource is designed for a variety of stakeholders, including academic, industry, and government entities. The table can be sorted alphabetically, by publication date, or by topic, making it easier for users to find the information they need.
Recent updates to the resource include a new approach for evaluating the bioaccumulation potential of metals in the New Chemicals Division (2025-01), a guidance document for Algae Supplement to the Prour web submission of TSCA Biotechnology Submissions (2020-09), and a compliance advisory on the applicability of TSCA to Mixed Metal Oxides, which include Cathode Active Materials (CAMs) and Modified CAMs (2022-10).
The table will continue to be updated as new materials are developed, ensuring that stakeholders always have access to the most current information. For detailed instructions tailored to specific needs, contacting the TSCA Hotline or the appropriate EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) official is advised.
- Scientists and risk evaluators may need to access Confidential Business Information (CBI) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to review chemical risk or exposure data while maintaining confidentiality.
- The EPA evaluates each request for CBI access to ensure the requester's purpose aligns with TSCA's public health and environmental safety goals, without compromising business confidentiality.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has compiled an extensive index of documents related to the work of the New Chemicals Division (NCD), including guidance documents, compliance advisories, templates, manuals, and other materials, available for stakeholders in academic, industry, and government entities.
- Understanding the data and request procedures can be facilitated by contact information provided by the EPA upon approval of access to CBI.
- The table containing the index can be sorted alphabetically, by publication date, or by topic, making it easier for users to find the information they need, and it will continue to be updated as new materials are developed.
