2026-14994: Significant New Use Rule on a Certain Chemical Substance; Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

A. What is the Agency's authority for taking this action?

TSCA section 5(a)(2) (15 U.S.C. 2604(a)(2)) authorizes EPA to determine that a use of a chemical substance is a ``significant new use.'' EPA must make this determination by rule after considering all relevant factors, including the factors in TSCA section 5(a)(2).

B. What action is the Agency taking?

EPA is finalizing a SNUR under TSCA section 5(a)(2) for the chemical substance identified in this document. This chemical substance was the subject of a PMN and is also subject to an Order issued by EPA pursuant to TSCA section 5(e)(1)(A), as required by the determinations made under TSCA section 5(a)(3)(B). The SNUR identifies as significant new uses any manufacturing, processing, use, distribution in commerce, or disposal that does not conform to the restrictions imposed by the underlying TSCA Order, consistent with TSCA section 5(f)(4). The SNUR requires persons who intend to manufacture or process this chemical substance for an activity that is designated as a significant new use in the SNUR to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity. Previously, EPA proposed a SNUR for this and other chemical substances in the Federal Register of June 5, 2026 (91 FR 34480 (FRL- 13126-01-OCSPP)). EPA is finalizing the SNUR for P-22-163 as proposed. The remaining SNURs from the proposed rule will be finalized in a separate action. The docket includes information considered by the Agency in developing the proposed and final rules, including public comments and EPA's responses to the comments received as discussed in Unit II.D.

1. General Applicability

This action applies to you if you manufacture, process, or use the chemical substance identified in this document. The following list of North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a guide to help readers determine whether this document applies to them. Potentially affected entities may include: Manufacturers or processors of the subject chemical substance (NAICS codes 325 and 324110), e.g., chemical manufacturing and petroleum refineries.

2. Applicability to Importers and Exporters

This action may also apply to certain entities through pre-existing import certification and export notification requirements under TSCA (https://www.epa.gov/tsca-import-export-requirements). Chemical importers are subject to TSCA section 13 (15 U.S.C. 2612), the requirements in 19 CFR 12.118 through 12.127, 19 CFR 127.28, and 40 CFR part 707, subpart B. Importers of chemical substances in bulk form, as part of a mixture, or as part of an article (if required by rule) must certify that the shipment of the chemical substance complies with all applicable rules and orders under TSCA, including regulations issued under TSCA sections 5, 6, 7 and Title IV. Pursuant to 40 CFR 721.20, any persons who export or intend to export the chemical substance identified in this document are subject to the export notification provisions of TSCA section 12(b) (15 U.S.C. 2611(b)) and must comply with the export notification requirements in 40 CFR part 707, subpart D.

D. What are the incremental economic impacts of this action?

EPA has evaluated the potential costs of establishing SNUN reporting requirements for potential manufacturers and processors of the chemical substance identified in this document. This analysis, which is available in the docket, is briefly summarized here.

1. Estimated Costs for SNUN Submissions

A SNUR requires that any person who intends to engage in such activity in the future must first notify EPA by submitting a SNUN. If a SNUN is submitted, costs are an estimated $45,000 per SNUN submission for large business submitters and $14,500 for small business submitters. These estimates include the cost to prepare and submit the SNUN (including registration for EPA's Central Data Exchange (CDX)), and the payment of a user fee. Businesses that submit a SNUN would be subject to either a $37,000 user fee required by 40 CFR 700.45(c)(2)(ii) and (d), or, if they are a small business as defined at 13 CFR 121.201, a reduced user fee of $6,480 (40 CFR 700.45(c)(1)(ii) and (d)). These estimates reflect the costs and fees as they are known at the time of this rulemaking.

2. Estimated Costs for Export Notifications

EPA has also evaluated the potential costs associated with the pre- existing export notification requirements under TSCA section 12(b) and the implementing regulations at 40 CFR part 707, subpart D. For persons exporting a substance that is the subject of a SNUR, a one-time notice to EPA must be provided for the first export or intended export to a particular country. The total costs of export notification will vary by chemical, depending on the number of required notifications (i.e., the number of countries to which the chemical is [[Page 46744]] exported). While EPA is unable to make any estimate of the likely number of export notifications for the chemical substance covered by this SNUR, as stated in the accompanying economic analysis, the estimated cost of the export notification requirement on a per unit basis is approximately $106.

A. General Information About SNURs

Unit II. of the proposed rule provides general information about SNURs, and additional information about EPA's new chemical program is available at https://www.epa.gov/reviewing-new-chemicals-under-toxic-substances-control-act-tsca.

B. Applicability of the Significant New Use Designation

To establish a significant new use, EPA must determine that the use is not ongoing. As discussed in Unit II.E. of the proposed rule, EPA concluded that the proposed significant new uses were not ongoing. If EPA subsequently determines that such a use was ongoing as of the date of publication of the proposed rule and did not cease prior to issuance of the final rule, EPA will not designate that use as a significant new use in the final rule. EPA has no information to suggest that any of the significant new uses identified in this rule meet this criterion. As discussed in the Federal Register of April 24, 1990 (55 FR 17376 (FRL-3658-5)), EPA believes that the intent of TSCA section 5(a)(1)(B) is best served by designating a use as a significant new use as of the date of publication of the proposed rule rather than as of the effective date of the final rule. The objective of EPA's approach is to ensure that a person cannot impede finalization of a SNUR by initiating a significant new use after publication of the proposed rule but before the effective date of the final rule. Uses arising after the publication of the proposed rule are distinguished from uses that are identified in the final rule as having been ongoing on the date of publication of the proposed rule. The former would be new uses, the latter ongoing uses, except that uses that are identified as ongoing as of the publication of the proposed rule would not be considered ongoing uses if they have ceased by the date of issuance of a final rule. In the unlikely event that before a final rule becomes effective a person begins commercial manufacturing (including importing) or processing of the chemical substance for a use that is designated as a significant new use in that final rule, such a person would have to cease any such activity upon the effective date of the final rule. To resume their activities, these persons would have to first comply with all applicable SNUR notification requirements and wait until all TSCA prerequisites for the commencement of manufacture or processing have been satisfied. Issuance of a SNUR for a chemical substance does not signify that the chemical substance is listed on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory (TSCA Inventory). Guidance on how to determine if a chemical substance is on the TSCA Inventory is available on the internet at https://www.epa.gov/tsca-inventory.

1. SNUN Submissions

SNUNs must be submitted on EPA Form No. 7710-25, generated using e- PMN software, and submitted to the Agency in accordance with the procedures set forth in 40 CFR 720.40 and 721.25. E-PMN software is available electronically at https://www.epa.gov/reviewing-new-chemicals-under-toxic-substances-control-act-tsca.

2. Development and Submission of Information

EPA recognizes that TSCA section 5 does not require development of any particular new information (e.g., generating test data) before submission of a SNUN. There is an exception: If a person is required to submit information for a chemical substance pursuant to a rule, order or consent agreement under TSCA section 4, then TSCA section 5(b)(1)(A) requires such information to be submitted to EPA at the time of submission of the SNUN. In the absence of a rule, TSCA order, or consent agreement under TSCA section 4 covering the chemical substance, persons are required only to submit information in their possession or control and to describe any other information known to or reasonably ascertainable by them (see 40 CFR 720.50). However, upon review of PMNs and SNUNs, the Agency has the authority to require appropriate testing. To assist with EPA's analysis of the SNUN, submitters are encouraged, but not required, to provide the potentially useful information as identified for the chemical substance in Unit III.C. of the proposed rule. EPA strongly encourages persons, before performing any testing, to consult with the Agency pertaining to protocol selection. Furthermore, pursuant to TSCA section 4(h), which pertains to reduction of testing in vertebrate animals, EPA encourages consultation with the Agency on the use of alternative test methods and strategies (also called New Approach Methodologies, or NAMs), if available, to generate the recommended test data. EPA encourages dialog with Agency representatives to help determine how best the submitter can meet both the data needs and the objective of TSCA section 4(h). For more information on alternative test methods and strategies to reduce vertebrate animal testing, visit https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/alternative-test-methods-and-strategies-reduce. The potentially useful information described in Unit III. of the proposed rule may not be the only means of providing information to evaluate the chemical substance associated with the significant new uses. However, submitting a SNUN without any test data may increase the likelihood that EPA will take action under TSCA sections 5(e) or 5(f). EPA recommends that potential SNUN submitters contact EPA early enough so that they will be able to conduct the appropriate tests. SNUN submitters should be aware that EPA will be better able to evaluate SNUNs which provide detailed information about human exposure and environmental release that may result from the significant new use of the chemical substances.

D. Public Comments on Proposed Rule and EPA Responses

EPA received public comments on the proposed SNURs. One comment by Cnano Technology USA, Inc. requested expedited finalization and publication of the SNUR for P-22-163. EPA is finalizing the SNUR for P- 22-163 as proposed. The remaining SNURs from the proposed rule will be finalized at a later date.

A. What is the designated cutoff date for ongoing uses?

EPA designates the date of publication of the proposed rule as the cutoff date for determining whether the new use is ongoing, i.e., June 6, 2026 (91 FR 34480 (FRL-13126-01-OCSPP)). This designation is explained in more detail in Unit II.B.

B. What information was provided for each chemical substance?

In Unit III.C. of the proposed rule, EPA provided the following information for the chemical substance subject to this SNUR: [[Page 46745]] PMN number (the CFR citation assigned in the regulatory text section of this document). Chemical name (generic name, if the specific name is claimed as CBI). Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number (CASRN) or Accession Number (if assigned, for confidential chemical identities). Basis for the SNUR (e.g., effective date of and basis for the TSCA Order). Potentially useful information. The regulatory text section of this document specifies the chemical substance and activities designated as significant new uses. Certain new uses, including production volume limits and other uses designated, may be claimed as CBI, as discussed in more detail in Unit II.C. of the proposed rule. In addition, as discussed in Unit III.B. of the proposed rule, this SNUR includes a PMN substance that is subject to an order issued under TSCA section 5(e)(1)(A), as required by the determinations made under TSCA section 5(a)(3)(B). This TSCA Order requires protective measures to limit exposures or otherwise mitigate the potential unreasonable risk. As such, the SNUR identifies as significant new uses any manufacturing, processing, use, distribution in commerce, or disposal that does not conform to the restrictions imposed by the underlying TSCA Order, consistent with TSCA section 5(f)(4).

A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review

This action establishes a SNUR for a new chemical substance that was the subject of a PMN. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has exempted these types of actions from review under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993).

B. Executive Order 14192: Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation

Executive Order 14192 (90 FR 9065, February 6, 2025) does not apply because a significant new use rule for a new chemical under TSCA section 5 is exempt from review under Executive Order 12866.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)

According to the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information that requires OMB approval under PRA, unless it has been approved by OMB and displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the Federal Register, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, and included on the related collection instrument or form, if applicable. The information collection requirements related to SNURs have already been approved by OMB pursuant to PRA under OMB control number 2070-0038 (EPA ICR No. 1188). This action does not impose any burden requiring additional OMB approval. If an entity were to submit a SNUN to the Agency, the annual burden is estimated to average between 30 and 170 hours per submission. This burden estimate includes the time needed to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed, and complete, review, and submit the required SNUN.

D. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

I certify that this action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the RFA (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). The requirement to submit a SNUN applies to any person (including small or large entities) who intends to engage in any activity described in the final rule as a ``significant new use.'' Because these uses are ``new,'' based on all information currently available to EPA, EPA has concluded that no small or large entities presently engage in such activities. A SNUR requires that any person who intends to engage in such activity in the future must first notify EPA by submitting a SNUN. Although some small entities may decide to pursue a significant new use in the future, EPA cannot presently determine how many, if any, there may be. However, EPA's experience to date is that, in response to the promulgation of SNURs covering over 1,000 chemicals, the Agency receives only a small number of notices per year. For example, the number of SNUNs received was 7 in Federal fiscal year (FY) 2020, 9 in FY2021, 9 in FY2022, 23 in FY2023, and 7 in FY2024, and only a fraction of these submissions were from small businesses. In addition, the Agency currently offers relief to qualifying small businesses by reducing the SNUN submission fee from $37,000 to $6,480. This lower fee reduces the total reporting and recordkeeping cost of submitting a SNUN to about $14,500 per SNUN submission for qualifying small firms. Therefore, the potential economic impacts of complying with this proposed SNUR are not expected to be significant or adversely impact a substantial number of small entities. In a SNUR that published in the Federal Register of June 2, 1997 (62 FR 29684 (FRL-5597-1)), the Agency presented its general determination that SNURs are not expected to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, which was provided to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)

This action does not contain an unfunded mandate of $100 million or more (in 1995 dollars) in any one year as described in UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538, and does not significantly or uniquely affect small governments. Based on EPA's experience with proposing and finalizing SNURs, State, local, and Tribal governments have not been impacted by SNURs, and EPA does not have any reasons to believe that any State, local, or Tribal government will be impacted by this SNUR. In addition, the estimated costs of this action to the private sector do not exceed $183 million or more in any one year (the 1995 dollars are adjusted to 2023 dollars for inflation using the GDP implicit price deflator). The estimated costs for this action are discussed in Unit I.D.

F. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

This action will not have federalism implications as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999), because it is not expected to have a substantial direct effect on States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Accordingly, the requirements of Executive Order 13132 do not apply to this action.

G. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian

Tribal Governments This action will not have Tribal implications as specified in Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), because it is not expected to have substantial direct effects on Indian Tribes, significantly or uniquely affect the communities of Indian Tribal governments and does not involve or impose any requirements that affect Indian Tribes. Accordingly, the requirements of Executive Order 13175 do not apply to this action. [[Page 46746]]

H. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental

Health Risks and Safety Risks This action is not subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997), because it does not concern an environmental health or safety risk. Since this action does not concern a human health risk, EPA's 2026 Policy on Children's Health also does not apply. Although the establishment of this SNUR do not address an existing children's environmental health concern because the chemical uses involved are not ongoing uses, SNURs require that persons notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing manufacture (defined by statute to include import) or processing of the identified chemical substances for an activity that is designated as a significant new use by the SNUR. This notification allows EPA to assess the intended uses to identify potential risks and take appropriate actions before the activities commence.

I. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That

Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use This action is not a ``significant energy action'' as defined in Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001), because it is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy.

J. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA)

This action does not involve any technical standards subject to NTTAA section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note).

K. Congressional Review Act (CRA)

This action is subject to the CRA (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), and EPA will submit a rule report to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United States. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 721 Environmental protection, Chemicals, Hazardous substances, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: July 16, 2026. Mary Elissa Reaves, Director, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics. For the reasons stated in the preamble, 40 CFR chapter I is amended as follows: PART 721--SIGNIFICANT NEW USES OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES 0

1. The authority citation for part 721 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2604, 2607, and 2625(c). 0

2. Add Sec. 721.12229 to subpart E to read as follows:

Sec. 721.12229 Multi-walled carbon nanotubes. (a) Chemical substance and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substance identified as multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PMN P-22-163) is subject to reporting under this section for the significant new uses described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. The requirements of this section do not apply to quantities of the substance after they have been embedded or incorporated into a polymer matrix that itself has been reacted (cured); when embedded in a permanent solid polymer form that is not intended to undergo further processing; or when incorporated into an article. These exemptions apply unless/until the polymer matrix or article has been shredded or processed such that dust containing the substance is generated. Once the matrix or article containing the substance is shredded or processed such that dust containing the substance is generated, the requirements of this section apply. (2) The significant new uses are: (i) Protection in the workplace. Requirements as specified in Sec. 721.63(a)(1), (a)(3) through (6), and (c). When determining which persons are reasonably likely to be exposed as required for Sec. 721.63(a)(1) and (4), engineering control measures (e.g., enclosure or confinement of the operation, general and local ventilation) or administrative control measures (e.g., workplace policies and procedures) shall be considered and implemented to prevent exposure, where feasible. For purposes of Sec. 721.63(a)(5), respirators must provide a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) assigned protection factor (APF) of at least 50 at the confidential site listed in the Order or at sites where batteries or the other confidential items listed in the Order containing the PMN substance are only recycled, or an APF of at least 1,000 at all other sites, prior to the receipt of exposure monitoring results, and in accordance with Table 2 of the Order once exposure monitoring results are available. (ii) Hazard communication. Requirements as specified in Sec. 721.72(a) through (d), (f), (g)(1), (g)(3)(iii), and (g)(5). For purposes of Sec. 721.72(g)(1), this substance may cause: eye irritation, genetic toxicity, carcinogenicity, and specific target organ toxicity. Alternative hazard and warning statements that meet the criteria of the Globally Harmonized System and OSHA Hazard Communication Standard may be used. (iii) Industrial, commercial, and consumer activities. Requirements as specified in Sec. 721.80(f). It is a significant new use to use the substance other than as an additive used in battery manufacture. It is a significant new use to process the substance without the use of engineering controls with an overall minimum efficiency of 94%. It is a significant new use to process for use or use the substance in the final battery when the concentration of the substance exceeds the confidential concentration listed in the Order. (iv) Release to water. Requirements as specified in Sec. 721.90(a)(1), (b)(1), and (c)(1). (b) Specific requirements. The provisions of subpart A of this part apply to this section except as modified by this paragraph (b). (1) Recordkeeping. Recordkeeping requirements as specified in Sec. 721.125(a) through (i) and (k) are applicable to manufacturers, importers, and processors of this substance. (2) Limitation or revocation of certain notification requirements. The provisions of Sec. 721.185 apply to this section. [FR Doc. 2026-14994 Filed 7-23-26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P