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EPA/OCSPP RIN: 2070-AJ88 Publication ID: Fall 2013 
Title: Significant New Use Rule (SNUR); HBCD (Hexabromocyclododecane) Used in Textiles 
Abstract: On March 23, 2012, EPA proposed a significant new use rule (SNUR) under section 5(a)(2) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and 1,2,5,6,9,10- hexabromocyclododecane (collectively referred to as HBCD). Under a SNUR, persons who intend to engage in any significant new use would be required to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that new use. The required notification would enable EPA to evaluate the significant new use uses of these chemical substances and, if necessary, appropriately address risks to human health or the environment by limiting or prohibiting those uses before they occur. EPA proposed to designate as a significant new use any use of HBCD in consumer textiles other than for use in motor vehicles (which is ongoing) as a significant new use. EPA also proposed to make the exemption for persons that process or import these chemical substances as part of articles inapplicable for persons who would import or process HBCD in consumer textiles other than for use in motor vehicles. HBCD is a brominated flame retardant used in polystyrene foam for thermal insulation boards, in electrical and electronic applications, and textiles. The chemical is found world-wide in the environment and wildlife. HBCD is transported long distances in the environment, it bioaccumulates and biomagnifies in the food chain, and is highly toxic to aquatic organisms. Human exposure is evidenced from its presence in breast milk, adipose tissue, and blood. Animal test results indicate that HBCD causes potential reproductive, developmental and neurological effects. EPA has evidence to suggest that the use of HBCD in textiles may be limited to specialty commercial applications. 
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 40 CFR 721   
Legal Authority: 15 USC 2601 et seq    15 USC 2604   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  03/26/2012  77 FR 17386   
Final Rule  05/00/2014 
Additional Information: Docket #: EPA-HQ-OPPT-2011-0489
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Information URL: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/   Public Comment URL: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=EPA-HQ-OPPT-2011-0489-0001  
Sectors Affected: 238320 Painting and Wall Covering Contractors; 313312 Textile and Fabric Finishing (except Broadwoven Fabric) Mills; 314121 Curtain and Drapery Mills; 314129 Other Household Textile Product Mills; 314999 All Other Miscellaneous Textile Product Mills; 325 Chemical Manufacturing; 337125 Household Furniture (except Wood and Metal) Manufacturing; 337910 Mattress Manufacturing; 337920 Blind and Shade Manufacturing; 423210 Furniture Merchant Wholesalers; 423220 Home Furnishing Merchant Wholesalers; 811420 Reupholstery and Furniture Repair 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Sue Slotnick
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Mail Code 7404T,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 566-1973
Email: slotnick.sue@epa.gov

Robert Courtnage
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Mail Code 7404T,
Washington, DC 20460
Phone:202 566-1081
Email: courtnage.robert@epa.gov