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 and use in motor vehicles.