The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to pass Significant New Use Rule (Snur) to restrict the use of trichloroethylene (TCE) in certain consumer products.

SNUR sets forth that importers or intending manufacturers for such substances shall notify competent departments at least 90 days ahead of the time.

According to SNUR, exemptions for consumer products containing TCE are as below:

• cleaners and solvent degreasers;
• film cleaners;
• hoof polishes;
• lubricants;
• mirror edge sealants; and
• pepper spray.

EPA is entitled to prohibit or limit the use of TCE prior to placing the products in the marketplace if it thinks products of this kind may harm human health or environment. A version of Snur is published by the EPA on 30 July. A 60-day comment period will begin after its publication in the Federal Register.

The proposed Snur follows a June 2014 TSCA work plan risk assessment of the chemical, which identified risks associated with the use of TCE in commercial degreasing, in spot treatment during dry cleaning operations, and in certain arts and crafts uses. Some businesses begin to phase out the use of the chemical.

PLZ Aeroscience, the only company offer arts and crafts containing TCE for sale, has recently reached an agreement to voluntarily phase out the use of TCE in its aerosol arts and crafts spray fixative product by 1 September, while their existing stocks are allowed to sell before that.