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Survey Finds Majority of Chemical Manufacturers Support Changing TSCA Review Process

As Congress prepares to reauthorize EPA's Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) New Chemicals Program user fee authority before its September 30 expiration, the Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA) released new survey findings about the act. Nearly 93% of manufacturers say a faster, more predictable TSCA Section 5 review process for new chemicals would make them more likely to reshore manufacturing and products to the United States.  The findings underscore that modernizing EPA's new chemical review program is critical to strengthening American manufacturing.

The survey results show an increasingly lengthy and unpredictable review process is affecting decisions about where new products are commercialized, where manufacturing investments are made, and whether innovative chemistries are developed in the United States or abroad. According to SOCMA, the consequences extend well beyond regulatory compliance to many of Congress' broader priorities, including supply chain resilience, advanced manufacturing, and economic competitiveness.

"Congress has spent years working to strengthen domestic manufacturing, secure critical supply chains, and reduce America's dependence on foreign suppliers," said Jenn Klein, president and CEO of SOCMA. "The TSCA Section 5 program plays a direct role in whether those goals are achieved. Our survey shows the current process is increasingly influencing where companies invest, innovate, and manufacture. Reauthorization provides a rare opportunity to modernize the program, so it better supports American competitiveness while continuing to protect human health and the environment."

The survey’s key findings include:

More than 60% of respondents report EPA review timelines exceeding one year
100% of companies experiencing delays said product commercialization has been postponed
82% report losing business opportunities because of prolonged reviews
70% have canceled projects due to regulatory delays
Two-thirds say review delays are affecting decisions about locating manufacturing in the United States
Nearly 93% say a more timely, transparent review process would increase the likelihood of reshoring manufacturing and products to the United States
100% say greater certainty and predictability would encourage additional U.S. investment

The survey also found that nearly half of respondents say EPA review delays are slowing the development of PFAS alternatives and other advanced chemistries needed across industries including pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, electronics, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing.

SOCMA is urging Congress and the Administration to act on five reforms that manufacturers claim are critical to restoring an efficient, science-based TSCA Section 5 program while maintaining strong protections for human health and the environment. The survey identifies five priorities: