United States · Chemicals

TSCA Import Certification in the United States

A practical guide to TSCA Import Certification for chemicals sold in the United States: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Importers and formulators placing chemical substances on the market in the United States; Brands selling products that contain regulated substances

Authority

Environmental Protection Agency

Legal basis

19 CFR section 12.118

Local representative

A local registrant or authorised representative is usually required

Timeline

Before import or sale; registration timelines vary by volume

Cost

Dossier preparation and testing dominate the cost

If you do not comply

Import blocks, fines, and liability in serious cases

Who needs this

Importers and formulators placing chemical substances on the market in the United States
Brands selling products that contain regulated substances

Documents you need

Substance inventory or registration dossier
Safety data sheets in the required language
Classification and labelling review
Exposure or risk assessment where required

Compliance checklist

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Substance inventory or registration dossier
Safety data sheets in the required language
Classification and labelling review
Exposure or risk assessment where required

How to comply

Identify substances and annual volumes
Check registration, notification, or authorisation duties
Prepare safety data sheets and labels
Track restricted substances and regulatory updates

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: TSCA Import Certification — United States
Product category: Chemicals
Authority: Environmental Protection Agency
Legal basis: 19 CFR section 12.118

Documents we already have:
  1. Substance inventory or registration dossier
  2. Safety data sheets in the required language
  3. Classification and labelling review
  4. Exposure or risk assessment where required

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under TSCA Import Certification in the United States?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Before import or sale; registration timelines vary by volume.

Dossier preparation and testing dominate the cost.

Common rejection reasons

Substance not registered or notified
Safety data sheet missing the local language
Wrong hazard classification
Restricted substance above the limit

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.

Official sources

FAQ

Who needs TSCA Import Certification in the United States?

Importers and formulators placing chemical substances on the market in the United States. Brands selling products that contain regulated substances. The importer of record normally holds the evidence.

What documents do I need for TSCA Import Certification?

Substance inventory or registration dossier; Safety data sheets in the required language; Classification and labelling review; and exposure or risk assessment where required.

What is the first step for TSCA Import Certification?

Identify substances and annual volumes, then check registration, notification, or authorisation duties. Before import or sale; registration timelines vary by volume.

How long does TSCA Import Certification take?

Before import or sale; registration timelines vary by volume.

How much does TSCA Import Certification cost?

Dossier preparation and testing dominate the cost.

What happens if I sell without it?

Import blocks, fines, and liability in serious cases.

Who regulates TSCA Import Certification in the United States?

Environmental Protection Agency.