United States · Chemicals

US TSCA Import Certification

A practical guide to US 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
Chemical substances, mixtures, and articles containing them imported into the US; Importers of record for industrial and consumer chemical products
Authority
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and US Customs and Border Protection
Legal basis
TSCA section 13; 19 CFR Part 12
Local representative
The importer of record is responsible for the certification
Timeline
At the time of entry; records retained afterwards
Cost
No separate government fee; broker and testing costs apply
If you do not comply
Detention, seizure, and civil penalties

Who needs this

Documents you need

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

How to comply

  1. Confirm the inventory status of each substance
  2. Prepare the correct certification statement
  3. File with the customs entry
  4. Retain records to support the certification

Brief for your lab or agent

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Request: US TSCA Import Certification — United States
Product category: Chemicals
Authority: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and US Customs and Border Protection
Legal basis: TSCA section 13; 19 CFR Part 12

Documents we already have:
  1. Positive or negative TSCA import certification
  2. Safety data sheet and composition details
  3. Evidence of inventory status for each substance

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under US 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

At the time of entry; records retained afterwards.

No separate government fee; broker and testing costs apply.

Common rejection reasons

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

When is a negative certification used?

When the imported article does not contain a chemical substance subject to TSCA, or a valid exemption applies.

Do articles need certification?

Most articles are outside the certification scope, but the importer must still be able to justify that position.

How long does US TSCA Import Certification take?

At the time of entry; records retained afterwards.

How much does US TSCA Import Certification cost?

No separate government fee; broker and testing costs apply.

What happens if I sell without it?

Detention, seizure, and civil penalties.

Who regulates US TSCA Import Certification in the United States?

US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and US Customs and Border Protection.

Related requirements

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