In April 2012 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed a Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) regarding certain Polybrominated Diphenylethers (PBDEs).
The rule would require a person who intends to import or process any of the seven PBDEs included in the proposed SNUR, as part of an article for a significant new use would be required to notify EPA at least 90 days in advance, ensuring that the that EPA has an opportunity to review, restrict or prohibit a new use, as necessary.
EPA is also proposing a test rule under TSCA that would require testing on health and environmental effects after December 21, 2013 any entity manufacturing or processing in any articles for any use of pentabromodiphenyl ether (cpentaBDE), octabromodiphenyl ether (c-octaBDE), or decaBDE (c-decaBDE). Additionally, the EPA proposes to designate all discontinued uses of PBDEs as significant new uses.
For more information, read section 5(a) of TSCA.