EPA Prepares For TSCA CBI Sunset Amid Industry Concerns And Litigation

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is preparing for a large number of confidential business information (CBI) claims under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to begin expiring in June 2026. See 91 Fed. Reg. 371 (Jan. 6, 2026). This marks 10 years since the 2016 Lautenberg amendments, which set a 10-year limit on most CBI claims unless affirmatively renewed. EPA anticipates a rolling "CBI sunset" process affecting several thousand submissions through the end of 2027.

Companies must reassert and substantiate CBI claims before the 10-year deadline to maintain protection. Those failing to submit timely or complete requests risk public disclosure of previously confidential information. Certification and substantiation requirements are outlined in 40 C.F.R. § 703.5(a) and (b). Rules identifying information not subject to either routine substantiation requirements or the 10-year expiration under TSCA section 14(e) can be found in 40 C.F.R. § 703.5(b)(5).