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TSCA New Chemicals Under Review Tracking

As of May 28, 2026

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New Chemicals Analysis

Under the 2016 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) amendments, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has 90 days to review and make a determination on a new chemical before the manufacturer can commence production of the new substance (or import the substance) can enter the marketplace. If needed, TSCA authorizes EPA to extend the review period by an additional 90 days, totaling 180 days.

Of the 453 new chemicals under TSCA review, 37 have been reviewed within the 90-day TSCA-mandated review period.

EPA Administrator Zeldin and staff have taken meaningful steps to improve new chemical reviews. These efforts matter, and recent median-time improvements show progress is possible. But they can’t do it alone. Congress must pass legislation to fix TSCA before the September 30th, 2026 deadline.

90-Day Backlog

409 new chemicals, representing 91.9% of active PMN cases, have been under EPA review for more than 90 days. The 90-day backlog of PMN cases showed no change as of January 23, 2026.

365-Day Backlog

307 active PMN cases, representing 69.0%, have been under review for 365 days or more. The 365-day backlog has increased by 0.3% since January 23, 2026. 

Delays in TSCA New Chemical Reviews: A Threat to U.S. Innovation and Manufacturing

Under TSCA Section 5, EPA is required to make a determination on a new chemical within 90 days. Recently, EPA’s approach has resulted in persistent delays, threatening U.S. innovation and manufacturing:

  • These delays create uncertainty for America’s innovators, hinder domestic investments and push new chemistries overseas. Ultimately, the backlog in TSCA new chemical reviews undermines U.S. leadership and competitiveness in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, new chemicals are often subject to overly restrictive conditions without any clear, science-driven and risk-based justification.

Why It Matters

  • Innovation at Risk: AI, advanced materials, semiconductors and next-generation chemistries all depend on timely regulatory decisions. When reviews stall, so does progress.
  • U.S. Competitiveness: Each delay erodes America’s ability to lead and manufacture in critical sectors like AI, semiconductors, health care or national defense.

Want a Deeper Dive int the New Chemicals Progam?

Learn more about why the TSCA New Chemicals Program backlogs matter.

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Roadmap for Timely Chemical Reviews

To restore confidence in TSCA new chemicals program and bolster America’s leadership in innovation and manufacturing, EPA must act now to:

  • Timely completion of reviews is essential to providing certainty for investments in innovation and manufacturing.
  • Adopt science-driven, risk-focused reviews that prioritize real-world data over speculative assumptions.
  • Build trust through transparency by publishing clear performance metrics to demonstrate accountability and efficiency.

Timely TSCA new chemical reviews are not just a regulatory requirement, they are critical for U.S. innovation, job creation and manufacturing dominance. Without action, America risks losing ground to global competitors in the technologies that will define and drive the future of our modern society. 

Last Updated: May 28, 2026

Read ACC’s Summary Sheet on EPA’s TSCA New Chemicals Program

* The data above spans from 2017 to the present and is updated monthly. It is collected from two EPA public sources and may contain discrepancies. This information reflects the status of EPA’s progress completing TSCA new chemicals reviews.