• The CDR regulation requires manufacturers (including importers) to provide EPA with information on the production and use of chemicals in commerce.
• Information is collected every four years from manufacturers (including importers) of certain chemicals in commerce generally when production volumes for the chemical are 25,000 pounds or greater for a specific reporting year.

Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) data collection provides chemical manufacture, processing, and use information that helps the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identify what chemicals, from those listed on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory, the public may be exposed to as consumers or in commercial and industrial settings. The data also help EPA assess routes of potential exposure to those chemicals.

Overview

The CDR regulation at 40 CFR 711, as authorized by section 8(a) of TSCA, requires manufacturers (including importers) to provide EPA with information on the production and use of chemicals in commerce. The CDR rule was formerly known as the Inventory Update Rule (IUR).

Under Part 711, EPA collects basic exposure-related information including information on the types, quantities and uses of chemical substances produced domestically and imported into the U.S. The CDR database constitutes the most comprehensive source of basic screening-level, exposure-related information on chemicals available to EPA and is used to protect the public from potential chemical risks.

The information is collected every four years from manufacturers (including importers) of certain chemicals in commerce generally when production volumes for the chemical are 25,000 pounds or greater for a specific reporting year. However, a reduced reporting threshold (2,500 pounds) applies to chemical substances subject to certain TSCA actions. Collecting the information every four years assures that EPA and (for non-confidential data) the public have access to up-to-date information on chemicals.

How does EPA use CDR data?

EPA uses CDR data to support risk screening, risk assessment, chemical prioritization, risk evaluation, and risk management activities, among other activities. This information allows EPA to develop an understanding of the types, amount, end uses, and possible exposure to chemicals in commerce.

The data include information on the manufacture (including import), industrial processing and use, and consumer and commercial use of certain chemicals currently listed on the TSCA Inventory, a list of chemicals that are manufactured (including imported) or processed in the U.S. Processing and use information helps EPA screen and prioritize chemicals for the purpose of identifying potential human health and environmental effects.