The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released an official statement to amend the existing regulation on PIP (3:1) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

In specific, EPA extending the compliance date for certain PIP (3:1) containing articles to March 2022. Also, EPA extending the compliance date for the recordkeeping requirements applicable to manufacturers, processors, and distributors from March 8, 2021, to March 8, 2022.

Why EPA gives extension more particular on PIP (3:1)?  

- PIP (3:1) is used in a wide variety of electronics, from cell phones to robotics used to manufacture semiconductors, to equipment used to move COVID-19 vaccines and keep them at the appropriate temperature. 

- Prohibition on processing and distribution of PIP (3:1) could impact the supply chain for a wide variety of articles 

Since, locating the presence of, and finding alternatives to, PIP (3:1) in components placed in a complex international supply chain is very difficult, EPA provides a short-term extension to ensure that the supply chain of important articles is not interrupted.

After ECHA’s opinion on the classification of glyphosate, EFSA will take the outcome into account in its review and is expected to finalize its work in the second half of 2022. The approval of Glyphosate for use in the EU will then decide by the European Commission with the risk managers from the 27 EU Member States.

Reference: EPA extends compliance date for PIP (3:1)