U.S. Bill H.R. 5373 Asbestos Ban

U.S. House of Representatives introduced H.R. 5373, known as the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2025. The legislation seeks to amend TSCA to implement a nationwide ban on commercial asbestos, aiming to eliminate its manufacture, import, processing, use, and distribution in the United States.

Asbestos Types Covered

The bill defines “commercial asbestos” as the asbestiform forms of the following eight minerals:

• Chrysotile
• Crocidolite
• Amosite
• Anthophyllite
• Tremolite
• Actinolite
• Richterite
• Winchite

The ban extends to mixtures and products containing asbestos, except where asbestos exists as a natural impurity.

Transition Periods & Exemptions

Chlor-Alkali Industry: Facilities using asbestos diaphragms may continue operations until 1 January 2030.
National Security: The President may grant a one-time exemption if asbestos is essential and no viable alternative exists.

Compliance Obligations

If enacted, industries affected must:

• Cease asbestos production and use immediately (except for granted exemptions)
• Phase out asbestos-based technologies before January 2030
• Review import supply chains to prevent asbestos-containing materials
• Update GHS-linked systems to align with U.S.-specific restrictions

Legislative Status

H.R. 5373 has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Stakeholders are advised to track committee discussions and prepare for potential regulatory changes.

Reference: Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act H.R. 5373