US EPA Releases Industry Guidance for Compliance with Methylene Chloride Rule

SafeGuardSAutomotive, Electrical & Electronics, Hardgoods, Personal and Protective Equipment, Softlines, Toys and Juvenile ProductsJuly 30, 2024

SG 118/24

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a compliance guide to help entities understand requirements and their responsibilities under the methylene chloride rule.

On April 30, 2024, the US EPA finalized a rule banning the solvent methylene chloride for most of its usages, including all consumer product uses (SG 77/24). For uses not banned under the rule, the agency set workplace protections through a Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP).

In order to help industry navigate and comply with the rule, the EPA released a guidance document on July 11, 2024. The guide, amongst other information, provides a detailed overview of all methylene chloride related uses categorized by type of measure applicable to that use. It lays out information on the WCPP, recordkeeping requirements and downstream notifications for usages not prohibited under the rule, or usages granted an extended transition period.

The document also provides guidance for methylene chloride uses subjected to a ban. The guide closes with enforcement related information, a FAQ, and the agency’s methylene chloride factsheet.

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