Electronics Industry Urges Congress to Modernize TSCA Framework

Sep 17, 2025

by Diana Radovan, Director, Sustainability Policy

Key Summary

• The Global Electronics Association joined more than 100 associations in urging Congress to modernize the TSCA framework.
• The coalition calls for timely chemical reviews, reduced unnecessary regulatory hurdles, and a risk-based approach aligned with real-world use.
• Recommended improvements include clearer scientific standards and stronger transparency across TSCA processes.
• The goal is to protect health and the environment while maintaining supply chain stability and supporting innovation in U.S. electronics manufacturing.

The Global Electronics Association has joined more than 100 industry associations in urging Congress to adopt pragmatic updates to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). In a joint letter, the coalition called for a regulatory framework that safeguards human health and the environment while supporting supply chain stability and innovation in U.S. electronics manufacturing.

The coalition recommends several actions to strengthen TSCA, including:

  • Establishing timely and predictable reviews of new chemicals

  • Preventing unnecessary regulatory hurdles, such as the excessive use of Consent Orders and Significant New Use Rules which can discourage adoption of innovative, sustainable chemistries

  • Applying a risk-based approach to regulation that reflects real-world uses and intended applications

  • Clarifying and reinforcing scientific standards for determining “the weight of the scientific evidence”

  • Enhancing transparency across TSCA sections related to testing, petitions, and data sharing

For more information, please contact me at DianaRadovan@electronics.org.

Q:
Why is the electronics industry asking Congress to update TSCA?
A:

Because the current framework can create delays and barriers that affect supply chain stability and make it harder to adopt safe and innovative chemistries.
 

Q:
What improvements to chemical reviews are being recommended?
A:

The coalition requests timely and predictable reviews for new chemicals to ensure companies can plan and innovate without unnecessary delays.
 

Q:
Why are Consent Orders and Significant New Use Rules a concern?
A:

Their excessive use can create regulatory hurdles that discourage the adoption of new, sustainable materials and chemistries.
 

Q:
What does a risk-based approach mean in this context?
A:

It means regulating substances based on real-world applications and exposure scenarios instead of applying broad or unrealistic assumptions.
 

Q:
How would increased transparency improve TSCA implementation?
A:

Greater clarity in testing requirements, petitions, and data sharing would help companies understand expectations and comply more efficiently.