19 C.F.R. §§ 12.118–12.127

Chemical substances in bulk form and as part of a mixture under TSCA;

TSCA-excluded chemicals; and

Articles containing a chemical substance or mixture if so required by the Administrator by specific rule under TSCA.

TSCA chemical substance in bulk form. “TSCA chemical substance in bulk form” means a chemical substance as set forth in section 3(2) of TSCA, (15 U.S.C. 2602(2)) (other than as part of an article) in containers used for purposes of transportation or containment, provided that the chemical substance is intended to be removed from the container and has an end use or commercial purpose separate from the container.

TSCA chemical substance as part of a mixture. “TSCA chemical substance as part of a mixture” means a chemical substance as set forth in section 3(2) of TSCA, (15 U.S.C. 2602(2)) that is part of a combination of two or more chemical substances as set forth in section 3(10) of TSCA.

TSCA-excluded chemicals. “TSCA-excluded chemicals” means any chemicals that are excluded from the definition of TSCA chemical substance by section 3(2)(B) (ii)-(vi) of TSCA, (15 U.S.C. 2602(2) (B) (ii)-(vi)) (other than as part of a mixture), regardless of form.

Covered commodity. “Covered commodity” means merchandise that meets the terms of one of the definitions specified in paragraph (a), (b), or (d) of this section or that is a mixture as defined in TSCA.

Administrator. “Administrator” means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

TSCA chemical substances or mixtures as parts of articles. An importer of a TSCA chemical substance or mixture as part of an article must comply with the certification requirements set forth in paragraph (a) of this section only if required to do so by a rule or order issued under TSCA.

Facsimile signatures. The certification statements required under paragraph (a) of this section may be signed by means of an authorized facsimile signature.

The director of the port of arrival will detain, at the importer's risk and expense, shipments of covered commodity:

The director of the port of entry will detain shipments of covered commodity at the importer's risk and expense, in the following situations:

Upon detention of a shipment, the port director will give prompt notice to the Administrator and the importer. The notice will include the reasons for detention.

A detained shipment will not be held in the custody of the port director for more than 48 hours after the date of detention. Thereafter, the shipment will be promptly turned over to the Administrator for storage or disposition as provided for in §§ 12.127 and 127.28(i), unless previously released to the importer under bond as provided in § 12.123(b). Notice of intent to abandon the shipment by the importer will constitute a waiver of all time periods specified in parts 12 and 127.

Submission of written documentation. If a shipment is detained by a port director under § 12.122, the importer may submit written documentation to the Administrator with a copy to the port director within 20 days from the date of notice of detention, to show cause why the shipment should not be refused entry. If an importer submits that documentation, the Administrator will allow or deny entry of the shipment within 10 days of receipt of the documentation, and in any case will allow or deny entry of the shipment within 30 days of the date of notice of detention.

Release under Bond. The port director may release to the importer a shipment detained for any of the reasons given in § 12.122 when the port director has reasonable grounds to believe that the shipment may be brought into compliance, or when the port director deems it appropriate under § 141.66 of this chapter. Any such release will be conditioned upon furnishing a bond on CBP Form 301, containing the conditions set forth in § 113.62 of this chapter for the return of the shipment to CBP custody. If a shipment of a covered commodity is released to the importer under bond, the shipment will be held intact and will not be used or otherwise disposed of until the Administrator makes a final determination on entry as provided for in paragraph (c) of this section.

Determination by the Administrator. After consideration of the available evidence and within 30 days from the notice of detention, the Administrator will notify the port director and the importer of his decision either to permit or refuse entry of the shipment. If the Administrator finds that the shipment is in compliance with TSCA, the port director will release the shipment to the importer. If the Administrator finds that the shipment is not in compliance, the port director will:

Time limitations. The importer of a shipment of a covered commodity which has been detained under § 12.122 must bring the shipment into compliance with TSCA or export the shipment from the customs territory of the United States within 90 days after notice of detention or 30 days of demand for redelivery, whichever comes first.

Time extensions. The port director, upon notification by the Administrator, may grant an extension of not more than 30 days if, due to delays caused by the Environmental Protection Agency or the CBP:

The name and address of the exporter or his agent;

A description of the covered commodity exported;

The destination (country);

The port of arrival at the destination;

The carrier;

The date of exportation; and