H.R. 7181: Replacement Parts Availability Act

The Replacement Parts Availability Act aims to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act, specifically regarding the regulation of replacement parts for complex durable and consumer goods. Here are the main points of the bill:

Exemption of Replacement Parts

The bill introduces a provision where certain replacement parts for complex durable and consumer goods manufactured before a specific regulatory rule is published will be exempt from regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act if the following conditions are met:

• In general: Replacement parts designed prior to the rule's publication are exempt from regulation.
• Regulation condition: The Administrator can only regulate these parts if it is found through a risk evaluation that they significantly contribute to risks to the general population or specific subpopulations.
• Evidence requirement: There must be a written determination supported by substantial evidence that the part contributes significantly to these risks.

Clarification of Risk Evaluations

• If replacement parts are excluded from a risk evaluation, any resulting rule will be treated as final action to exclude these parts from future regulations.

Manufacturing and Importation of Chemical Substances

• The bill prevents the prohibition of manufacturing, processing, or importing chemical substances necessary for producing the exempted replacement parts.
• Procedures will be established to ensure that such activities are limited to the manufacturers of the replacement parts.

Transition Period

• Any prohibitions or restrictions on replacement parts will include a transition period of at least 10 years.

Technical Corrections

The bill also includes some technical corrections to the language of the Toxic Substances Control Act for clarity and accuracy.

Relevant Companies

None found