Regulatory Opportunities and Challenges in Commercialising Biobased Chemicals

Abstract

The 21st Century has witnessed intense renewed interest in commercialising new biobased chemicals, defined generally to include chemicals that are derived fromplants andother renewablematerials. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is the U.S. law that regulates industrial chemical substances, including biobased chemicals, used in applications other than food, drugs, cosmetics, and pesticides, or uses that are regulated by other federal authorities. TSCA was significantly amended in 2016, and stakeholders need now more than ever to understand how TSCA applies to biobased chemicals to appreciate the implications of new TSCA on their commercial operations. Doing so will better assure uninterrupted business operations and consistent TSCA compliance.