OMB is aware that companies subject to TSCA 12(b) export notifications continue to call for reform given their concern about the practical utility of the notifications to receiving countries, and in light of the pending implementation in the U.S. of the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent (PIC), which itself includes export notification requirements. In order to address these concerns, and additional concerns expressed by other stakeholders, EPA has indicate that it intends to report to OMB in one year on the status of PIC implementation in the United States. If the PIC agreement is in force in the U.S. in one year, EPA will also develop a plan of action for considering potential amendments to the 12b regulation. If the PIC agreement is not yet in force in one year, EPA will take stock of the status of the PIC agreement in the US and, if appropriate, develop a plan of action for considering potential changes to the 12b regulation. The renewal ICR that is scheduled to be preared in 2005 for submission in 2006 must describe the status of PIC agreeemnht implementation in the US and any Agency action sicne FY2003 or planned action concerning the 12b rule.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
08/31/2006
08/31/2006
08/31/2003
7,500
0
11,000
7,450
0
10,400
0
0
0
TSCA section 12(b) requires that any person who intends to export a chemical substance to foreign country a chemical substance or mixture for which submission of data is required under section 4 or 5(b), or for which a rule, action or order has been proposed or promolugated under Section 5, 6, or 7, shall notify the EPA Administrator of such export or intent to export. The admini- strator in turn will notify the government of the importing country of EPA's regulatory action with respect to the substance.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Notification of Chemical Exports - TSCA Section 12(b)