Significant New Use Rule in the United States

Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) in Environmental Law

Toxic Substances Control Act, a person who wishes to manufacture or import a new chemical must register it with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prior to beginning that activity if the chemical is not on the chemical inventory. Along with other required information, the intended use of the chemical must be specified. If it is different from the uses noted for it on the inventory, the EPA issues a significant new use rule.

After a SNUR is issued, persons who intend to import the chemical or use it in the new way must give ninety days prior notice to the EPA in a significant new use notice (SNUN). For the purpose of this procedure, the EPA considers significant to include much more than one might suppose. For example, a large production increase, change in location of manufacturing, or exposure of greater numbers of people to the chemical are all deemed to be significant new uses.
Based on “Environment and the Law. A Dictionary”.