SARA Title III Section 313: Toxic Chemical Release Inventory

Passage of SARA Title III created several federal reporting requirements for companies that handle toxic chemicals. (Many are incorporated into the reporting requirements on page 2-5 under "HazMat" agencies.)

Section 313 of Title III requires that certain manufacturers report annual releases to the environment of the listed toxic chemicals they use. Suppliers of listed chemicals and products containing listed chemicals are also required to notify their customers of the presence of "313" chemicals.

Regulations: 40 CFR 372

Summary of Requirements:

• Annual Toxic Chemical Release Report (EPA FORM R) -- Businesses that meet one or more of the following criteria must file a Form R:
  • SIC codes 20-39
  • Manufacture or process more than 25,000 lbs/yr of listed chemicals, OR
  • Use more than 10,000 lbs/yr of listed chemicals in any other way
• Supplier Notification -- Businesses which sell or distribute mixture or trade name products containing listed chemicals (to customers in SIC 20-39 or who redistribute to firms in SIC 20-29) must provide customer notification or pass on, unchanged, notices provided by the original manufacturer or supplier.

Resources Available From Federal EPA Title III Hotline:

• List of chemicals regulated under SARA Title III Section 313
• Form R and instructions for completing it
• Release estimating guidance documents