IMPORTANT: We are not legal professionals, and the information we provide should not be considered legal advice.
What is Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)?
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is a federal law in the United States, overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), that governs the production, importation, usage, and disposal of chemical substances. This legislation is designed to safeguard human health and the environment by ensuring that chemical substances do not pose an unreasonable risk. Regarding TSCA certification for the shipping or transportation of chemicals, including through carriers such as FedEx, the primary emphasis lies on adhering to the regulations concerning the import, export, and accurate labeling of chemicals in compliance with TSCA standards.
Why do I have to fill out the Toxic Substance Control Act form?
This documentation is essential for adhering to the regulations set by the US Customs Office, particularly for shipments that include ink or specific non-toxic paints. If you’re based in the US, it’s highly likely that you’ve purchased a fountain pen, ballpoint pen, or any ink-containing product from abroad.
How do I fill out the Toxic Substance Control Act form?
Inquire with the company from which you made your purchase to confirm if they are the actual seller of the products. Typically, you can find instructions on how to complete the form on their homepage or FAQ section. If this information is not easily accessible or if you made your purchase through a proxy buying service, you, as the importer, are responsible for filling out the form.
Download the PDF form or use the PDF sent from your FedEx tracing agent.
https://ftn.fedex.com/forms/TSCA_Certification.pdf
- Open the PDF in Acrobat or similar programs to fill out the form.
- Enter the date
- Enter the waybill # (this is the FedEx tracking #)
- Check Positive or Negative certification (check only one!)
- Enter the certifier name (you), phone # and email address
- Sign next to the certifier signature. This can easily be done using Adobe Acrobat.
- Product descriptions. Enter each item separately that contains ink. If you don’t know, enter all the products from your package.
- Email the FedEx tracing agent the PDF.
If you are stuck filling out the form, call the TSCA Hotline at 202-554-1404. They operate Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time
Once your submission is complete, you can expect your package to be released within 1 to 5 business days.
What happens if I don’t submit the requested paperwork in time?
It is crucial to submit the required PDF on time; otherwise, your package will be sent back to the shipper. This situation will result in you incurring the return shipping fees as well as the cost of resending the package to you. Therefore, it is essential to act quickly and submit the document without delay.
Good to Know
- FedEx charges higher return fees when a package is sent back to the shipper than the original shipping cost. Please ensure that the requested form is submitted promptly.
- Always keep an eye on the tracking details for the latest updates.
Conclusion
When planning to purchase ink or specialized non-toxic paints, it’s essential to be well-prepared to prevent any delays. For more insights, be sure to explore our other blog posts on international shipping.
