EPA recently finalized rules banning the use of TCE and PCE (perc). There seems to be some confusion regarding the compliance timeline, especially for drycleaners. To clear up any confusion, we summarized EPA’s compliance timeline.
▮ Prohibitions for Consumer Uses of PCE
Distributing PCE for consumer use will be phased out, with distribution by retailers for all such uses prohibited after March 8, 2027
▮ Prohibitions for Commercial Uses of PCE
Most commercial uses will be phased out, with all such uses prohibited after June 7, 2027.
▮ Prohibition on all distributors
All persons are prohibited from distributing in commerce (including making available) PCE, including any PCE-containing products, to retailers for any use other than dry cleaning after December 8, 2026.
▮ Prohibition on distribution by retailers
All retailers are prohibited from distributing in commerce (including making available) PCE, including any PCE-containing products after March 8, 2027.
Drycleaners and spot cleaners
▮ Prohibition on use of PCE in newly acquired dry cleaning machines
All persons are prohibited from industrial or commercial use of PCE in dry cleaning machines acquired after June 16, 2025
▮ Prohibition on dry cleaning and related spot cleaning in 3rd generation machines
All persons are prohibited from industrial or commercial use of PCE in dry cleaning and related spot cleaning in 3rd generation machines after December 20, 2027.
▮ Prohibition on all dry cleaning and related spot cleaning
All persons are prohibited from manufacturing (including importing), processing, distribution in commerce, or industrial or commercial use of PCE for dry cleaning and spot cleaning after December 19, 2034.
