What Happens after a PMN Is Submitted

The ninety day review period starts when the EPA receives a complete PMN form. The EPA assigns a receipt number, acknowledges receipt of the PMN, and informs the submitter of the date the PMN was received. If the information is not complete then the ninety day review period does not begin until the gaps are filled.If another person is supplying confidential information then the review period begins when the EPA receives all the necessary information.A Document Control Number is assigned if the PMN is complete.  

After that, the EPA checks the Inventory to determine if the substance is already on it, which would eliminate the need to go through the PMN process. It also reviews the circumstances of the substance s manufacture and use to determine if the substance is exempt from the PMN process.  

The EPA publishes notices in the Federal Register announcing the receipt of PMNs, and gives brief descriptions of the name of the chemical, the use, the identity of the submitter and the chemical name, unless any of this information is claimed to be confidential. 

During its initial review of the PMN, the EPA uses the data submitted in the PMN form to assess risks associated with the entire life cycle of the subject chemical. It considers information about related chemicals and the chemistry involved in synthesizing the subject chemical as well as impurities, byproducts and degradation products. The EPA may conduct a literature search during the initial review of a PMN, but there is no requirement for it to do so. The EPA may also ask the PMN submitter questions. 

Although not one of the EPA s designated categories, certain high molecular weight polymers that are not soluble in water are also likely to result in 5(e) orders.  

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