Chemical Information Call-In FAQs

what is the intent of the law?

According to the legislative history, the law reduces costs to state government by shifting the burden for the development of new analytical methods to those who manufacture or import chemicals. 

Who is affected?

The law applies to:  [1] individuals and companies who produce a chemical in California and [2] those who import a chemical into the state for sale in California. 

what chemicals are covered by the law?

Chemicals include any organic or inorganic substance of a particular identity, as defined in section 2602 of Title 15 of the United States Code.  Mixtures, pesticides, tobacco, nuclear material, food, food additives, drugs, cosmetics and certain other chemicals are excluded.

why were the chemicals selected for call-in?

DTSC selected the “call-in” chemicals because these are in use commercially and important data gaps exist regarding analytical methods, physicochemical properties, toxicity, fate and transport, and other key health and environmental parameters. 

what information is requested?

DTSC searches publicly-available information and data sources and consults manufacturers about information for chemicals.  The law identifies types of information that may be “called-in” including, but not limited to:  analytical test methods (including metabolites and degradation products for chemicals in all relevant matrices), the octanol-water partition coefficient and bioconcentration factors for humans for the chemical, and information on the fate and transport of the chemical in the environment. 

how will dtsc minimize inefficient duplication of effort in gathering the information?

To help minimize the burden and cost of gathering information, companies can participate in discussions throughout the chemical information call-in process.  DTSC provides online resources, workshops and meetings, and other ways to facilitate efficient information call-in.  We consult with manufacturers, research institutions, and government partners about the type, extent, gaps, and technical feasibility in developing the information to be called-in.

how will manufacturers and importers know what information dtsc already has?

Pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 57019(d)(2), DTSC compiles information on chemicals from publicly available sources in state, federal, and intergovernmental databases as well as published literature.  DTSC maintains this bibliography for each of the chemicals for which information is subsequently called-in. 

what if the information requested is not currently available?

Health and Safety Code section 57019(d)(2) provides that, upon request of a state agency, the manufacturer, within one year, shall provide the state agency with the additional information requested for a specific chemical.

how will trade secrets be protected?

If a manufacturer believes the information provided to a state agency pursuant to the call-in law involves release of a trade secret, the manufacturer shall make the disclosure to the state agency and notify the state agency in writing the specific information it believes is a trade secret and provide documentation supporting its conclusion.  The state agency shall protect from disclosure a trade secret designated by a manufacturer.