The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency took final action on April 13 to revise the start of the reporting period for the Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Reporting and Recordkeeping Rule (PFAS Reporting Rule) for the submission period for data reporting to begin on January 31, 2027, or 60 days following the effective date of a forthcoming final rule on substantive changes to the PFAS Reporting Rule, whichever is earlier.
This rule change deals with timing only.
The original 2023 rule reporting period was to start on November 12, 2024 (later delayed administratively). The rule assumed reporting would begin on a fixed date tied to the original rulemaking timeline.
With this April 13, 2026 Final Rule, the EPA formally revised the regulatory text to delay the start date: the earlier of January 31, 2027, or 60 days after the effective date of a forthcoming final rule addressing substantive PFAS reporting requirements. The six‑month reporting window remains in place. An additional six months is still possible for small manufacturers reporting only as article importers.
The EPA also indicated that substantive revisions to PFAS reporting are forthcoming based on the November 2025 proposed rule and the large number of public comments. All essential aspects of the rule continue to apply until decisions are made about any substantive changes. The EPA is considering reducing the scope of reportable activities by adding exemptions for:
- De minimis PFAS content (≤ 0.1% by weight)
- Imported articles
- Byproducts and impurities
- Research and development substances
- Non‑isolated intermediates.
The EPA is evaluating whether to address all, some, or none of these potential changes.
To improve data quality, the EPA expressed interest in:
- Clarifying PFAS identity reporting
- Refining reporting for mixtures versus articles
- Addressing consistency in reporting volume and use.
Click here to read more in the Federal Register.