Replacement Parts Availability Act

H.R. 7181 would amend the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to clarify how the EPA regulates replacement parts for vehicles and complex consumer goods. The bill addresses concerns that the EPA has inconsistently applied exemptions for replacement parts designed before new chemical regulations take effect, creating uncertainty for manufacturers and potentially limiting consumers' access to affordable repair parts.

Under the bill, the EPA would only be able to regulate replacement parts if it makes a formal written determination, supported by substantial evidence, that the replacement part alone significantly contributes to health or safety risks. The bill would also provide a minimum 15-year transition period before any prohibition or restriction on replacement parts takes effect, and would protect the supply chain needed to manufacture exempt replacement parts. Supporters argue these changes would help consumers afford repairs rather than replacing entire products, while ensuring manufacturers can continue producing necessary parts without excessive regulatory burdens.