Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Reconsideration of the 610 Nonessential Products Ban

This final rulemaking amends the current regulations that implement the statutory ban on nonessential products that release Class I ozone-depleting substances under section 610 of the Clean Air Act, as amended. This final rule does not affect the use of Class II ozone- depleting substances. This rulemaking was developed by EPA based on new and compelling information that was gathered and indicates limited continued use by some sectors of Class I substances in products where the use of those substances today should be considered a "nonessential use of Class I substances in a product" based on the availability and widespread use of alternatives. The products affected by this rulemaking are aerosol products, pressurized dispensers, plastic foam products, and air-conditioning and refrigeration products that contain or are manufactured with Class I substances (e.g., chlorofluorocarbons). Through this action, an additional category of products will be added and some products will be removed from the list of banned products (i.e., products that cannot be introduced into interstate commerce).