The FedEx Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Form or Certification is an essential document for shippers who deal in hazardous materials. Without this form, your shipment will not be cleared by the U.S. EPA and Customs Protection.
Examples of chemical or hazardous packages that require the FedEx TSCA form include asbestos, formaldehyde, lead, mercury, and certain hexavalent chromium compounds.
These materials can be harmful to humans and the environment. Hence, they require proper identification, documentation, packaging, and storage under suitable conditions.
This guide explains the meaning and significance of the FedEx TSCA Form, the available types, and how to fill out the form. You will also discover where to mail this form.
What is the FedEx TSCA Form and What Does it Cover?
The FedEx Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Form is a mandatory document for shipping chemicals and hazardous substances or materials.
This document is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBD). It ensures that hazardous materials are properly identified and documented during shipping to protect public health and the environment.
In addition, it helps with tracking these hazardous materials. Chemical substances that can be reported to these authorities include but are not limited to substances used in manufacturing, processing, distribution, and disposal.
Common examples are PCBs, asbestos, and lead.
Types of FedEx TSCA Forms
Generally, there are two main types of TSCA Forms:
1. Single shipment TSCA Form
This type of TSCA Form features the Waybill or Reference Number section. You are expected to enter the International Air Waybill Number (IAWB) of the shipment in this section.
A digital copy should be sent to the FedEx trace agent at paperwork@fedex.com using the IAWB number as the email subject line. On the other hand, the physical copy should feature in the shipment documents during compilation.
This is what the document looks like:
2. Multiple shipment TSCA Form
This certification is necessary for filing multiple commodities with the FedEx Trade Network and is valid for twelve months. Ensure you include the data at the top of the form and select either positive or negative for the content of the shipment.
In addition, all TSCA-regulated items in the container should be included, not just the content of a single shipment. This document has 3 columns for every shipment. You don’t have to select all. Just select the ones that apply to your shipment.
While it is not compulsory to provide your company name and address for this form, you must specify the customer’s details. This helps FedEx create or update its profile.
After filling out the multiple commodity TSCA Form, send it to supportservices@fedex.com. Please note that this email address only accepts multiple shipment TSCA Forms. Below is what the TSCA Form for multiple shipments looks like:
How to Fill Out the Form
Filling out the FedEx TSCA Form or Certificate correctly is essential to comply with regulatory requirements. Otherwise, your package will experience a delay until you follow the correct procedure. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fill out the form:
- Provide the name, address, and contact information of your company. Ensure each piece of information is accurate and up to date. Please note that providing this information, especially the company name and address may be optional.
- Describe the chemical substance or material you are shipping. Include information like their common or trade names, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) numbers, and what you plan to use them for.
- Indicate whether the substance is subjected to additional TSCA regulations and specific TSCA sections that apply.
- If these chemical materials are regulated under other federal laws, please indicate it where necessary.
- Answer questions regarding the source, destination, and quantity of the shipment.
- Provide information about the packaging type, labeling, and marking used for these toxic mixtures.
- Sign and date the document to certify its accuracy and completeness.
How Long is the Form or Certification Valid?
Generally, the FedEx TSCA Form is valid for the duration of the shipment. Because single shipment arrives at their destination faster, they feature lesser validity than the multiple shipment certification.
However, you should note that the regulations applicable to your shipment can also impact validity.
Where to Send or Mail the FedEx TSCA Form?
After filling out the TSCA Form and it is certified, you must send it to the appropriate FedEx email address. Single shipment forms should be mailed to paperwork@fedex.com, while multiple-shipment forms should be sent to supportservices@fedex.com.
Once they arrive, it becomes FedEx’s responsibility to send them to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other appropriate authorities, depending on the type of shipment.
In addition, there are instances where you may require additional documentation to be included with your shipment. Hence, verify the latest regulations or instructions and apply them appropriately to speed up shipment delivery.
FAQs
Does TSCA apply to exports?
Yes, anybody who exports or intends to export hazardous or chemical shipments must comply with TSCA regulations and notify EPA of its activity.
Does TSCA apply to finished goods?
It depends on the composition of the product. Hence, TSCA may apply to any individual who manufactures, imports, processes, distributes, or disposes of a chemical substance harmful to the environment.
What is 4 for TSCA?
Section 4 of the TSCA form allows the shipper and the importer to provide and submit comprehensive information about the product to EPA.
Who signs the TSCA Form?
The importer. This can be done electronically or in writing at the Customs and Border Protection office by the importer or representative of the importer.
Wrapping Up
The FedEx TSCA Form plays a significant role in the movement of hazardous materials and compliance with environmental/public safety. However, you must choose the suitable type for your shipment, fill it out correctly, and submit it to the appropriate authorities.
Staying up to date about the entire TSCA regulation is also relevant. It helps address issues relating to record-keeping, packaging, and labeling. These updates are necessary to provide importers with a seamless and efficient shipping experience.
I hope you found this guide helpful. For further reading, here is how to cancel a FedEx shipment and have it returned to you.
Thanks for reading.
