For decades, Trichloroethylene (TCE) has been widely used in industrial and commercial applications for degreasing and cleaning, especially in industries like manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive. Though, because of its significant health and environmental risks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a ruling in December of 2024, banning all uses of TCE under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
TCE ban is from June 16, 2025 (All manufacturing of TCE for industrial and commercial use for batch vapor degreasing in open-top and closed-loop degreasing equipment except as specified elsewhere)
This article will outline the details of this ban, its compliance deadlines, and alternative solutions you can implement today, including Techspray’s TCE-free solvent replacements.
Background on TCE and Its Uses
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a volatile organic compound commonly used for:
- Vapor degreasing of metal parts in industrial cleaning
- Cleaning formulations for automotive and aerospace components
- Adhesives and coatings
- Refrigerant manufacturing
Nonetheless, prolonged exposure to TCE has been linked to serious health conditions, including cancer, neurological damage, and liver and kidney toxicity. The solvent also poses environmental hazards, as it contributes to groundwater contamination and air pollution.
Due to these risks, the EPA and international regulatory agencies have been working to phase out or strictly limit the use of this chemical.
The EPA’s Final Rule on TCE Ban
On December 17, 2024, the EPA issued its final ruling that banned all uses of TCE under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The decision was based on extensive scientific studies confirming TCE’s harmful effects on human health and the environment.
Key points of the ban:
- Issued Under: Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
- Primary Concerns:
- Carcinogenic effects
- Neurological and organ toxicity
- Groundwater and air contamination risks
- Scope: Prohibits manufacturing, processing, and distribution of TCE for all applications
Compliance Deadlines and Phased Implementation
The ban will be phased in over time, giving industries the time to transition to safer alternatives.
Here are the key deadlines:
- One-Year Ban (Effective December 2025):
- Most industrial and commercial uses of TCE will be prohibited.
- Vapor degreasing, adhesives, coatings, and refrigerants will no longer be allowed.
- Manufacturers must cease production and distribution of TCE-based products.
- Extended Compliance for Specific Industries:
- Medical Device & Aerospace Applications: Extended compliance time (deadline TBD) to allow for transition planning.
- Critical-Use Exemptions: Limited cases where industries may apply for a temporary exemption.
- Disposal & Transition Guidelines:
- Industries will be required to properly dispose of remaining TCE inventory following EPA regulations.
- Companies must identify and implement alternative degreasers.
Implications for Businesses & Industries
Industries that have historically relied on TCE must now act quickly to comply with the EPA’s ruling. Many of the affected industries include:
- Manufacturing & Heavy Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Automotive
- Electronics & Semiconductor Cleaning
- Medical Equipment Manufacturing
Failure to comply with the TCE ban could result in regulatory penalties, supply chain disruptions, and liability risks. Companies should begin transitioning to TCE-free alternatives immediately to avoid these consequences.
Alternatives to TCE for Industrial & Commercial Use
As industries shift away from TCE, safer and environmentally friendly degreasers must be identified. Techspray offers numerous TCE-free solvent replacements that provide powerful degreasing performance and meet regulatory standards.
Recommended Techspray TCE-Free Alternatives:
- PWR-4™ Solvent Cleaners
- High-performance degreaser for sensitive components
- Non-flammable and fast-drying
- Ideal for replacing TCE in vapor degreasing and precision cleaning
- Precision-V™ Vapor Degreaser Solvents
- Made for use in vapor degreasing equipment
- Offers high solvency power while remaining environmentally compliant
- Drop-in replacement for traditional TCE-based degreasers
- G3® Contact Cleaners
- Safe alternative for electronics and electrical contact cleaning
- Leaves no residue and dries quickly
- Formulated to meet EPA environmental standards
By making the transition to Techspray’s TCE-free degreasers, businesses can lower risks, ensure compliance, and maintain top cleaning performance.
Next Steps for Compliance & Transition
To stay ahead amidst the EPA’s regulatory deadline, companies should begin the transition process now. Here’s how:
- Conduct an Internal Audit
- Identify current applications using TCE-based products
- Assess the volume and frequency of TCE usage
- Test & Validate TCE-Free Alternatives
- Evaluate Techspray’s PWR-4™, Precision-V™, or G3® solutions
- Run comparative testing to ensure performance and material compatibility
- Train Employees on Safe Handling of New Solvents
- Make sure workers are trained on the proper use and disposal of TCE-free degreasers
- Update Equipment as Needed
- Some alternative solvents may require minor adjustments to vapor degreasers or cleaning systems
- Dispose of Remaining TCE Inventory
- Follow EPA hazardous waste guidelines for proper disposal
The Final Takeaway
With the EPA’s final ruling banning all uses of TCE, businesses must act now to find suitable regulatory-compliant replacements. Transitioning to TCE-free alternatives such as Techspray’s PWR-4™, Precision-V™, and G3® solvent cleaners positions companies to stay prepared for regulatory deadlines, protect workers, and maintain operational efficiency.
For expert guidance on TCE-free solvent replacements, visit Techspray’s Novec & TCE Replacement Solutions or get in touch with our team today.
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