EFFECTIVEFederalDec 18, 2024High priority✓ Human reviewed

EPA restricted PCE uses, including many automotive cleaning and degreasing uses

EPA finalized a TSCA risk-management rule for perchloroethylene (PCE) on December 18, 2024. The rule applies to automotive repair and maintenance sectors and prohibits most industrial and commercial uses on staggered timelines while allowing certain uses to continue only under workplace chemical protection or other specified controls. EPA specifically identified general aerosol degreasing among uses being prohibited or phased out, and its small-entity analysis includes brake-cleaner use.

chemicalsPCEperchloroethylenebrake cleanerdegreasingTSCA
What to check

Shops should check brake cleaners, aerosol degreasers, adhesives, sealants and other solvent products for PCE (perc/tetrachloroethylene). Do not assume every PCE use follows the same deadline: prohibited uses and uses allowed to continue under workplace controls have different schedules. Verify the product's condition of use and the current EPA compliance timeline before continuing use.

At a glance
LifecycleEffective
EffectiveDec 18, 2024
VerifiedSep 28, 2026
Official evidence

Source and verification

Verified
Sep 28, 2026

Informational only; not legal advice. We summarize the regulatory update and link directly to the official source so you can verify it.

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