As expected, the direct final rule requiring reporting "health and safety studies" under TSCA 8(d) for anything with cadmium in it was too controversial. EPA announced Dec. 14, 2012 [Federal Register notice published 12/28/12]:
On December 3, 2012, EPA published an immediate final rule requiring the reporting of existing and unpublished health and safety data for cadmium and cadmium compounds used in consumer products pursuant to section 8(d) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Based on several letters asking questions and raising concerns about the scope and extent of the immediate final rule that indicate that there is significant confusion and uncertainty within certain industrial sectors concerning the rule, EPA has decided to withdraw the immediate final rule and will sign a Federal Register notice announcing this decision no later than the January 2, 2013, effective date of the immediate final. EPA will be considering the questions and concerns raised in response to the immediate final rule and next steps with regard to this rule. EPA will also continue to work with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to reduce exposure to cadmium in consumer products generally, and especially those consumer products used by or around children, such as children’s metal jewelry.
EPA appears to be trying to push the envelope of their TSCA authorities - which they should - but this was a tad too far for a direct final (no public comment) rule.