Reps. Hudson, Balderson Introduce “Replacement Parts Availability Act” to Protect Consumers and Keep Vehicles Safe

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Representatives Richard Hudson (NC-09) and Troy Balderson (OH-12) introduced the Replacement Parts Availability Act, which amends the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) to remove unnecessary and burdensome restrictions on automotive manufacturers.

"Americans shouldn't have to deal with unnecessary regulations when it comes to replacing their auto parts,"said Rep. Hudson. "Our bill enables auto manufacturers to continue to produce the parts they need without burdensome, unnecessary Washington regulations."

"For years, EPA's inconsistent application of TSCA has created unnecessary red tape that raises costs and limits access to replacement parts for products Americans rely on every day. When materials needed for repairs are cut off, consumers are forced to replace entire products rather than repair them, driving up costs. This bill makes common-sense changes to TSCA that cut red tape, keep repair costs affordable, and protect consumers," said Rep. Balderson.

"Warranty law requires automakers to provide factory-made replacement parts for many years after a vehicle is originally sold. But since 2016, EPA has prevented automakers and other manufacturers from using the chemicals needed to make those vehicle replacement parts in a safe and environmentally responsible way. What happens then? Consumers delay or skip routine repairs or buy dangerous knockoff parts from sketchy suppliers in China. That's not a result anyone wants. Reps. Hudson and Balderson's plan ensures consumers can get those essential replacement parts they need to safely and affordably repair their vehicles." - John Bozzella, president and CEO, Alliance for Automotive Innovation:

The problem:

TSCA Section 6(c)(2)(D) directs EPA to exempt replacement parts for complex durable goods designed before a TSCA risk management rule is published, unless EPA finds, through a risk evaluation, that the replacement parts significantly contribute to the risk. EPA has applied this provision inconsistently across rulemakings, creating uncertainty for manufacturers and risking shortages of replacement parts.

What the bill does:

• Clarifies an exemption for replacement parts for complex durable and complex consumer goods designed before the publication of a TSCA rule.
• Limits EPA regulation of replacement parts to cases where EPA makes an express written determination, supported by substantial evidence in a risk evaluation, that the replacement part alone significantly contributes to the risk.
• Protects upstream supply by preventing EPA from prohibiting the manufacture, processing, or import of a chemical substance to the extent necessary to manufacture exempt replacement parts, with procedures to ensure activity is limited to replacement-part manufacturing.
• Provides a minimum 15-year transition period for any prohibition or restriction on replacement parts if EPA makes the required findings.

Why this matters:

The average vehicle on the road is more than 12 years old, and owners rely on replacement parts to ensure safe operation and to cover warranty repairs.

If EPA bans a chemical upstream, a "use-stage exemption" can be meaningless in practice because the material supply is cut off.

Clear rules help protect consumers, strengthen American manufacturing, and keep safety-critical repairs available for years to come.

Read the bill text here