Eastman, its facilities, and its businesses are subject to complex health, safety, and environmental laws, regulations, and related voluntary actions, both in the U.S. and internationally, which require and will continue to require significant expenditures to remain in compliance with such laws, regulations, and voluntary actions. The Company's manufacturing activities, both inside and outside of the U.S., are subject to regulation by various federal, state, local and foreign laws, regulations, rules and government agencies concerning, among other things, air emissions, discharges to land and water, and the generation, handling, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste and other materials. Actual or alleged violations of environmental, health or safety laws and regulations could result in restrictions or prohibitions on manufacturing operations as well as substantial damages, penalties, fines, civil or criminal sanctions and remediation costs. Eastman has incurred, and will continue to incur, significant costs and capital expenditures to comply with these laws and regulations, which may adversely impact its business and financial results. Future developments and more stringent environmental regulations may require the Company to make significant expenditures for environmental protection equipment, compliance, and remediation.
The Company's accruals for such costs and associated liabilities are subject to changes in estimates on which the accruals are based. For example, any amount accrued for environmental matters reflects the Company's assumptions about remediation requirements at the contaminated site, the nature of the remedy, the outcome of discussions with regulatory agencies and other potentially responsible parties at multi-party sites, and the number of and financial viability of other potentially responsible parties. Changes in the estimates on which the accruals are based, unanticipated government enforcement action, or changes in health, safety, environmental, chemical control regulations and actions, and testing requirements could result in higher costs.
The global nature of Eastman's business could subject the Company to risks of violations, or allegations, associated with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the "FCPA") and similar foreign anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws. These anti-bribery laws and regulations generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or keeping business. Further, the accounting provisions of the FCPA require the maintenance of accurate books and records of all company transactions. Alleged or actual violations of these laws could subject the Company to substantial civil and/or criminal fines and penalties, which could have a material adverse effect on Eastman's business, reputation, operating results, and financial condition. Further, the Company is required to comply with U.S. or foreign government regulations on trade sanctions and embargoes. A violation thereof could subject the Company to regulatory enforcement actions, including a loss of export privileges and significant civil and criminal penalties and fines.