All regulatory updates
894 results found
Massachusetts enacts firefighter gear PFAS ban with 2027 sales prohibition
Governor Maura Healey signed legislation requiring the removal of PFAS from firefighter protective gear. The law bans the sale of bunker gear containing intentionally added PFAS effective January 2027, and requires warning labels on firefighting gear beginning in 2025 to inform firefighters about PFAS content. Massachusetts becomes one of only two states with such comprehensive PFAS protection for firefighters, addressing a significant occupational health concern for fire services personnel.
POPRC-22 scheduled for 21–25 September 2026 in Rome; revised draft risk profile for PBDD/Fs and mixed PBDD/PCDD/Fs to be considered
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat meeting page indicates that POPRC-22 is scheduled in Rome, Italy (21–25 September 2026) and will consider a revised draft risk profile for polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (mixed PBDD/PCDD/Fs). The page also notes POPRC-21 deferred its decision and invited additional Annex E information. For compliance monitoring, this is a process signal that these substances remain under active evaluation and could lead to future listing recommendations to the COP.
Stockholm Convention POPRC-22 meeting details published (21–25 September 2026, Rome) including revised draft risk profile item for PBDD/Fs and mixed PBDD/PCDD/Fs
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat published the official schedule and key agenda focus for the 22nd meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC-22), to be held 21–25 September 2026 in Rome, Italy (FAO HQ). The posted overview highlights that POPRC will consider the revised draft risk profile for polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, including requests for additional Annex E information. This is relevant to regulatory horizon-scanning because POPRC outcomes can advance candidate chemicals through the Article 8 process toward possible future listing decisions by the COP.
NJDEP formally adopts site remediation standards for PFNA, PFOA, PFOS, and GenX
NJDEP has formally adopted site remediation standards for four PFAS compounds: PFNA, PFOA, PFOS, and GenX (HFPO-DA). These standards establish cleanup requirements for contaminated sites under New Jersey's site remediation program. The adoption creates binding compliance obligations for responsible parties conducting remediation of PFAS-contaminated properties in New Jersey, supplementing existing groundwater and drinking water standards with specific cleanup criteria.
Minnesota Excludes Pre-July 2023 Products from PFAS Reporting
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency guidance states that products manufactured before July 1, 2023 are excluded from PFAS Minnesota reporting. Initial reports are due September 15, 2026. This changes reporting scope by manufacturing date and should be reviewed separately from any reporting-deadline update.
Commission outlines timeline for PFAS restriction after ECHA assessment
The European Commission has outlined the next steps for the universal PFAS restriction. Once ECHA delivers its final scientific assessment by the end of 2026, the Commission will present a restriction proposal aimed at minimising PFAS emissions. The Commission will also consider a ban on PFAS in consumer goods. For industrial applications, continued use may be permitted for critical uses where adequate alternatives are not yet available, but only under strict conditions and time-limited derogations.
CARB permanently adopts Emergency Vehicle Emissions Regulations
The California Air Resources Board permanently adopted the Emergency Vehicle Emissions Regulations that were initially adopted in 2025 as a temporary measure after the federal government purportedly disapproved California's waivers for newer vehicle emissions regulations, including Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) and Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Omnibus (Omnibus). The amendments clarify that California's earlier vehicle emission standards remain in effect. Manufacturers may continue to seek CARB certification to pre-ACC II/Omnibus standards, may voluntarily comply with ACC II/Omnibus requirements, and voluntary compliance provides regulatory certainty and may benefit state procurement preferences. California is challenging federal actions in court.
RI S2799 Proposes Consumer PFAS Ban Act Amendments
The Rhode Island General Assembly approved Senate Bill 2799 on June 11, 2026, proposing amendments to the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024 (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-18.18). Key amendments include: (1) clarifying enforcement provisions for the Department of Environmental Management (DEM); (2) authorizing DEM to join a multijurisdictional clearinghouse to assist in administering PFAS product compliance; and (3) granting DEM authority to issue exemptions for certain products. The bill awaits the Governor's signature. Existing product prohibition deadlines remain in effect, including the January 1, 2027 ban on cookware, cosmetics, carpets, fabric treatments, juvenile products, menstrual products, ski wax, textile articles, and firefighting personal protective equipment containing intentionally added PFAS.
OEHHA releases draft IUR for acrolein for public review
OEHHA released a draft document for public review that summarizes the carcinogenicity data and derives a cancer inhalation unit risk factor (IUR) for acrolein under Proposition 65. The IUR is a quantitative value used to calculate cancer risk from inhalation exposure, which helps businesses determine whether Proposition 65 warnings are required for products or activities involving acrolein exposures.
On 3 June 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) updated the REACH Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) by adding three new substances. The newly listed substances include a fluorinated resin curing agent and nano-scale coupling agents commonly used in abrasives, coatings, advanced materials, and specialty industrial applications. Beginning 1 July 2026, companies exporting articles to the EU containing any of these newly listed SVHCs above 0.1% weight by weight (w/w) may be subject to REACH notification and communication obligations if the total quantity of the substance exceeds 1 tonne per year. The update increases compliance obligations for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and suppliers placing articles on the EU market.
On 3 June 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) updated the REACH Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) by adding three new substances. The newly listed substances include a fluorinated resin curing agent and nano-scale coupling agents commonly used in abrasives, coatings, advanced materials, and specialty industrial applications. Beginning 1 July 2026, companies exporting articles to the EU containing any of these newly listed SVHCs above 0.1% weight by weight (w/w) may be subject to REACH notification and communication obligations if the total quantity of the substance exceeds 1 tonne per year. The update increases compliance obligations for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and suppliers placing articles on the EU market.
SEAC draft opinion consultation closes with 3,511 comments received
The 60-day consultation on SEAC's draft opinion on the PFAS restriction proposal (26 March to 25 May 2026) received 3,511 comments from more than 3,200 organisations and 250 individuals. SEAC is now assessing the contributions and is expected to adopt its final opinion on the proposed restriction by the end of 2026. This represents strong stakeholder engagement in the REACH restriction process.
BAT/BEP guidance for management of POPs-contaminated sites available in interactive web and PDF formats
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat has made the BAT/BEP guidance for the management of POPs-contaminated sites available in an interactive web format and as a downloadable PDF. This implementation guidance supports Parties’ Article 6 obligations (identification and management/remediation of contaminated sites) and is relevant for remediation project specifications, environmentally sound management expectations, and due diligence in land transactions where POP contamination may be present.
Invitation to comment on draft report assessing alternatives to PFOS (deadline 10 June 2026)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat (via the POPRC-21 follow-up page) posted an invitation for stakeholders to submit comments on a draft report assessing alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), its salts and PFOSF, including draft recommendations intended for consideration by the Conference of the Parties. This consultation is relevant for organizations relying on PFOS-related acceptable purposes/specific exemptions or planning substitution, as stakeholder input can influence the recommendations that may later affect exemption/acceptable-purpose expectations under the Convention.
BAT/BEP guidance made available for management of POPs-contaminated sites (web and PDF formats)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat’s BAT/BEP materials indicate that guidance for the management of POPs-contaminated sites is available in web-based form and as a downloadable formatted publication. This guidance supports Parties’ implementation (e.g., identification, management and remediation of contaminated sites) and can inform corporate remediation strategies, contractor specifications, and best-practice controls where POPs contamination is present.
EPA releases list of expiring TSCA CBI claims and launches CDX process for CBI claim extension requests
EPA published a rolling public list of TSCA Confidential Business Information (CBI) claims scheduled to expire (including claims expiring between June 22, 2026 and July 31, 2026) and stated it will refresh the list monthly. EPA also described a new electronic extension-request process in EPA’s Central Data Exchange (CDX) using a dedicated tool (TSCA Section 14(e) CBI Claim Extension Request). Companies must submit extension requests with substantiation no later than 30 days before claim expiration to maintain confidentiality protections; otherwise, EPA may no longer be required to protect the information from disclosure. Compliance teams should inventory TSCA submissions with CBI claims, monitor the monthly expiring-claims list, and prepare CDX extension filings within EPA’s stated timing window.
EPA will regulate 15 uses of 1,2-dichloroethane (TSCA §6(a) risk management rulemaking announced)
EPA announced it will move forward with TSCA section 6(a) risk management to regulate 15 industrial and commercial conditions of use of 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2‑DCA), based on EPA’s final risk evaluation finding unreasonable risk to workers in 15 of 20 conditions of use (driven by inhalation and dermal exposure). EPA stated it did not identify unreasonable risk to consumers, the general population (including fish-consuming/Tribal communities), or the environment under evaluated conditions of use. Compliance teams should anticipate forthcoming workplace-focused restrictions/controls for affected 1,2‑DCA uses and monitor the referenced docket activity for proposed requirements, timelines, and any exemptions.
Second meeting of the Stockholm Convention Compliance Committee (CC.2) scheduled for 16–19 June 2026 (Geneva)
The Secretariat published the Compliance Committee CC.2 meeting overview, including dates (16–19 June 2026) and the meeting documentation package covering compliance/implementation topics (e.g., national reporting, national implementation plans, national legislation, and elimination/restriction obligations). While not a change to POP listings, this is a compliance-relevant official event that may influence Parties’ implementation expectations and provide clarifications or materials compliance teams should monitor.
CPCB publishes SOP for E-Waste Recycler registration and verification on the EPR portal (registration validity, verification timeline, revocation triggers)
CPCB published an SOP detailing information/documentation required for registration of e-waste recyclers on the portal under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. The SOP outlines required documents and operational evidence (e.g., consents/authorizations, geotagged video of installed machinery), states registration validity (5 years), describes CPCB verification within 3 months of granting registration (physical or video conference), and highlights revocation triggers for false information/wilful concealment/irregularities (including potential EC implications). This affects recyclers’ onboarding readiness and producers’ due diligence when sourcing EPR certificates from registered recyclers.
European Commission RoHS implementation page reiterates exemption renewal timing, decision timelines, and post-rejection transition period expectations
The Commission’s RoHS implementation guidance page sets out procedural expectations for RoHS exemptions: renewal applications should be submitted no later than 18 months before an exemption expires; typical decisions take 18–24 months; timely renewal submissions generally keep the exemption valid until a decision is taken; and rejected renewals typically include a 12–18 month transition period. This guidance is operationally important for planning exemption renewal strategies, supplier declarations, and product change timelines around expiring RoHS exemptions.
CPCB issues Environmental Compensation (EC) guidelines for non-compliance under E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 (including references to EPR certificate price bounds mechanism)
CPCB published Environmental Compensation (EC) guidelines under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. The guidance describes the enforcement/penalty framework for common violations (e.g., operating without registration, dealing with unregistered entities, failure to file returns, EPR obligation shortfalls, RoHS non-compliance, and issues around EPR certificates). The document also references the mechanism in the E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2024 under which CPCB fixes the highest and lowest price for exchange of EPR certificates. Compliance teams should align internal controls and audits to avoid EC exposure and ensure accurate portal reporting and certificate transactions.