All regulatory updates
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Stockholm Convention Secretariat confirms POPRC-22 dates/venue and agenda item on revised risk profile for PBDD/Fs and mixed PBDD/PCDD/Fs
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat meeting page confirms the 22nd meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC-22) will be held 21–25 September 2026 in Rome (FAO HQ) and highlights that POPRC-22 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). For compliance teams, this is a key procedural milestone in the Stockholm listing pipeline, indicating potential movement toward future global listing recommendations and eventual COP decisions for these substance groups.
EPA publishes publicly available TSCA Section 5 orders for significant new use of certain PFAS chemical substances
EPA updated its New Chemicals Program page providing publicly available versions of TSCA Section 5 orders addressing significant new uses for certain chemical substances, including PFAS (with confidential business information removed). Compliance teams should use the posted order text to understand the restrictions/conditions tied to these chemicals and ensure that any manufacturing, importing, processing, or use changes are evaluated against Section 5 order obligations and potential SNUN triggers.
European Commission closes EU proposal to nominate siloxanes D4, D5 and D6 under the Stockholm Convention
The European Commission’s ‘International agreements (Chemicals)’ page states that the Commission decided to close its proposal to nominate the siloxanes D4 (octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane), D5 (decamethylcyclopentasiloxane) and D6 (dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane) under the Stockholm Convention. For compliance teams, this indicates the EU is no longer pursuing these substances for Stockholm Convention listing via its nomination route (at least as reflected in this update), which may affect expectations and internal regulatory watchlists for future global POP listing actions on these siloxanes.
European Commission summary: 2025 COPs added chlorpyrifos, MCCPs and LC‑PFCAs to the Stockholm Convention
The European Commission’s ‘International agreements (Chemicals)’ page states that at the 2025 Basel/Rotterdam/Stockholm COPs, Parties added three hazardous chemicals to the Stockholm Convention (chlorpyrifos; medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs); and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs), their salts and related compounds). For compliance teams, this signals that these chemicals are now listed POPs under the Stockholm Convention, which typically drives Parties’ national implementation measures (production/use prohibitions or restrictions, trade controls, and waste management obligations) and may cascade into regional implementing legislation (e.g., EU POPs Regulation updates).
European Commission Safety Gate Report 2025 highlights enforcement focus on toys and references strengthened toolbox under new Toy Safety Regulation
The European Commission’s 2025 Safety Gate Report (press release PDF) highlights that toys represented 16% of Safety Gate alerts in 2025 and explicitly references the new Toy Safety Regulation as strengthening authorities’ powers and banning harmful chemicals in toys. While this does not amend Regulation (EU) 2025/2509, it is a compliance-relevant enforcement signal for toy manufacturers/importers and online sellers regarding market surveillance priorities and scrutiny of unsafe/hazardous-chemical-related noncompliance.
Commission 2025 Safety Gate report press release flags Toy Safety Regulation as enforcement tool (harmful-chemicals ban messaging)
In the European Commission’s 2025 Safety Gate (rapid alert system) report press release, the Commission highlights toys as a key product category in alerts and explicitly references the new Toy Safety Regulation as part of the EU’s strengthened enforcement toolkit (including messaging that it bans harmful chemicals in toys and strengthens authority powers). While not an amendment to Regulation (EU) 2025/2509, this signals enforcement focus and increased market surveillance attention that compliance teams should consider for EU market monitoring, online listing controls, and readiness for inspections/requests.
HHS OCR HIPAA settlement with MMG Fusion (business associate) emphasizes risk analysis and breach notification; includes corrective action plan
OCR announced a HIPAA enforcement settlement with MMG Fusion, LLC (described as a software company and business associate). OCR cited alleged gaps including failure to conduct an accurate and thorough Security Rule risk analysis and failure to provide timely breach notification to covered entities. The settlement includes a resolution agreement/corrective action plan with multi-year monitoring. For vendor cybersecurity programs, this reinforces that business associates must maintain documented risk analysis, risk management, policies/procedures, and breach notification processes suitable for regulated timelines and contractual commitments.
EPA updates TSCA New Chemicals Program statistics dashboard (Section 5 workload/case metrics)
EPA refreshed its public statistics for the TSCA New Chemicals Program (Section 5 submissions such as PMNs/SNUNs/MCANs and exemptions), providing updated counts and workload metrics. This is a transparency/program information update rather than a binding rule change, but it may affect compliance planning by indicating review timelines and backlogs.
China withdraws non-acceptance of COP-5 Annex A & B amendments; amendments enter into force for China
The UN Depositary notified that China withdrew its prior notification of non-acceptance of the COP-5 amendments to Annexes A and B. As a result, the COP-5 Annex A/B amendments entered into force for China on the date of withdrawal indicated in the notification. Organizations operating in or trading with China should monitor domestic implementing measures and compliance expectations reflecting applicability of the amended Minamata Annex A/B obligations in China (including product and process controls covered by those annexes).
Stockholm Convention Compliance Committee launches 2026–2027 information-collection questionnaires (responses due 2 March 2026)
The Stockholm Convention Compliance Committee initiated its 2026–2027 information-collection exercise by issuing questionnaires for Parties and supporting entities. The questionnaires are intended to collect updated information on implementation/compliance to support the Committee’s work programme and recommendations for consideration at a future COP (noted in the research as COP-13). Compliance teams supporting national authorities should ensure questionnaire completion and submission by the stated deadline, and coordinate internal data collection on measures taken to implement Stockholm Convention obligations.
EPA posts/updates TSCA New Chemicals Division Reference Library with new technical guidance memoranda (e.g., MMO CAM hazard assessment, respirator/APF 1000 use; skin irritation/corrosion decision framework)
EPA updated the TSCA New Chemicals Division Reference Library (Section 5 program support) to include additional technical memoranda/guidance used in new chemical risk assessments and decision-making. These materials can affect PMN/SNUN strategy and supporting data expectations (e.g., approaches for assessing environmental hazards of cathode active material new chemical substances and guidance on exposure assumptions/industrial hygiene considerations, plus a decision framework for skin irritation/corrosion hazard identification). Compliance teams submitting or planning TSCA Section 5 notices should review these documents because they may influence EPA’s hazard/exposure assumptions and resulting determinations or required risk management conditions.
Secretariat invites comments on draft risk profile for PBDD/Fs and mixed PBCDD/Fs/PBCDFs under POPRC process (decision POPRC-21/6 information request)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat invited Parties/observers to submit comments on the draft risk profile for polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBCDD/Fs), and requested information pursuant to decision POPRC-21/6. This is a POPRC scientific review step that can precede recommendations to list substances under the Convention; compliance teams should monitor outcomes for potential future listing and evaluate supply-chain presence where relevant.
Secretariat opens comment period on revised draft risk profile for PBDD/Fs and mixed PBCDD/Fs & PBCDFs (excluding PCDD/Fs)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat invited comments on the (revised) draft risk profile evaluated within the POPs Review Committee (POPRC) process for polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBCDD/Fs and PBCDFs), excluding PCDD/Fs. Draft risk profile consultation is a key step toward potential future POPRC recommendations to list substances under the Convention (Annex A/B/C), which can subsequently drive global restrictions and downstream national/regional implementation.
China withdraws non-acceptance of COP-5 Annex A and B amendments; amendments enter into force for China (and apply to Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR)
A UN Depositary notification states that China withdrew its previous notification of non-acceptance of the Minamata Convention amendments to Annexes A and B adopted by COP-5 (Decision MC-5/4). As a result, the amendments entered into force for China on 2 March 2026 (and are stated to apply to Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR). This changes the applicability timeline of the COP-5 Annex A/B controls for China/HK/Macao and is a key compliance trigger for entities operating in or supplying these jurisdictions.
Secretariat calls for comments on revised draft risk profile for PBDD/Fs and mixed PBCDD/Fs & PBCDFs (POPRC process)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat posted an invitation to submit comments on a revised draft risk profile concerning polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, and requested information pursuant to POPRC decision POPRC-21/6. This is part of the POPs Review Committee (POPRC) evaluation pathway that can lead to future recommendations to list substances under the Convention. Compliance teams should track this consultation as it signals potential future listing activity affecting brominated/chlorinated dioxin/furan-related materials and emissions management.
New Zealand EPA opens consultation to restrict chlorpyrifos, MCCPs and LC‑PFCAs as newly listed Stockholm Convention POPs
New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) opened a consultation proposing domestic controls to implement the Stockholm Convention listings for chlorpyrifos, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs). The consultation proposes amendments (including to HSNO-related schedules/orders governing POPs) to restrict these substances in New Zealand, with submissions due by 5:00 pm on 17 April 2026. Compliance teams supplying products into New Zealand should monitor the final controls for any prohibitions, transition provisions, and scope definitions that may affect import/export and product composition.
New Zealand EPA consultation on amending HSNO Schedule 2A to implement restrictions for newly listed Stockholm Convention POPs (chlorpyrifos, MCCPs, LC‑PFCAs)
New Zealand EPA opened a public consultation proposing amendments to Schedule 2A of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act to implement Stockholm Convention controls for three newly listed POPs: chlorpyrifos, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs). For compliance teams, this signals upcoming NZ legal restrictions aligned to the Stockholm COP-12 listings, requiring review of product and chemical portfolios for the presence of these substances and preparation for NZ-specific prohibitions/exemptions once the amendments are finalized.
NY launches private well PFAS testing rebate pilot in six counties
New York State launched a pilot program providing free PFAS testing and mitigation rebates for private well owners in Dutchess, Putnam, Orange, Suffolk, Ulster, and Westchester counties. Each county received $1.5 million in funding. Eligible homeowners can receive up to $5,000 for PFAS water treatment systems or up to $10,000 to connect to public water supply when PFOA or PFOS levels exceed 10 ppt (NY's current MCL).
JRC publishes technical study proposing Digital Product Passport content elements for iron and steel products under ESPR
The Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) published a Science for Policy report on proposed DPP content for iron and steel products under the ESPR framework. Although non-binding, it is an official technical basis intended to support future delegated-act development for iron/steel DPP requirements (e.g., content structure, access rights, granularity, governance concepts). Compliance teams in steel value chains can use it to anticipate likely future DPP data fields and system capabilities.
JRC publishes study proposing Digital Product Passport content elements for iron and steel products under ESPR (preparatory study)
The European Commission’s JRC published a preparatory study on potential Digital Product Passport (DPP) content for iron and steel products under the ESPR framework. Although non-binding, it provides concrete direction on likely data categories and structure that could be reflected in future product-specific delegated acts (e.g., product/producer identification, substances-of-concern information, environmental/circularity data, access rights and governance). Compliance teams in metals/steel value chains can use it to start gap assessments for data availability, traceability processes, and supplier information flows ahead of formal ESPR DPP requirements.