All regulatory updates
894 results found
USTR Federal Register notice requests public comments on plurilateral critical minerals trade agreement (adjacent impact for CMRT supply chains)
USTR published a Federal Register notice seeking public comments on a potential plurilateral agreement addressing trade in critical minerals. While this is not a CMRT template or SEC Form SD rule change, it is directly adjacent to conflict minerals/CMRT programs because it may affect critical minerals supply chain expectations, sourcing constraints, and due diligence evidence used across mineral supply chains. The notice includes a comment deadline of March 19, 2026.
ECHA consultation opened on draft recommendation to add four substances to the REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV) – comments due 2 May 2026
ECHA opened a public consultation on its draft recommendation to add four substances (currently on the REACH Candidate List as SVHCs) to the REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV). Stakeholders are invited to submit comments (e.g., information on uses, volumes, supply chain impacts, and potential exemptions) by 2 May 2026. This is a key SVHC-to-authorisation pipeline step: if the European Commission later adds these substances to Annex XIV, continued use/placing on the market after applicable sunset dates would require authorisation for non-exempt uses, affecting manufacturers, importers, and downstream users.
ECHA consultation opened on draft recommendation to add four Candidate List substances to REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV)
ECHA opened a public consultation on its draft recommendation to add four substances (from the REACH SVHC Candidate List) to the REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV). Stakeholders are invited to submit comments/information by 2 May 2026. Although this is an Annex XIV pipeline step (not a Candidate List change), it is directly SVHC-relevant because Candidate List substances are the feedstock for Annex XIV recommendations; impacted companies should review uses/supply chains and consider submitting information during the consultation window.
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 Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM) meeting page indicates POPRC-22 will be held 21–25 September 2026 in Rome, Italy. The agenda includes consideration of a revised draft risk profile for polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, following a prior deferral and requests for additional Annex E information on linkages between long-range environmental transport and adverse human health effects. For compliance teams, this is an official process milestone that can signal future scope clarifications and potential future listing actions, informing substance monitoring and stakeholder engagement planning (e.g., preparing technical data submissions if relevant).
Stockholm Convention COP-12 documents hub published: decisions adopted at the twelfth meeting available via CHM COP Decisions page
The Stockholm Convention CHM COP Decisions page is identified in the research as the official landing page to retrieve COP-12 outputs, including the report and the decisions adopted at the twelfth meeting (advance versions). For compliance teams, this page is an authoritative entry point for tracking adopted COP decisions that may include new listings, exemptions, technical guidance mandates, or compliance mechanisms requiring future implementation by Parties.
EU Commission notes Stockholm Convention COPs (2025) listed chlorpyrifos, MCCPs and long-chain PFCAs as POPs
The European Commission’s international agreements page states that Parties, at the 2025 Basel/Rotterdam/Stockholm COPs, added three hazardous chemicals to the Stockholm Convention (chlorpyrifos; medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs); long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs), their salts and related compounds). For compliance teams, this is a confirmation of new global POP listings that can trigger downstream national/regional implementing measures and updates to restricted substance lists, supply-chain declarations, and product stewardship programs in Parties to the Convention.
RMI FAQ updates/clarifies annual CMRT versioning and supplier re-survey expectations (April release cadence)
The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) provides CMRT operational guidance for downstream companies on how to manage annual supplier data collection when new CMRT versions are released (typically in April). The FAQ clarifies that companies do not need to re-survey suppliers solely because a new CMRT is released; instead, companies should use the most recent CMRT version available when initiating their annual supplier survey and document which version was used/accepted. This affects CMRT version control, supplier campaign timing, and defensible documentation for customer and downstream due diligence expectations that rely on CMRT outputs.
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’s POPRC-22 overview page announces that the 22nd meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) will take place in Rome, Italy, 21–25 September 2026. The page indicates POPRC 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), and references requests for additional Annex E information (e.g., long-range environmental transport and adverse effects). For compliance teams, this is an official process milestone that can signal forthcoming recommendations for new POP listings or scope clarifications, which may later translate into national/regional implementing controls.
ECHA consultation opened on draft recommendation to add four substances to the REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV) – comments due 2 May 2026
ECHA opened a public consultation on its draft recommendation to add four substances (currently on the REACH Candidate List as SVHCs) to the REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV). Stakeholders are invited to submit comments (e.g., information on uses, volumes, supply chain impacts, and potential exemptions) by 2 May 2026. This is a key SVHC-to-authorisation pipeline step: if the European Commission later adds these substances to Annex XIV, continued use/placing on the market after applicable sunset dates would require authorisation for non-exempt uses, affecting manufacturers, importers, and downstream users.
ECHA consultation opened on draft recommendation to add four Candidate List substances to REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV)
ECHA opened a public consultation on its draft recommendation to add four substances (from the REACH SVHC Candidate List) to the REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV). Stakeholders are invited to submit comments/information by 2 May 2026. Although this is an Annex XIV pipeline step (not a Candidate List change), it is directly SVHC-relevant because Candidate List substances are the feedstock for Annex XIV recommendations; impacted companies should review uses/supply chains and consider submitting information during the consultation window.
Stockholm Convention Secretariat publishes details for POPRC-22 (21–25 Sep 2026, Rome) and notes revised draft risk profile item (PBDD/Fs and mixed PBDD/PCDD/Fs)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat published the official meeting information for the 22nd meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC-22), including the meeting dates (21–25 September 2026) and venue (FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy). The meeting overview also highlights technical work relevant to future POP listings, including consideration of a revised draft risk profile for polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, and the related invitation for Parties/observers to provide Annex E information. Compliance teams tracking upcoming global POP listing actions should monitor POPRC-22 agenda items and associated information calls, as POPRC outputs can progress substances toward future COP listing decisions.
Register of Specific Exemptions page details PFOA-related specific exemption entry and review milestones (e.g., review by 31 Dec 2026)
The Stockholm Convention Register of Specific Exemptions page for PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related compounds includes an exemption entry (noted in the research as for the European Union) describing a specific allowed use and setting review/assessment milestones including a review by 31 December 2026 (and periodic reviews thereafter). For compliance teams, this provides authoritative confirmation of the existence and review timing of a time-bound treaty exemption that may be relied upon by eligible Parties for the specified use while planning phase-out and future review submissions.
ECHA notes REACH restriction for PFHxA, its salts and related substances starts in April 2026
ECHA’s PFAS hot-topics page indicates that undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), its salts and related substances are subject to REACH restrictions starting in April 2026 (referenced as an already adopted restriction with a future start date). Compliance teams supplying or using PFHxA-related substances in the EU/EEA should confirm applicability, assess product/mixture impacts, and plan substitution or supply-chain controls ahead of the April 2026 restriction start date; however, the specific day in April is not provided in the extracted research text.
ECHA plans public consultation on PFAS SEAC draft opinion after March 2026 meeting (60-day consultation)
ECHA announced procedural next steps for the proposed EU-wide REACH restriction on PFAS, stating it plans to launch a 60-day public consultation on SEAC’s draft opinion after the committee meeting in March 2026 (i.e., planned for spring 2026). Compliance teams should anticipate an upcoming consultation window and prepare to submit evidence on uses, socio-economic impacts, and substitution timelines relevant to their PFAS-related products and supply chains.
CARB adopts Initial Regulation for SB 253/SB 261 climate disclosure requirements
The California Air Resources Board approved the California Greenhouse Gas Reporting and Climate Financial Risk Disclosure Initial Regulation implementing Senate Bills 253 and 261 (as amended by SB 219). The regulation establishes the administration and implementation fees for the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (SB 253) and the Climate-Related Financial Risk Act (SB 261). Key requirements include an August 10, 2026 initial reporting deadline for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions under SB 253, with Scope 3 reporting deferred to later years. Annual flat fees will be implemented with fee notices issued by September 10 each year starting in 2026. Entity thresholds are U.S. entities with over $1 billion annual revenue (SB 253) and over $500 million (SB 261) doing business in California. Tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and insurance companies are exempt. CARB will use enforcement discretion for good-faith first-year submissions. SB 261 enforcement is currently stayed pending Ninth Circuit litigation.
Directive (EU) 2026/470 published (OJ L) amending CSRD corporate sustainability reporting requirements (Omnibus I simplification)
Directive (EU) 2026/470 (24 Feb 2026) was published in the Official Journal on 26 Feb 2026 and is indicated as in force on EUR-Lex. It amends Directive (EU) 2022/2464 (CSRD) and related corporate reporting/audit legislation (including Directive 2013/34/EU and Directive 2006/43/EC) as regards certain corporate sustainability reporting requirements. Compliance teams should review the amended CSRD-related provisions and plan for Member State transposition/implementation, as this is a binding legislative change that can affect applicability scope, reporting obligations, and assurance-related mechanics within the CSRD framework.
Stockholm Convention Compliance Committee launches 2026–2027 information-collection questionnaires (deadline 2 March 2026)
The Stockholm Convention Compliance Committee initiated an information-collection exercise under its 2026–2027 work programme (referencing decision SC-12/22) by publishing questionnaires for Parties and for supporting entities, with responses due by 2 March 2026. Compliance teams at Parties (and relevant supporting organizations) should plan resources to complete and submit the requested information by the stated deadline, as inputs may inform compliance-related consideration under the Convention’s mechanisms.
EU Commission closes its proposal to nominate siloxanes D4, D5 and D6 under the Stockholm Convention
The European Commission’s international agreements page indicates the Commission decided to close its proposal to nominate octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6) for listing under the Stockholm Convention. For compliance and horizon-scanning teams, this signals that this specific EU-driven nomination pathway has been halted, potentially changing expectations/timelines for any future Stockholm Convention consideration of these substances via that route.
ECHA notes PFHxA, its salts and related substances REACH restriction starts in April 2026
ECHA’s PFAS hot-topics page highlights an upcoming compliance horizon: restrictions for undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), its salts and related substances will start applying in April 2026 in the EU/EEA. Compliance teams should use this as a planning trigger to review product portfolios and supply chains for PFHxA-related substances and ensure readiness for EU restriction applicability, including substitution, supplier declarations, and potential reformulation timelines. (The research text does not provide a specific day in April 2026, so no implementation date is recorded.)
DTSC proposes floor maintenance products containing PFAS as Priority Product
On February 25, 2026, DTSC released the proposed Priority Product for Floor Maintenance Products Containing Perfluoroalkyl or Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs). If finalized, floor maintenance products containing PFAS would be subject to California's Safer Consumer Products Program requirements, including manufacturer notification and alternatives analysis obligations.