All regulatory updates
1373 results found
European Commission RoHS implementation page reiterates exemption renewal timing, decision timelines, and post-rejection transition period expectations
The European Commission’s RoHS Directive implementation page reiterates key procedural expectations that impact exemption management programs: renewal applications must be submitted no later than 18 months before an exemption expires; exemption decisions are stated to take around 18–24 months; if a renewal request is submitted, the exemption generally remains valid until the Commission decision; and if a renewal is rejected, transition periods of 12–18 months may apply. While not a binding change by itself, this is authoritative Commission guidance that compliance teams can use to build exemption-renewal calendars and manage risk around expiring/renewal-pending exemptions.
European Commission posted updated RoHS exemptions tracker (“Exemptions list: Validity and rolling plan – Feb 2026”)
The European Commission published a refreshed operational tracking spreadsheet for EU RoHS Annex III/IV exemptions (“RoHS 2 exemptions – Validity and rolling plan”, February 2026 version). While not itself a legal act, the tracker is an authoritative Commission-maintained reference used by compliance teams to monitor exemption validity periods, upcoming expirations, and renewal pipeline status (e.g., exemptions marked as requested for renewal). This update can trigger internal compliance actions such as BOM exemption mapping updates, redesign/sourcing plans for exemptions nearing expiry, and verification that renewal applications were submitted in time to maintain continuity under RoHS renewal rules.
European Commission published updated RoHS exemptions tracker spreadsheet (“Exemptions list: Validity and rolling plan – Feb 2026”)
The European Commission (DG Environment) posted an updated spreadsheet titled “Exemptions list: Validity and rolling plan Feb 2026” (published on the document landing page 31 March 2026). This tracker is a key compliance planning aid for RoHS because it consolidates exemption entries (Annex III/IV) with their validity periods and rolling plan status, helping manufacturers and compliance teams verify current exemption expiry dates, plan renewal submissions, and anticipate phase-outs or decision timelines. This is a guidance/supporting-material update rather than a legal amendment to the RoHS Directive text.
COP-7 intersessional calls for submissions opened (mercury compounds/possible annex, cosmetics, financial mechanism review, dental amalgam guidance, mercury waste thresholds)
The Minamata Convention Secretariat opened intersessional calls for information/submissions in preparation for COP-7. The page requests (i) voluntary submissions by 31 Mar 2026 on mercury compounds (supply/use/trade and views on possible compounds to list in a potential new annex that could make listed compounds subject to Article 3 trade provisions); (ii) information by 30 Jun 2026 on challenges implementing the mercury-added cosmetics ban; (iii) information by 30 Apr 2026 for the third review of the financial mechanism; and (iv) proposals to update mercury waste threshold tables due no later than 6 Mar 2027. It also notes draft guidance under development on dental amalgam national action planning following COP-6 outcomes. Compliance/government affairs teams should track these submission windows because they can shape future treaty guidance and potential amendments (e.g., a new annex on mercury compounds and updated waste thresholds).
European Commission publishes updated RoHS exemptions tracker (“Exemptions list: Validity and rolling plan – Feb 2026”)
The European Commission (DG Environment) published an updated ‘Exemptions list: Validity and rolling plan – Feb 2026’ exemptions-tracking file for EU RoHS (Directive 2011/65/EU). This is an official operational tracker (not a delegated directive) used to monitor Annex III/IV exemption validity/expiry status and the Commission’s rolling plan. Compliance teams can use it to identify exemptions approaching expiry, plan redesign/change-control activities, and anticipate renewal/decision timing for products relying on RoHS exemptions.
European Commission published updated RoHS exemptions tracker spreadsheet (“Exemptions list: validity and rolling plan – Feb 2026”)
The European Commission published an updated operational tracking spreadsheet for EU RoHS Annex III/IV exemptions (“Exemptions list: validity and rolling plan – Feb 2026”). This tool is used by compliance teams to monitor which exemptions are currently valid, which are approaching expiry, and the Commission’s rolling plan view of expected exemption actions. While not itself a legal amendment, it is an authoritative compliance-planning reference for exemption status monitoring and horizon scanning.
European Commission publishes updated RoHS exemptions tracker (“Exemptions list: Validity and rolling plan Feb 2026”)
The European Commission posted an updated RoHS exemptions tracking spreadsheet (“Exemptions list: Validity and rolling plan Feb 2026”) on 31 March 2026, linked from the RoHS Directive implementation pages. While not a legal amendment by itself, this Commission-published tracker is compliance-relevant because it consolidates current exemption validity periods and the Commission’s rolling plan, supporting manufacturers’ planning for exemption renewals/expirations and transition timing under RoHS Annex III/IV processes.
EPA proposes reporting deadline extension for TSCA 8(d) Health and Safety Data Reporting rule (16 substances)
EPA proposed to extend the reporting deadline for the TSCA Section 8(d) Health and Safety Data Reporting rule covering 16 chemical substances. Compliance teams responsible for submitting unpublished health and safety studies and related information under TSCA 8(d) should review the proposed extension and adjust internal data-collection and submission timelines accordingly.
Commission publishes PPWR implementation guidance clarifying EPR obligations
The European Commission published comprehensive guidelines for the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) implementation on March 30, 2026. The guidance clarifies when a company is considered a manufacturer or producer, which items constitute packaging, restrictions on single-use packaging, Extended Producer Responsibility obligations, and Deposit Return System requirements. PPWR enters general application on August 12, 2026.
EPA proposes one-year extension of reporting deadline for TSCA Section 8(d) Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule
EPA proposed to extend the reporting deadline by one year to May 21, 2027 for the one-time TSCA Section 8(d) Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule submissions. If finalized, manufacturers (including importers) and processors subject to the rule would have additional time to compile and submit required unpublished health and safety studies and related information to EPA, affecting internal data-collection, legal review, and submission timelines.
EPA extends TSCA 8(d) health and safety reporting deadline to May 2027
The EPA has extended the submission deadline for the TSCA Section 8(d) Health and Safety Data Reporting rule from May 22, 2026 to May 21, 2027. This extension applies to manufacturers (including importers) of the 16 chemical substances specified in 40 CFR 716.120. The extension provides additional time for businesses to prepare submissions while EPA considers revisions to the underlying rule.
Secretariat invitation for comments on draft review of the PFOI→PFOB (pharmaceuticals) specific exemption (deadline 22 May 2026)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat issued a communication inviting Parties and observers to submit comments on a draft report reviewing the specific exemption for the use of perfluorooctyl iodide (PFOI) to produce perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) for pharmaceutical products. The communication sets a comment submission deadline of 22 May 2026. This matters for compliance because outcomes of exemption reviews can change conditions, scope, or continuation/expiry of permitted uses for Annex-listed POPs and may require companies supporting registered uses to adjust sourcing, product formulations, or documentation supporting continued lawful use in Parties relying on the exemption.
Stockholm Convention invites comments on PFOS alternatives assessment report
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat has issued an invitation to submit comments on the draft report on the assessment of alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (PFOSF), including draft recommendations to the Conference of the Parties. Comments are due by 10 June 2026. This assessment informs ongoing decisions about PFOS exemptions and acceptable purposes under Annex B of the Convention.
Stockholm Convention invites comments on PFOI/PFOB specific exemption review
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat invites submissions on the draft report reviewing the specific exemption for the use of perfluorooctyl iodide (PFOI) for the production of perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) for pharmaceutical product manufacturing. This exemption was listed in Annex A following COP-12 decisions. Comments are due by 22 May 2026.
Secretariat opens comment period on draft report reviewing specific exemption for PFOI use to produce PFOB for pharmaceuticals
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat opened an invitation for Parties/observers to submit comments on a draft report reviewing the specific exemption for the use of perfluorooctyl iodide (PFOI) to produce perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) for pharmaceutical products. This is a POPs Convention process step that may affect continuation, modification, or expiration of the exemption and therefore future availability of this exemption pathway for regulated entities and supply chains.
IATA implements ICAO power banks restrictions effective March 27, 2026
IATA published guidance implementing the March 27, 2026 ICAO addendum on power banks. Passengers are limited to a maximum of 2 power banks, must carry them in carry-on baggage only, and cannot recharge power banks or use them to charge devices during flight. Power banks rated 100-160 Wh will not be permitted under the 68th Edition DGR (2027) due to safety concerns over thermal runaway incidents and non-conforming manufacturers.
IATA Issues Power Banks Operator Guidance
IATA issued guidance for aircraft operators on implementing power bank safety changes announced by ICAO on March 27, 2026. The guidance addresses safety measures following incidents involving overheating power banks on aircraft. Operators may require spare batteries to be carried at low state of charge (less than 25% indicated charge) and may require additional separation between multiple spare batteries. The guidance includes escalation processes and referral to specialists when required.
Secretariat invites comments on draft review of specific exemption for PFOI use to produce PFOB for pharmaceuticals (deadline 22 May 2026)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat opened a comment process on a draft report reviewing the specific exemption for using perfluorooctyl iodide (PFOI) to produce perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) for producing pharmaceutical products. The research text states a submission deadline of 22 May 2026. Compliance teams should assess whether they rely on (or may rely on) this exemption pathway and consider submitting technical input, as the review could affect continuation, conditions, or scope of the exemption.
Stockholm Convention Seeks Comments on PFOS Alternatives Assessment
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat invites comments on the draft report on the assessment of alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (PFOSF), including draft recommendations to the Conference of the Parties. Comments due by 10 June 2026. This review may impact existing PFOS exemptions and acceptable uses under the Convention.
Stockholm Convention Secretariat opens comment period on draft review of specific exemption for PFOI→PFOB (pharmaceuticals)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat published an invitation for Parties and stakeholders to submit comments on a draft report reviewing the specific exemption for the use of perfluorooctyl iodide (PFOI) to produce perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) for pharmaceutical products. This consultation may inform whether the exemption is continued, modified, or allowed to expire, which is relevant for pharmaceutical supply chains relying on this specific exemption pathway.