All regulatory updates
1373 results found
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 PFOI→PFOB (pharmaceuticals) specific exemption (deadline 22 May 2026)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat issued an invitation to submit comments on a draft report reviewing the specific exemption for the use of perfluorooctyl iodide (PFOI) to produce perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) for the production of pharmaceutical products. The communications listing specifies a comment deadline of 22 May 2026. Compliance teams should monitor this exemption review because the outcome can change the continued availability/conditions of the exemption and may trigger updates to national implementation measures for affected pharmaceutical supply chains.
Secretariat invites comments on draft review of specific exemption for perfluorooctyl iodide (PFOI) used to produce perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) for pharmaceuticals
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat issued a communication inviting Parties and observers to submit comments on a draft report reviewing the specific exemption covering the use of perfluorooctyl iodide (PFOI) for the production of perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB) for the purpose of producing pharmaceutical products. The communication sets a comment deadline of 22 May 2026. Compliance teams supporting pharmaceutical supply chains and Parties relying on this exemption should monitor the review outcome, as it may lead to changes to the scope, conditions, or continuation/expiry of the exemption under the Convention’s register of specific exemptions.
USGBC Consolidates LEED Appeal Fees to Single Flat Rate
Effective March 27, 2026, USGBC consolidated supplemental review (appeal) fees into a single flat fee for all credits, eliminating the previous tiered structure that had separate fees for 'simple' versus 'complex' credits. This simplifies the fee structure for project teams seeking to appeal credit review decisions.
CARB readopts Emergency Vehicle Emissions Regulations through July 2026
OAL approved the first readoption of the emergency vehicle emissions rulemaking on March 26, 2026. The readoption became effective April 1, 2026 and will expire July 1, 2026. This emergency rulemaking addresses vehicle emissions regulations during the interim period while permanent adoption is under consideration.
Massachusetts S.3034 proposes comprehensive PFAS product restrictions and remediation fund
The Massachusetts Senate Bill 3034 (Massachusetts PFAS Act) was reported by the Joint Committee on Public Health and referred to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. The bill proposes establishing a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to assist municipalities, public water systems, and private well users with contamination costs; prohibiting Class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS; requiring 24-hour notification to MassDEP for PFAS foam discharges; and directing MassDEP to include PFAS monitoring requirements in surface water and groundwater discharge permits. If enacted, this would create comprehensive statewide PFAS protections for drinking water, consumer products, and environmental discharge.
CARB updates Motor Vehicle Emissions Budgets for San Joaquin Valley Ozone SIP
The California Air Resources Board adopted updated Motor Vehicle Emissions Budgets for the San Joaquin Valley 75 parts per billion Ozone State Implementation Plan (SIP) at its March 26, 2026 meeting. The updates are based on the EMFAC2021 motor vehicle emissions model and accommodate emissions factor changes and impacts from federal actions. The updated emissions budgets support compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone in the San Joaquin Valley.
ECHA launches 60-day consultation on SEAC draft opinion for EU-wide PFAS REACH restriction (universal PFAS proposal)
ECHA materials for the EU-wide ("universal") PFAS restriction under REACH indicate that consultation on SEAC’s draft opinion opened on 26 March 2026 and runs for 60 calendar days. This is a key milestone in the restriction process and a near-term action point for companies and associations to submit technical and socio-economic information (uses, alternatives, costs, emissions) relevant to potential restriction conditions and transition periods across affected sectors.
Hong Kong sets commencement dates for 8 more mercury-added products under Minamata COP-5
Hong Kong has announced commencement dates for the regulation of eight additional types of mercury-added products (MAPs), giving effect to amendments adopted at COP-5 of the Minamata Convention. This follows the May 2025 amendment to the Mercury Control Ordinance (Cap. 640) and represents the second batch of products being brought under regulation to align with Minamata Convention requirements, including certain electronic/electrical/lighting products and cosmetics.
ECHA Committees Finalize Universal PFAS Restriction Opinion
On March 26, 2026, ECHA's Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) finalized their scientific assessment of the Universal PFAS restriction proposal. The committees support restricting over 10,000 PFAS substances with targeted derogations for critical applications where alternatives are not yet available. The Commission will now prepare its formal restriction proposal based on ECHA's opinions.
OAL approves first readoption of CARB emergency vehicle emissions regulations; filed March 26, 2026 with effective April 1, 2026 and expiration July 1, 2026
CARB’s emergency vehicle emissions rulemaking page indicates the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) approved the first readoption of the emergency vehicle emissions regulations and that the readoption was filed with the Secretary of State on March 26, 2026. CARB states the readopted emergency regulations become effective April 1, 2026 and will expire July 1, 2026. Compliance teams impacted by these emergency vehicle emissions provisions should account for the operative window through July 1, 2026 and monitor subsequent readoptions or permanent rulemaking.
Hong Kong appoints staggered commencement dates for mercury-added products regulation
Hong Kong appointed staggered commencement dates for regulation of eight additional mercury-added products under the Mercury Control Ordinance, implementing COP-5 amendments. Section 4(1) and (7) take effect March 27, 2026; Section 4(2), (3), and (5) take effect December 31, 2026; Section 4(4) and (6) take effect December 31, 2027. Products include certain electronic/electrical/lighting products and cosmetics.
ECHA opens consultation on SEAC draft opinion for EU-wide PFAS REACH restriction (26 Mar–25 May 2026)
ECHA opened a stakeholder consultation to submit information on the draft Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) opinion for the proposed EU-wide REACH restriction on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Companies affected by potential PFAS use restrictions should review the draft opinion context, assess impacts/alternatives/derogation needs, and submit socio-economic and technical evidence before the consultation closes (25 May 2026).
CARB adopts amendments to Advanced Clean Trucks and Zero-Emission Powertrain Certification standards
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved amendments to the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulation and Zero-Emission Powertrain (ZEP) Certification standards. The amendments provide flexibility for manufacturers in meeting zero-emission truck sales requirements while maintaining emissions benefits. The ACT regulation requires truck manufacturers to sell zero-emission vehicles as an increasing percentage of their California sales, and ZEP Certification establishes standards for zero-emission powertrain certification.
Universal PFAS Restriction Proposes Annual Reporting for Derogated Uses
The Universal PFAS restriction proposal includes annual reporting requirements for companies benefiting from derogations, including manufacturers, importers, and formulators of PFAS. Reports must detail the identity and quantities of PFAS used. Additionally, for fluoropolymers and perfluoropolyethers, site-specific management plans must be prepared covering use conditions, disposal, and justification for continued use.
ECHA opens 60-day consultation on SEAC draft opinion for EU-wide PFAS restriction; RAC opinion adopted
ECHA opened a 60-day stakeholder consultation on SEAC’s draft opinion related to the proposed EU-wide REACH restriction on PFAS (universal PFAS proposal). ECHA communications also confirm RAC has adopted its opinion on the restriction proposal and that the committees support an EU-wide restriction with targeted derogations and risk-management measures for derogated uses. Compliance teams should use the open consultation window to submit technical and socioeconomic evidence, especially regarding use essentiality, alternatives, transition timelines, and emission minimisation/management measures that could become conditions of any future restriction.
ECHA opens consultation on SEAC draft opinion for EU-wide PFAS restriction (26 Mar–25 May 2026)
ECHA opened a public consultation on the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) draft opinion in the ongoing REACH restriction process for an EU-wide PFAS restriction proposal. Compliance teams tracking the proposed PFAS restriction should consider participating in the consultation (e.g., providing socio-economic information, use/alternatives data) and monitor subsequent RAC/SEAC opinion finalisation steps that will inform any eventual Commission restriction decision.
Hong Kong gazettes commencement dates to control eight COP5 mercury-added product categories under Mercury Control Ordinance
Hong Kong issued a commencement notice (gazetted 26 March 2026) to bring into force new/expanded controls under the Mercury Control Ordinance (Cap. 640) for eight mercury-added product categories adopted under Minamata Convention COP5 amendments. The notice sets staged commencement (prohibition on manufacture/import/export after commencement, with limited allowances as specified) including: 27 March 2026 for certain button zinc silver oxide/zinc air batteries with mercury content <2 wt% and certain high-accuracy measurement bridges and RF switches/relays (≤20 mg Hg) and certain cosmetics (with specified trace/preservative exceptions); 31 December 2026 for specified compact fluorescent and halophosphate fluorescent lamps; and 31 December 2027 for specified triband phosphor fluorescent lamps. A grace period for supply/sale is stated through 31 January 2029, after which supply may be prosecuted. This is a jurisdictional implementation action aligning Hong Kong controls with Minamata COP5 Annex A changes (and related applicability for PRC/HKSAR).
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 following federal disapproval of California's waivers for Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) and Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Omnibus regulations. The permanent adoption clarifies that California's earlier vehicle emissions regulations remain operative pending court resolution of the federal waiver disapproval. Manufacturers may continue to seek CARB certification to emission standards in effect prior to ACC II and Omnibus adoption. The emergency regulations became effective October 2, 2025.
ECHA issues SEAC consultation guidance for Universal PFAS Restriction
ECHA has published guidance for respondents for the SEAC consultation on the universal PFAS restriction draft opinion. This guidance document assists stakeholders in preparing submissions for the public consultation on SEAC's draft opinion regarding the proposed PFAS restriction under REACH. Organizations potentially affected by the PFAS restriction should review this guidance to participate effectively in the consultation process.