All regulatory updates
1479 results found
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).
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.
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.
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.
SEAC Opens 60-Day Public Consultation on PFAS Restriction Draft Opinion
ECHA's Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) agreed its draft opinion supporting an EU-wide PFAS restriction with targeted derogations, following RAC's adoption of its final opinion. A 60-day public consultation on SEAC's draft opinion is now open for stakeholders to provide input on socio-economic aspects including availability of alternatives. Both committees support restriction on the manufacture, placing on the market, and use of PFAS with specific derogations for sectors where alternatives are not yet available.
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 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.
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.
ECHA supports PFAS restriction with targeted derogations (REACH restriction process update)
ECHA posted an official process update indicating support for the proposed EU-wide PFAS restriction under REACH, including discussion of targeted derogations. While not a final legal restriction, this type of update is relevant for compliance teams because it signals likely scope/derogation direction and helps companies anticipate which uses may face bans, conditions, or transition periods in a future Annex XVII restriction.
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.
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 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).
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.
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.
Australia implements BAT/BEP requirements for mercury emissions from March 2027
Starting March 2027, new facilities and those making major changes in Australia must use Best Available Techniques (BAT) and Best Environmental Practices (BEP) to control and reduce mercury emissions, implementing Minamata Convention Article 8 requirements. Regulations cover mercury releases into land and water. Facilities using or emitting 5 kg or more of mercury per year must report to the National Pollutant Inventory.
SEAC agrees draft opinion on PFAS restriction proposal (committee milestone)
ECHA posted an official update that its Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) agreed its draft opinion on the PFAS restriction proposal under REACH. This signals progression toward final RAC/SEAC opinions and eventual European Commission decision-making for an Annex XVII restriction. Compliance teams should use these committee milestones to accelerate PFAS inventory mapping, use-case justification, and substitution roadmaps aligned to likely restriction parameters and derogations.
ECHA announces consultation to be launched on draft SEAC opinion for PFAS restriction (process consultation notice)
ECHA posted an official notice indicating it would launch a consultation on the draft SEAC (Socio-Economic Analysis Committee) opinion for the proposed EU-wide PFAS restriction under REACH. This is a key milestone in the restriction process: companies affected by potential PFAS restrictions should monitor the consultation window and prepare technical and socio-economic input to support derogation requests, transition periods, or alternative-risk-management arguments.
EPA proposes extending compliance dates in TSCA Section 6 risk management rules for perchloroethylene (PCE) and carbon tetrachloride (CTC)
EPA released a proposal to extend certain compliance dates in the final TSCA Section 6 risk management rules for perchloroethylene (PCE) and carbon tetrachloride (CTC) while EPA works on further rule revisions. EPA states it is not revisiting the underlying TSCA unreasonable risk determinations and that protections are not being weakened. EPA indicates a 30-day public comment period will run upon Federal Register publication and points stakeholders to the rulemaking docket via Regulations.gov, which compliance teams should monitor for the Federal Register notice, specific extended dates, and applicability details.
EPA proposes extending certain compliance dates in TSCA §6 risk management rules for perchloroethylene (PCE) and carbon tetrachloride (CTC)
EPA announced a proposal to extend certain compliance dates in the final TSCA §6 risk management rules for perchloroethylene (PCE) and carbon tetrachloride (CTC), stating it is working on revisions intended to make the rules more practical and implementable. Until EPA completes rulemaking, existing compliance dates remain in effect. Compliance teams should monitor the Federal Register publication and the associated comment process once opened.
Congressional Discussion Drafts Propose TSCA Fee Reauthorization and Statutory Revisions
Both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate have released discussion drafts proposing to reauthorize TSCA fees (which expire September 30, 2026) and revise the 2016 Lautenberg amendments as they approach their ten-year mark. The proposals would affect fee structures for chemical manufacturers and processors under TSCA sections 4, 5, and 6 activities. Stakeholders should monitor legislative developments as reauthorization will impact compliance costs and potentially program procedures.