All regulatory updates
894 results found
European Commission RoHS implementation page reiterates exemption renewal timing, decision timelines, and post-rejection transition period expectations
The Commission’s RoHS implementation guidance page sets out procedural expectations for RoHS exemptions: renewal applications should be submitted no later than 18 months before an exemption expires; typical decisions take 18–24 months; timely renewal submissions generally keep the exemption valid until a decision is taken; and rejected renewals typically include a 12–18 month transition period. This guidance is operationally important for planning exemption renewal strategies, supplier declarations, and product change timelines around expiring RoHS exemptions.
CPCB publishes SOP for E-Waste Recycler registration and verification on the EPR portal (registration validity, verification timeline, revocation triggers)
CPCB published an SOP detailing information/documentation required for registration of e-waste recyclers on the portal under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. The SOP outlines required documents and operational evidence (e.g., consents/authorizations, geotagged video of installed machinery), states registration validity (5 years), describes CPCB verification within 3 months of granting registration (physical or video conference), and highlights revocation triggers for false information/wilful concealment/irregularities (including potential EC implications). This affects recyclers’ onboarding readiness and producers’ due diligence when sourcing EPR certificates from registered recyclers.
CEN and CENELEC publish first European standards for Digital Product Passport framework
CEN and CENELEC published the first-ever European standards supporting the EU Digital Product Passport framework under ESPR Regulation (EU) 2024/1781. Developed by joint technical committee CEN-CLC/JTC 24, the standards package (EN 18216:2026 and related standards) covers core technical infrastructure for consistent and interoperable DPP rollout across Europe. Compliance teams should begin assessing these standards for DPP implementation planning.
CARB adopts Cap-and-Invest Program updates extending program through 2045
The California Air Resources Board adopted comprehensive updates to the state's Cap-and-Invest Program (formerly Cap-and-Trade), extending it through 2045 following legislative authorization through SB 840 and AB 1207 in 2025. The adopted changes maintain California's path toward meeting 2030 and 2045 climate targets while supporting affordability for Californians. The program covers approximately 80% of California's climate emissions and has achieved nearly 100% compliance over 13 years of operation. The updates balance legislative direction, affordability, jobs and near-term economic concerns while ensuring emissions reductions and providing long-term market signals for clean energy investment. Estimated compliance cost is $124 billion over the 20-year lifetime, approximately $20 billion less costly than scenarios analyzed in April 2024.
CARB posts Notice of Public Hearing and proposed regulatory text for 2026 Cap-and-Invest amendments (rulemaking hearing scheduled)
CARB opened the formal hearing/comment process for proposed amendments to the California Cap on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Market-Based Compliance Mechanisms Regulation (Cap-and-Invest). CARB posted the Notice of Public Hearing and the Proposed Regulation Order (proposed regulatory text), along with CEQA documentation including a Final Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) dated May 26, 2026. Covered entities and market participants should track the proposed regulatory changes and participate in the hearing/comment process as applicable.
CARB opens public comment/hearing process for Proposed 2026 amendments to Cap-and-Invest Regulation
CARB has an active rulemaking for Proposed 2026 Amendments to the Cap-and-Invest Regulation (California Cap on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Market-Based Compliance Mechanisms). The program and docket materials indicate defined public participation steps (public hearing and public comment opportunities) for stakeholders affected by allowance market design and compliance obligations. Compliance teams for covered entities, offset/market participants, and regulated facilities should monitor the docket for adopted regulatory text, final timelines, and any transition provisions.
European Commission hosts battery-industry webinar on Digital Product Passport implementation and upcoming data requirements
The European Commission published an official event notice for an industry webinar on the DPP’s implications for the battery value chain. While not a binding legal act, it is an official implementation-support update indicating Commission focus areas (upcoming data requirements, industry readiness, SME support, and Q&A/contact channels). Compliance teams in the battery ecosystem can use this to align internal readiness work and monitor clarifications provided in presentations/Q&A.
European Commission webinar on Digital Product Passport implementation for the batteries industry (27 May 2026)
The European Commission (DG GROW) held an implementation-focused webinar titled “The EU Digital Product Passport: Implications and Practical Guidance for the Batteries Industry.” While not a binding legal act, this official outreach signals near-term implementation focus for battery value chain Digital Product Passport readiness (e.g., data requirements, industry readiness and support for SMEs). Compliance teams in battery-related supply chains can use this as an authoritative indicator of Commission expectations and practical implementation topics to prepare internal data/IT processes and supplier engagement ahead of mandatory battery DPP obligations.
On May 26, 2026, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a new state law that modifies Minnesota's reporting requirements for products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals." The amendment updates Amara’s Law, Minnesota’s landmark legislation designed to phase out nonessential uses of PFAS in consumer and industrial products. What Has Changed? Under the revised law, manufacturers are required to report only those products that: Contain intentionally added PFAS; and Were manufactured after July 1, 2023; and Are sold, offered for sale, or distributed in Minnesota. Previously, the reporting requirement applied to all products containing intentionally added PFAS, regardless of when they were manufactured. This created significant compliance challenges, particularly for manufacturers managing legacy products and older inventory.
The amendment reduces the reporting burden by excluding products manufactured before July 1, 2023, while preserving the state's broader objective of identifying and regulating PFAS in newer products entering the market. Manufacturers should review their product portfolios and supply chain data to determine which products remain subject to reporting requirements under the revised law. Next Steps Companies selling products in Minnesota should: Identify products containing intentionally added PFAS. Verify product manufacturing dates. Determine which products fall within the revised reporting scope. Engage suppliers to obtain necessary PFAS disclosures and supporting documentation. Prepare for submission ahead of the September 2026 reporting deadline.
USGBC publishes 2026 LEED certification application submission/payment cutoffs to meet target certification dates (e.g., Greenbuild 2026, year-end 2026)
USGBC’s 2026 planning article provides operational deadlines for when LEED applications must be received and payment cleared to meet target review return dates tied to key milestones (such as certification before Greenbuild 2026 and before the end of 2026). This impacts compliance-by-contract and owner commitments where certification is required by a specific event/date; teams should schedule documentation completion and review submissions to align with USGBC’s published processing timelines.
GBCI/USGBC publishes LEED v5 exam transition information including beta exam launch dates and LEED v4 exam registration/testing deadlines
The USGBC Help Center article provides the transition timeline from LEED v4-based credential exams to LEED v5 beta exams, including stated beta launch dates and cutoffs for registering/testing under LEED v4 exams. This affects organizations that require LEED credentials for staff qualification or contractual compliance, and informs training and exam scheduling plans to avoid missing v4 testing windows and to prepare for v5 exam content.
Canada Green Building Council extends LEED v4/4.1 registration/sunset dates for Canada program administration
CAGBC announced updates to LEED v4/v4.1 program timelines for Canada, confirming extended registration closure timing (e.g., LEED v4/4.1 BD+C/ID+C/O+M closing to new registrations on June 30, 2026) and allowing LEED v4.1 recertifications until June 30, 2027. Canada-based project teams and contract/compliance owners relying on specific LEED versions should align registration decisions and internal gating milestones to the updated Canadian program deadlines.
USGBC publishes LEED v4/v4.1 transition deadlines: registration closes June 30, 2026 (most systems) and certification sunset June 30, 2032; exceptions extend some registration windows
USGBC’s LEED certification deadlines page consolidates phase-out timelines for LEED v4 and v4.1, including the registration close date (June 30, 2026 for most BD+C/ID+C/O+M systems) and certification sunset (June 30, 2032). The page also notes specific exceptions (e.g., certain LEED v4.1 O+M recertification/interiors registration through June 30, 2027; additional exceptions for campus/master site and volume pathways). Organizations with contractual or policy commitments tied to LEED v4/v4.1 should update internal schedules for project registration and long-range certification planning to avoid missing eligibility windows.
EPA proposes extending compliance dates in TSCA Section 6 risk management rules for perchloroethylene (PCE) and carbon tetrachloride (CTC)
EPA announced a proposed rulemaking to extend certain compliance dates in the final TSCA §6 risk management rules for perchloroethylene (PCE) and carbon tetrachloride (CTC). EPA stated existing compliance dates remain in effect unless and until revised through rulemaking, but EPA intends to focus compliance/enforcement resources on the new compliance dates that would be established if the proposal is finalized. Compliance teams using or supplying PCE/CTC should track the proposal and be prepared to re-baseline internal Workplace Chemical Protection Program timelines and related operational controls once new dates are finalized.
EPA Finalizes TSCA 8(d) Reporting Deadline Extension to May 2027
EPA announced a final rule on May 22, 2026 extending the TSCA Section 8(d) Health and Safety Data reporting deadline to May 21, 2027 for all 16 chemicals covered under the rule. Manufacturers (including importers) of these 16 chemicals must report data from unpublished health and safety studies to EPA by the new deadline.
EPA releases draft TSCA risk evaluation materials for HHCB, phthalic anhydride, o-dichlorobenzene, and p-dichlorobenzene and schedules SACC peer review meetings
EPA published draft TSCA risk evaluation materials: draft risk evaluations for HHCB and phthalic anhydride and draft hazard assessments/supporting documents for o-dichlorobenzene and p-dichlorobenzene. EPA also announced Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) peer review meetings (including a preparatory meeting) as part of the TSCA risk evaluation process. Compliance teams should review the drafts, consider submitting comments to the peer review docket, and assess whether conditions of use identified as presenting unreasonable risk could lead to future TSCA §6 risk management requirements if finalized.
Secretariat invites submissions on challenges implementing obligations for mercury-added cosmetics (COP-6 decision MC-6/4)
The Minamata Convention Secretariat (Ref. MC/ES/2026/36) invited Parties and stakeholders to submit information on challenges in implementing obligations regarding mercury-added cosmetics, linked to COP-6 decision MC-6/4. The call explicitly seeks input on implementation and enforcement issues (e.g., manufacture/import/export and compliance challenges) and notes potential support pathways under Articles 14 (capacity-building/technical assistance) and 15 (Implementation and Compliance Committee). Submissions are due by 30 June 2026; the communication also notes additional cutoffs for Party submissions to the Implementation and Compliance Committee (13 July 2026 and 1 December 2026) for consideration at specific committee meetings.
RMI FAQ: New CMRT releases in April generally do not require re-surveying suppliers for the upcoming filing
RMI guidance clarifies supplier-survey timing when a new CMRT is released in April. Companies generally do not need to re-survey suppliers solely due to an April CMRT release for the upcoming filing cycle. Instead, companies should use the latest CMRT version available when initiating their annual survey and clearly state which CMRT version was used/allowed. This impacts annual CMRT data-collection planning, supplier communications, and documentation practices for SEC Form SD / downstream conflict minerals due diligence programs relying on CMRT submissions.
Illinois EPA confirms state will maintain PFAS drinking water standards despite federal rollback
Illinois EPA Director James Jennings issued an official statement on May 21, 2026 confirming that Illinois will maintain its PFAS drinking water standards regardless of federal regulatory rollbacks. The statement emphasized Illinois' commitment to addressing PFAS pollution and protecting drinking water resources. Illinois has established Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six PFAS compounds under its Part 620 groundwater quality regulations, with compliance required by April 26, 2029.
Illinois establishes PFAS drinking water MCL compliance timeline
Illinois EPA has established specific compliance timelines for the PFAS drinking water Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) under the amended Part 620 groundwater quality regulations. Community water supplies must complete initial monitoring by April 25, 2027, begin ongoing compliance monitoring on April 26, 2027, and achieve compliance with MCLs by April 26, 2029. The standards cover PFOA (4 ppt), PFOS (4 ppt), PFHxS (10 ppt), PFNA (10 ppt), HFPO-DA/GenX (10 ppt), and PFBS (part of Hazard Index mixture).