All regulatory updates
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EPA Seeks Information for Asbestos Legacy Uses Risk Management Rule
EPA is seeking public input to develop a durable TSCA regulation for legacy uses and associated disposals of asbestos (Part 2 risk management rule). TSCA section 6(c)(1)(C) authorizes EPA to adjust the proposed rule deadline when additional information is necessary. EPA finalized the asbestos Part 2 risk evaluation in December 2024. The agency requests information on activities that disturb asbestos-containing materials, use of legacy products, and air-sampling methods.
HUD Issues RFI on BABA Products for Housing Programs
HUD published a Request for Information seeking public input on the availability of domestically manufactured products used in HUD-assisted housing construction, alteration, maintenance, and repair projects. The RFI requests information on domestic production availability of BABA-compliant products, product categories used in housing programs, and additional considerations. Comments are due by July 20, 2026. This information will support HUD's implementation of Buy America Preference requirements under BABA for federal financial assistance programs.
EU enforcement testing reveals RoHS compliance failures in electronic products
The European Commission published results from enforcement testing of electronic products for hazardous substances restricted under the EU RoHS Directive. Of 319 samples tested, elevated lead levels were detected in 82 samples (primarily in solder points), plasticisers (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP) in 51 samples (mainly in soft PVC cable insulation and plugs), and brominated flame retardants (PBB, PBDE) in 5 samples (hard plastic components). The testing demonstrates active enforcement surveillance and highlights ongoing compliance risks in electronic component supply chains, particularly for solder materials, cables, and accessories.
Public Comment Period Extended for NSRL Proposals
At the request of the Personal Care Products Council, OEHHA has extended the public comment period for proposed No Significant Risk Levels (NSRLs) for 1-bromopropane and diethanolamine under Title 27, California Code of Regulations, section 25705(b)(1). NSRLs establish safe harbor levels below which businesses are not required to provide Proposition 65 warnings for exposures to listed carcinogens.
EPA Releases Draft TSCA Documents for Five Chemicals Review
EPA is advancing its TSCA review of five chemicals by releasing draft technical support documents for peer review and public comment. The chemicals are: 1,1,2-trichloroethane, TBBPA (tetrabromobisphenol A), 1,2-dichloropropane, and two additional chemicals. These documents support ongoing risk evaluations under TSCA Section 6. Manufacturers, processors, and other stakeholders should review and provide input during the peer review and comment period.
MassDEP issues guidance for water suppliers on EPA PFAS proposed rules
MassDEP published a Q&A fact sheet for public water suppliers clarifying how EPA's proposed PFAS rescission rule and compliance extension would affect Massachusetts water systems. The guidance confirms Massachusetts' PFAS6 MCL of 20 ppt combined (for PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFHpA, PFDA) remains in effect regardless of federal changes, and explains options for seeking PFOA/PFOS compliance deadline exemptions through 2031. The guidance notes that most Massachusetts PFAS exceedances result from PFAS6 levels above the state's 20 ppt standard, demonstrating Massachusetts' standards are often more protective than federal limits.
BIS reaches $36M enforcement settlement with Robert Bosch GmbH for Huawei shipments
BIS reached a $36 million administrative enforcement settlement with Robert Bosch GmbH for violations pertaining to shipments of MEMS sensor products and automotive software to Huawei without required licenses. The violations involved Foreign Direct Product Rule violations. Bosch filed a Voluntary Self-Disclosure and cooperated with the investigation, which was considered in the penalty determination.
TBBPA TSCA Risk Evaluation Opens for Public Comment
EPA published a notice of availability and request for comment on the TBBPA (4,4′-(1-Methylethylidene)bis[2,6-dibromophenol], CASRN 1163-19-5) risk evaluation under TSCA Section 6. TBBPA is a brominated flame retardant used in electronics, plastics, and other applications. The comment period ends August 17, 2026. Stakeholders should submit comments on the draft risk evaluation to inform EPA's final determination.
NJDEP formally adopts site remediation standards for PFNA, PFOA, PFOS, and GenX
NJDEP has formally adopted site remediation standards for four PFAS compounds: PFNA, PFOA, PFOS, and GenX (HFPO-DA). These standards establish cleanup requirements for contaminated sites under New Jersey's site remediation program. The adoption creates binding compliance obligations for responsible parties conducting remediation of PFAS-contaminated properties in New Jersey, supplementing existing groundwater and drinking water standards with specific cleanup criteria.
UK updates closed loop packaging waste exemption registration guidance
Updated guidance on the closed loop packaging waste exemption under the UK's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging scheme. The update includes changes to the page title, the process for registering for closed loop packaging waste, registration fees, and registration deadlines. The regulations are now in force, allowing producers managing closed loop recycling systems to apply for exemption from standard EPR disposal fees.
Commission outlines timeline for PFAS restriction after ECHA assessment
The European Commission has outlined the next steps for the universal PFAS restriction. Once ECHA delivers its final scientific assessment by the end of 2026, the Commission will present a restriction proposal aimed at minimising PFAS emissions. The Commission will also consider a ban on PFAS in consumer goods. For industrial applications, continued use may be permitted for critical uses where adequate alternatives are not yet available, but only under strict conditions and time-limited derogations.
Minnesota Excludes Pre-July 2023 Products from PFAS Reporting
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency guidance states that products manufactured before July 1, 2023 are excluded from PFAS Minnesota reporting. Initial reports are due September 15, 2026. This changes reporting scope by manufacturing date and should be reviewed separately from any reporting-deadline update.
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 after the federal government purportedly disapproved California's waivers for newer vehicle emissions regulations, including Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) and Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Omnibus (Omnibus). The amendments clarify that California's earlier vehicle emission standards remain in effect. Manufacturers may continue to seek CARB certification to pre-ACC II/Omnibus standards, may voluntarily comply with ACC II/Omnibus requirements, and voluntary compliance provides regulatory certainty and may benefit state procurement preferences. California is challenging federal actions in court.
RI S2799 Proposes Consumer PFAS Ban Act Amendments
The Rhode Island General Assembly approved Senate Bill 2799 on June 11, 2026, proposing amendments to the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024 (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-18.18). Key amendments include: (1) clarifying enforcement provisions for the Department of Environmental Management (DEM); (2) authorizing DEM to join a multijurisdictional clearinghouse to assist in administering PFAS product compliance; and (3) granting DEM authority to issue exemptions for certain products. The bill awaits the Governor's signature. Existing product prohibition deadlines remain in effect, including the January 1, 2027 ban on cookware, cosmetics, carpets, fabric treatments, juvenile products, menstrual products, ski wax, textile articles, and firefighting personal protective equipment containing intentionally added PFAS.
SEAC deadline extended 90 days for PFAS restriction opinion
The deadline for the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) to adopt its final opinion on the universal PFAS restriction proposal has been extended by 90 days under Article 71(3) of REACH. The draft final opinion will now be tabled for adoption at SEAC-73. This extension affects the timeline for the EU-wide PFAS restriction process, with SEAC now expected to adopt its final opinion by the end of 2026.
EPA proposes TSCA SNURs Batch 26-1 for chemical substances
The EPA has proposed Significant New Use Rules (SNURs) under TSCA Section 5 for chemical substances that were the subject of premanufacture notices (PMNs) and TSCA Orders. The SNURs would require persons intending to manufacture or process these chemical substances for activities designated as significant new uses to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity. This is Batch 26-1 of proposed SNURs.
OEHHA releases draft IUR for acrolein for public review
OEHHA released a draft document for public review that summarizes the carcinogenicity data and derives a cancer inhalation unit risk factor (IUR) for acrolein under Proposition 65. The IUR is a quantitative value used to calculate cancer risk from inhalation exposure, which helps businesses determine whether Proposition 65 warnings are required for products or activities involving acrolein exposures.
RoHS exemption stakeholder consultation extended to 1 August 2026
The European Commission's contracted evaluator has extended the submission deadline for stakeholder contributions on RoHS exemption evaluations to 1 August 2026 (extended from 24 July 2026). Stakeholders are invited to submit fact-based evidence to support ongoing exemption evaluations. Registered stakeholders receive updates on project progress and can participate in the evaluation process. Companies relying on RoHS exemptions should monitor this consultation and consider submitting relevant technical evidence.
POPRC-22 Meeting Scheduled for September 2026 in Rome
The 22nd meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC-22) is scheduled to take place in Rome, Italy, from 21 to 25 September 2026, back-to-back with the 22nd meeting of the Rotterdam Convention Chemical Review Committee. POPRC reviews proposals for listing new chemicals in the Stockholm Convention annexes and develops recommendations for the Conference of the Parties. The advance provisional agenda is now available. Compliance teams should monitor POPRC-22 outcomes for potential new POP listings that may affect product formulations.
SEAC draft opinion consultation closes with 3,511 comments received
The 60-day consultation on SEAC's draft opinion on the PFAS restriction proposal (26 March to 25 May 2026) received 3,511 comments from more than 3,200 organisations and 250 individuals. SEAC is now assessing the contributions and is expected to adopt its final opinion on the proposed restriction by the end of 2026. This represents strong stakeholder engagement in the REACH restriction process.