All regulatory updates
1373 results found
China withdraws non-acceptance of COP-5 Annex A & B amendments; amendments enter into force for China
The UN Depositary notified that China withdrew its prior notification of non-acceptance of the COP-5 amendments to Annexes A and B. As a result, the COP-5 Annex A/B amendments entered into force for China on the date of withdrawal indicated in the notification. Organizations operating in or trading with China should monitor domestic implementing measures and compliance expectations reflecting applicability of the amended Minamata Annex A/B obligations in China (including product and process controls covered by those annexes).
Secretariat invites comments on draft risk profile for PBDD/Fs and mixed PBCDD/Fs/PBCDFs under POPRC process (decision POPRC-21/6 information request)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat invited Parties/observers to submit comments on the draft risk profile for polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBCDD/Fs), and requested information pursuant to decision POPRC-21/6. This is a POPRC scientific review step that can precede recommendations to list substances under the Convention; compliance teams should monitor outcomes for potential future listing and evaluate supply-chain presence where relevant.
Secretariat opens comment period on revised draft risk profile for PBDD/Fs and mixed PBCDD/Fs & PBCDFs (excluding PCDD/Fs)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat invited comments on the (revised) draft risk profile evaluated within the POPs Review Committee (POPRC) process for polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBCDD/Fs and PBCDFs), excluding PCDD/Fs. Draft risk profile consultation is a key step toward potential future POPRC recommendations to list substances under the Convention (Annex A/B/C), which can subsequently drive global restrictions and downstream national/regional implementation.
MassDEP clarifies reporting for 9 newly added TRI PFAS under TURA NOL Category
MassDEP has issued guidance clarifying that nine PFAS chemicals added to the federal TRI list for Reporting Year 2025 remain reportable under the TURA Certain PFAS NOL (Not Otherwise Listed) Category until formally added to the TURA chemical list. The TURA Administrative Council has voted on these substances and draft regulations have been published for public comment. The nine substances include Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (CAS 377-73-1), Ammonium perfluorodecanoate (CAS 3108-42-7), and Sodium perfluorodecanoate (CAS 3830-45-3), among others. Facilities preparing TURA reports for reporting year 2025 (due July 2026) should report these substances under the Certain PFAS NOL Category at the category threshold. Once formally added to the TURA list, these will become individually reportable at the 100-pound threshold.
JRC publishes study proposing Digital Product Passport content elements for iron and steel products under ESPR (preparatory study)
The European Commission’s JRC published a preparatory study on potential Digital Product Passport (DPP) content for iron and steel products under the ESPR framework. Although non-binding, it provides concrete direction on likely data categories and structure that could be reflected in future product-specific delegated acts (e.g., product/producer identification, substances-of-concern information, environmental/circularity data, access rights and governance). Compliance teams in metals/steel value chains can use it to start gap assessments for data availability, traceability processes, and supplier information flows ahead of formal ESPR DPP requirements.
EPA releases proposed rule to revise TSCA risk evaluation procedures for existing chemicals (Framework Rule revisions)
EPA announced a proposed rule to revise procedures for conducting TSCA risk evaluations for existing chemicals (the TSCA risk evaluation 'framework rule'). The proposal would change key elements of the risk evaluation process (e.g., how unreasonable risk determinations are made across conditions of use and how certain exposure controls/parameters are handled). Stakeholders should track Federal Register publication and consider submitting comments during the stated comment period once open.
New Zealand EPA opens consultation to restrict chlorpyrifos, MCCPs and LC‑PFCAs as newly listed Stockholm Convention POPs
New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) opened a consultation proposing domestic controls to implement the Stockholm Convention listings for chlorpyrifos, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs). The consultation proposes amendments (including to HSNO-related schedules/orders governing POPs) to restrict these substances in New Zealand, with submissions due by 5:00 pm on 17 April 2026. Compliance teams supplying products into New Zealand should monitor the final controls for any prohibitions, transition provisions, and scope definitions that may affect import/export and product composition.
UK Defra opens consultation on potential amendments to the GB POPs Regulation 2026
The UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) opened a public consultation on potential amendments to the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation 2026. This consultation is relevant to Stockholm Convention alignment work, including potential updates affecting listed POP substances such as chlorpyrifos, MCCPs and LC‑PFCAs. Compliance teams operating in Great Britain should monitor the consultation for proposed scope changes, exemptions and implementation timelines that could affect product stewardship, waste and supply-chain controls.
NY launches private well PFAS testing rebate pilot in six counties
New York State launched a pilot program providing free PFAS testing and mitigation rebates for private well owners in Dutchess, Putnam, Orange, Suffolk, Ulster, and Westchester counties. Each county received $1.5 million in funding. Eligible homeowners can receive up to $5,000 for PFAS water treatment systems or up to $10,000 to connect to public water supply when PFOA or PFOS levels exceed 10 ppt (NY's current MCL).
JRC publishes DPP content recommendations for iron and steel products under ESPR
The JRC published a Science for Policy Report providing recommendations for Digital Product Passport data requirements for iron and steel products under the ESPR Regulation. The study defines proposed mandatory data attributes including product identification, producer information, material compliance (REACH SVHC declarations), environmental information (carbon footprint, recycled content), and circularity data. The report establishes granularity levels (model-level, batch-level, item-level) and an access rights framework for different stakeholder roles. This guidance will inform the upcoming delegated act for iron and steel DPP requirements.
JRC publishes technical study proposing Digital Product Passport content elements for iron and steel products under ESPR
The Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) published a Science for Policy report on proposed DPP content for iron and steel products under the ESPR framework. Although non-binding, it is an official technical basis intended to support future delegated-act development for iron/steel DPP requirements (e.g., content structure, access rights, granularity, governance concepts). Compliance teams in steel value chains can use it to anticipate likely future DPP data fields and system capabilities.
MPCA publishes PRISM supplemental reporting guide for manufacturers
The MPCA published a Supplemental Reporting Guide for the PFAS Reporting Information System for Manufacturers (PRISM) in March 2026. The guide provides assistance with various reporting scenarios including packaging as product components, spare/replacement parts reporting, foam blowing agents, and products introduced after July 1, 2026.
ECHA plans 60‑day public consultation on SEAC draft opinion for EU-wide PFAS restriction after March 2026 SEAC meeting
ECHA announced an upcoming 60-day consultation on SEAC’s draft opinion for the proposed EU-wide PFAS restriction under REACH, to be launched after SEAC’s March 2026 meeting. ECHA indicates the consultation will be run as a structured survey and respondents will not be able to submit attachments. Compliance teams should prepare to provide use/sector information in the required format during the consultation window, as this consultation is a key procedural step before final RAC/SEAC opinions and a subsequent European Commission decision on any restriction.
New Zealand EPA consultation on amending HSNO Schedule 2A to implement restrictions for newly listed Stockholm Convention POPs (chlorpyrifos, MCCPs, LC‑PFCAs)
New Zealand EPA opened a public consultation proposing amendments to Schedule 2A of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act to implement Stockholm Convention controls for three newly listed POPs: chlorpyrifos, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs). For compliance teams, this signals upcoming NZ legal restrictions aligned to the Stockholm COP-12 listings, requiring review of product and chemical portfolios for the presence of these substances and preparation for NZ-specific prohibitions/exemptions once the amendments are finalized.
ECHA publishes guidance for respondents for SEAC draft opinion consultation on PFAS restriction (incl. use‑mapping annex)
ECHA published consultation support materials to help stakeholders respond to the consultation on the SEAC draft opinion for the proposed EU-wide REACH restriction on PFAS. The documents provide instructions for respondents and include an annex mapping PFAS uses, which can help companies structure inputs on socio-economic impacts, uses, and potential derogations during the restriction process. This is non-binding guidance (not a legal restriction itself) but is compliance-relevant for companies preparing consultation submissions and assessing potential future PFAS restrictions under REACH.
DTSC opens pre-regulatory workshop on PFAS in floor maintenance products
The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has opened a pre-regulatory workshop on floor maintenance products containing PFAS under the Safer Consumer Products (SCP) Program. Stakeholders may submit written comments via the CalSAFER website or by email to SaferConsumerProducts@dtsc.ca.gov. This workshop represents early-stage regulatory activity that may lead to floor maintenance products containing PFAS being designated as a Priority Product, which would require manufacturers to conduct alternatives analysis and potentially reformulate products.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency updates online PFAS product reporting system (Amara’s Law)
MPCA announced an update to its online system used for reporting products containing intentionally added PFAS under Minnesota’s PFAS product reporting program (Amara’s Law). This affects manufacturers and other responsible parties submitting PFAS product reports to Minnesota, who may need to review updated workflows, fields, or submission mechanics to ensure continued compliance and timely reporting through the state’s portal.
EPA final rule implements statutory addition of certain PFAS to TRI reporting requirements (Federal Register publication)
EPA published a final rule in the Federal Register implementing the statutory addition of certain PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program. This action codifies TRI listing changes in regulation and affects TRI applicability determinations, supplier notification considerations, and facility reporting workflows for affected PFAS for relevant reporting years.
EPA final rule implements statutory addition of certain PFAS to TRI reporting requirements
EPA published a final rule implementing the statutory addition of certain PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) under EPCRA Section 313, updating TRI reporting obligations for covered facilities. Compliance teams should evaluate whether any TRI-reportable PFAS newly covered by the statutory addition are manufactured, processed, or otherwise used above applicable thresholds, and ensure TRI reporting systems and supplier communications reflect the updated TRI chemical list and any chemical-of-special-concern implications described in the rule text.
EPA final rule implements statutory addition of certain PFAS to TRI (including PFHxS‑Na)
EPA published a final rule in the Federal Register implementing the statutory (NDAA-driven) addition of certain PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) under EPCRA §313. The action codifies PFAS additions for TRI reporting, including sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS‑Na) for Reporting Year 2026, affecting TRI-covered facilities’ chemical tracking and reporting obligations. Compliance teams should verify TRI applicability (NAICS/sector coverage), update substance lists/SDS and tracking systems, and prepare for reporting consistent with TRI requirements and applicable thresholds (including special-concern treatment where applicable).