All regulatory updates
1479 results found
EPA publishes publicly available TSCA Section 5 orders for significant new use of certain PFAS chemical substances
EPA updated its New Chemicals Program page providing publicly available versions of TSCA Section 5 orders addressing significant new uses for certain chemical substances, including PFAS (with confidential business information removed). Compliance teams should use the posted order text to understand the restrictions/conditions tied to these chemicals and ensure that any manufacturing, importing, processing, or use changes are evaluated against Section 5 order obligations and potential SNUN triggers.
UK Defra Seeks Comments on LC-PFCAs, PFOA, PFHxS Indicative List
UK Defra has published a call for comments on the revised indicative list for long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs), PFOA and PFHxS, their salts and related compounds. The Stockholm Convention's POPs Review Committee (POPRC) has requested stakeholder input on the latest version of the indicative list, which defines substances covered under the specific exemptions. Companies using or supplying these PFAS substances should review the indicative list and submit comments by the deadline.
UK Seeks Comments on Revised Indicative List for LC-PFCAs, PFOA, PFHxS
Defra is seeking comments on the revised indicative list for long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs), PFOA, and PFHxS, their salts and related compounds. This responds to the Stockholm Convention POPs Review Committee's request for input on the latest version of the indicative list. Comments will inform the UK's position on these PFAS compounds under the Stockholm Convention framework. Industries using or manufacturing PFAS-containing materials should participate to ensure their views are represented.
SF 4173 proposes veterinary products exemption from PFAS prohibition
SF 4173 proposes to amend Minnesota Statutes section 116.943, subdivision 8 (Exemptions) to exempt veterinary products from the prohibition on products containing intentionally added PFAS. The bill was introduced on March 6, 2026. If enacted, veterinary products containing PFAS would be permitted for sale in Minnesota despite the broader PFAS product prohibitions under Amara's Law, which phases out avoidable PFAS uses by 2032.
European Commission Safety Gate Report 2025 highlights enforcement focus on toys and references strengthened toolbox under new Toy Safety Regulation
The European Commission’s 2025 Safety Gate Report (press release PDF) highlights that toys represented 16% of Safety Gate alerts in 2025 and explicitly references the new Toy Safety Regulation as strengthening authorities’ powers and banning harmful chemicals in toys. While this does not amend Regulation (EU) 2025/2509, it is a compliance-relevant enforcement signal for toy manufacturers/importers and online sellers regarding market surveillance priorities and scrutiny of unsafe/hazardous-chemical-related noncompliance.
Commission 2025 Safety Gate report press release flags Toy Safety Regulation as enforcement tool (harmful-chemicals ban messaging)
In the European Commission’s 2025 Safety Gate (rapid alert system) report press release, the Commission highlights toys as a key product category in alerts and explicitly references the new Toy Safety Regulation as part of the EU’s strengthened enforcement toolkit (including messaging that it bans harmful chemicals in toys and strengthens authority powers). While not an amendment to Regulation (EU) 2025/2509, this signals enforcement focus and increased market surveillance attention that compliance teams should consider for EU market monitoring, online listing controls, and readiness for inspections/requests.
HHS OCR HIPAA settlement with MMG Fusion (business associate) emphasizes risk analysis and breach notification; includes corrective action plan
OCR announced a HIPAA enforcement settlement with MMG Fusion, LLC (described as a software company and business associate). OCR cited alleged gaps including failure to conduct an accurate and thorough Security Rule risk analysis and failure to provide timely breach notification to covered entities. The settlement includes a resolution agreement/corrective action plan with multi-year monitoring. For vendor cybersecurity programs, this reinforces that business associates must maintain documented risk analysis, risk management, policies/procedures, and breach notification processes suitable for regulated timelines and contractual commitments.
SF 4173 proposes veterinary products exemption from PFAS prohibitions
SF 4173 proposes amending Minnesota Statutes §116.943 Subd. 8 to exempt veterinary products from the prohibition on products containing intentionally added PFAS. If enacted, veterinary products containing PFAS would be permitted for sale in Minnesota despite the broader PFAS product restrictions under Amara's Law. The bill was introduced on March 4, 2026 and referred to the Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee.
EPA updates TSCA New Chemicals Program statistics dashboard (Section 5 workload/case metrics)
EPA refreshed its public statistics for the TSCA New Chemicals Program (Section 5 submissions such as PMNs/SNUNs/MCANs and exemptions), providing updated counts and workload metrics. This is a transparency/program information update rather than a binding rule change, but it may affect compliance planning by indicating review timelines and backlogs.
BIS suspends License Exception SCP for Cuban-owned banks
BIS suspended the availability of License Exception SCP (Support for the Cuban People) under § 740.21(b)(1) for any export, reexport, or transfer (in-country) involving Cuban-owned banks. The determination is based on documented diversion concerns and the fact that Cuban banks form the financial infrastructure of the regime, with many designated on the Cuba Restricted List due to control by Cuban military, intelligence, or security services. Transactions using third-country banks to avoid deposit of funds into Cuban-owned banks remain eligible for License Exception SCP. Shipments already en route as of March 4, 2026 may proceed if completed by April 3, 2026.
RAC adopts opinion on universal PFAS restriction proposal
ECHA's Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) has concluded its evaluation of the universal restriction proposal on all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and adopted its opinion. This marks the first part of ECHA's two-committee scientific evaluation of the proposal. The RAC opinion addresses the risk assessment aspects of the proposed restriction, which forms a key component of the REACH restriction process before the Commission makes its final decision.
RAC adopts opinion on Universal PFAS Restriction proposal
ECHA's Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) has concluded its evaluation of the universal restriction proposal on all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and adopted its opinion on March 3, 2026. The opinion draws on an extensive independent evaluation of PFAS hazards, volumes, emissions, and risks. This marks a significant milestone in the restriction process as the proposal now advances to SEAC for its final opinion before the European Commission prepares a draft restriction decision.
China withdraws non-acceptance of COP-5 Annex A and B amendments; amendments enter into force for China (and apply to Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR)
A UN Depositary notification states that China withdrew its previous notification of non-acceptance of the Minamata Convention amendments to Annexes A and B adopted by COP-5 (Decision MC-5/4). As a result, the amendments entered into force for China on 2 March 2026 (and are stated to apply to Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR). This changes the applicability timeline of the COP-5 Annex A/B controls for China/HK/Macao and is a key compliance trigger for entities operating in or supplying these jurisdictions.
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.
Secretariat calls for comments on revised draft risk profile for PBDD/Fs and mixed PBCDD/Fs & PBCDFs (POPRC process)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat posted an invitation to submit comments on a revised draft risk profile concerning polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, and requested information pursuant to POPRC decision POPRC-21/6. This is part of the POPs Review Committee (POPRC) evaluation pathway that can lead to future recommendations to list substances under the Convention. Compliance teams should track this consultation as it signals potential future listing activity affecting brominated/chlorinated dioxin/furan-related materials and emissions management.
China accepts Minamata Convention COP-5 amendments after withdrawing non-acceptance notification
China has officially accepted the Minamata Convention COP-5 amendments to Annexes A and B by withdrawing its notification of non-acceptance on March 2, 2026. This brings China into alignment with the global mercury phase-out requirements adopted at COP-5, including restrictions on mercury-added batteries, switches, relays, fluorescent lamps, and cosmetics, as well as manufacturing process phase-outs for polyurethane production and sodium/potassium methylate/ethylate production. Parties that do not opt out within one year of the amendment's adoption are bound by the amendments.
EPA posts/updates TSCA New Chemicals Division Reference Library with new technical guidance memoranda (e.g., MMO CAM hazard assessment, respirator/APF 1000 use; skin irritation/corrosion decision framework)
EPA updated the TSCA New Chemicals Division Reference Library (Section 5 program support) to include additional technical memoranda/guidance used in new chemical risk assessments and decision-making. These materials can affect PMN/SNUN strategy and supporting data expectations (e.g., approaches for assessing environmental hazards of cathode active material new chemical substances and guidance on exposure assumptions/industrial hygiene considerations, plus a decision framework for skin irritation/corrosion hazard identification). Compliance teams submitting or planning TSCA Section 5 notices should review these documents because they may influence EPA’s hazard/exposure assumptions and resulting determinations or required risk management conditions.
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).
Stockholm Convention Compliance Committee launches 2026–2027 information-collection questionnaires (responses due 2 March 2026)
The Stockholm Convention Compliance Committee initiated its 2026–2027 information-collection exercise by issuing questionnaires for Parties and supporting entities. The questionnaires are intended to collect updated information on implementation/compliance to support the Committee’s work programme and recommendations for consideration at a future COP (noted in the research as COP-13). Compliance teams supporting national authorities should ensure questionnaire completion and submission by the stated deadline, and coordinate internal data collection on measures taken to implement Stockholm Convention obligations.