All regulatory updates
894 results found
EPA OTAQ updates BABA Implementation Procedures (FAQ memo) for OTAQ federal financial assistance programs
EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) issued an updated BABA Implementation Procedures document (FAQ/memo format) for OTAQ federal financial assistance programs (including DERA, Clean School Bus, Clean Ports, and Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles). The update provides program-specific interpretive guidance on BABA applicability and scope (including Purpose-Time-Place concepts), covered product category definitions (iron/steel vs. manufactured products vs. construction materials), compliance documentation/recordkeeping expectations, and waiver usage pathways. The memo includes clarifications relevant to infrastructure vs. rolling stock/equipment (e.g., it states BABA applies to clean/zero-emission school bus infrastructure but not to the bus itself), supporting recipient/contractor specification writing and audit readiness.
EPA OTAQ updates BABA implementation procedures (memo + FAQs) for OTAQ financial assistance programs
EPA OTAQ issued an updated memorandum and FAQ-style “BABA Implementation Procedures” for OTAQ-administered federal financial assistance programs (including DERA, Clean School Bus, Clean Ports, and Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles). The update provides operational guidance on BABA applicability, compliance responsibilities, documentation/certification expectations, and waiver pathways, including newly added/updated Q&As (e.g., de minimis waiver cost calculation clarifications for certain mobile equipment and fueling infrastructure project scenarios). Compliance teams supporting EPA OTAQ-funded projects should align procurement classification (iron/steel, manufactured products, construction materials), contracting language, record retention, and waiver documentation to the updated procedures.
EPA updates OTAQ BABA Implementation Procedures (FAQ memorandum) for OTAQ-administered financial assistance programs
EPA OTAQ updated its BABA implementation procedures/FAQ memorandum for OTAQ-administered financial assistance programs (e.g., Clean School Bus-related infrastructure, Clean Ports, and other OTAQ programs). The update provides implementation guidance affecting applicability determinations, documentation expectations, and waiver handling, and includes example contract language and an example certification letter—items commonly flowed down to contractors/suppliers to demonstrate BABA compliance on funded projects.
BIS interim final rule streamlines export controls for certain civil UAVs and expands STA eligibility for specified MT-controlled UAVs
BIS issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) amending the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR parts 740 and 774) to ease export/reexport/transfer requirements for certain civil unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Key changes include: (1) for ECCN 9A012.a.1 short-endurance civil UAVs, BIS revised the reason for control from NS Column 1 (NS1) to NS Column 2 (NS2), expanding no-license-required (NLR) eligibility to more destinations (as described in the rule); (2) BIS expanded License Exception STA by adding § 740.20(c)(1)(ii), allowing certain Missile Technology (MT)-controlled UAVs in ECCNs 9A012 and 9A120 to use STA for exports/reexports/transfers to or within Country Group A:5, while maintaining an exclusion for UAVs capable of delivering ≥500 kg payload to a range of ≥300 km; and (3) BIS made conforming/implementing text edits including to § 740.20(b)(2)(iii) and STA carve-outs in § 740.2(a)(5). The rule was effective January 20, 2026, and BIS requested public comments by February 19, 2026. Compliance teams exporting commercial/civil UAVs should reassess classification (ECCN), destination eligibility (Country Group A:1 vs A:5), STA eligibility conditions, and any internal screening/controls tied to MT parameters.
EPA OTAQ updates BABA Implementation Procedures (memo/FAQs) for OTAQ programs
EPA OTAQ updated its BABA implementation procedures (FAQ-style memorandum) for OTAQ-administered federal financial assistance programs (e.g., DERA, Clean School Bus-related infrastructure, Clean Ports). The updated procedures clarify applicability (including that BABA applies to infrastructure components) and outline documentation and waiver-related expectations for recipients and contractors. Compliance teams supporting EPA-funded infrastructure projects should align procurement documentation, domestic-content substantiation, and waiver request workflows with the revised OTAQ procedures.
FEMA revises Buy America Preference Policy for infrastructure financial assistance
FEMA issued Policy #207-22-0001, Revision 1 revising its Buy America Preference in FEMA Financial Assistance Programs for Infrastructure. The revised policy provides updated guidance on FEMA's implementation of BABA requirements for infrastructure projects receiving FEMA financial assistance, superseding the April 25, 2024 version. The policy clarifies applicability to federal awards obligating funds for infrastructure projects after one year from the effective date.
BIS issued an interim final rule easing export controls on certain civil unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The rule eliminates license requirements for low-risk commercial drones to most Wassenaar Arrangement countries (Country Group A:1) and allows certain UAVs to be exported under License Exception STA to Country Group A:5 partners.
The BIS has issued an interim final rule to streamline export controls on certain civil unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This update reduces regulatory burden for low-risk commercial drone exports while maintaining national security safeguards.
BIS final rule revises license review policy for certain advanced computing commodities to China and Macau
BIS amended the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to revise the license review policy for exports of certain advanced computing commodities to China and Macau. The change shifts review from a “presumption of denial” to “case-by-case” for specified items when stated conditions are met (e.g., exporter certifications and supporting data/assurances referenced in the rule). Compliance teams should reassess licensing strategy, internal documentation/certification workflows, and transaction screening for applicable ECCNs/transactions involving China and Macau under the updated review policy.
Sixth National Report due 31 August 2026; Stockholm Convention Electronic Reporting System updated for 6th report
The Stockholm Convention Electronic Reporting System (SC-ERS) has been updated to support Parties’ 6th national report submissions under Article 15. The compliance-relevant deadline for submission of the Sixth National Report is stated as 31 August 2026; the page also notes system availability in all UN languages by 15 January 2026. Compliance teams supporting Party reporting should plan data collection, validation and internal approvals against the stated submission deadline and ensure teams can access the updated questionnaire in the SC-ERS.
Budget/programme of work for the 2026–2027 biennium published (Convention governance output)
The Minamata Convention Secretariat published the budget/programme of work for the 2026–2027 biennium, including planned activities supporting implementation (e.g., COP-7 resourcing, Implementation and Compliance Committee work, capacity-building/technical assistance, effectiveness evaluation activities, and national reporting support). While not a new binding requirement for regulated entities, this official programme-of-work publication can influence timing/availability of future guidance, reporting support, and implementation/enforcement capacity across Parties.
ESMA publishes Sustainable Finance implementation timeline document referencing CSRD timing
ESMA published/updated a ‘Sustainable Finance’ implementation timeline document (last updated 13 January 2026) that includes CSRD-related timing references. This document functions as operational guidance/coordination material for stakeholders tracking CSRD milestones and should be used as a reference aid (while the underlying legal acts remain controlling).
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/76 updates authorised ODS process-agent uses and repeals Decision 2010/372/EU
The European Commission adopted Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/76 (12 Jan 2026; published 14 Jan 2026) under Article 7(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/590. The decision updates the list of undertakings/installations authorised to use ozone-depleting substances (ODS) as process agents, and sets/updates the annual maximum “make-up” quantities and annual maximum emission thresholds per undertaking (in Annex I, which is treated as commercially sensitive and not reproduced in the published PDF text). It also requires undertakings to notify the Commission and the relevant Member State competent authority within 3 months if an installation is decommissioned, and it repeals Commission Decision 2010/372/EU. Compliance teams using ODS as process agents should verify whether their installation remains listed/authorised, align internal controls with any updated maxima/thresholds, and ensure decommissioning-notification procedures meet the 3-month requirement.
EU Drinking Water Directive (recast) PFAS parameters: Member State compliance measures due by 12 Jan 2026
ECHA’s legislation profile for the recast EU Drinking Water Directive (Directive (EU) 2020/2184) highlights a transitional milestone for PFAS parameters (including “PFAS Total” and “Sum of PFAS”): by 12 January 2026, EU Member States must take the measures necessary to ensure compliance. This drives downstream monitoring and compliance readiness obligations for drinking water suppliers and competent authorities implementing the directive at national level.
EU Drinking Water Directive (recast) PFAS parameters: Member State compliance measures due by 12 Jan 2026 (PFAS Total / Sum of PFAS transition)
ECHA’s legislation profile for the recast EU Drinking Water Directive indicates a transitional deadline under which Member States must have measures in place by 12 January 2026 to ensure compliance for parameters including “PFAS Total” and “Sum of PFAS,” and suppliers will be required to monitor those parameters. Compliance teams supporting EU water suppliers, laboratories, and regulated entities should ensure monitoring programs, analytical capability, and documentation are aligned to the PFAS parameter requirements by this date.
EPA updates Extended Battery Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework page describing framework development and stakeholder engagement
EPA updated its Extended Battery Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework webpage (page shows a last updated date of January 8, 2026), describing EPA’s ongoing development of a national battery EPR framework and related stakeholder engagement activities. While not a binding rule, the update is relevant for battery producers and stewardship organizations as it signals federal policy direction that may influence harmonization expectations across state battery EPR/stewardship programs.
EPA updates Extended Battery Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework page outlining ongoing framework development and stakeholder engagement
EPA updated its official page on the national Extended Battery Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework (developed with the U.S. Department of Energy pursuant to Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act direction). The update summarizes framework-development scope (goals, cost structures, reporting, collection models, transportation, design considerations) and lists stakeholder engagement activities such as an upcoming virtual roundtable. While not a binding regulation, this is an official federal guidance/framework-development signal that may influence future federal or state battery EPR program design and harmonization expectations.
JRC publishes methodology for defining Digital Product Passport data requirements under the ESPR framework
The JRC published an official methodology document on defining DPP data requirements under the ESPR framework. This is non-binding technical guidance but is directly relevant for companies designing DPP data models and IT architecture, as it addresses approaches for specifying information requirements and associated implementation concepts referenced in ESPR/DPP planning. (The research text includes timing language within the PDF, but no new binding obligations are established by this document itself.)
EPA publishes Federal Register notice: "Certain New Chemicals or Significant New Uses; Statements of Findings—October 2025"
EPA published a Federal Register notice compiling TSCA Section 5 New Chemicals Program "statements of findings" for October 2025, covering determinations for certain new chemicals or significant new uses. While not a new rulemaking, this notice is operationally relevant for compliance teams tracking EPA’s Section 5 outcomes, potential consent order patterns, and significant new use considerations tied to TSCA notifications (PMNs/SNUNs).
Kentucky HB 196: PFAS Working Group and Manufacturer Reporting Requirements
Under HB 196, Kentucky is establishing a PFAS Working Group to study health impacts and develop mitigation strategies. The law requires manufacturers of products containing intentionally added PFAS to submit chemical and usage information to the state to ensure public transparency and environmental safety. An initial PFAS report is due by January 1, 2027, with subsequent reporting required annually each January 1; the PFAS Working Group is required to convene its first meeting by September 1, 2026, submit its first annual mitigation report by December 1, 2026, and reporting obligations apply to manufacturers of products sold, offered for sale, or distributed in the Commonwealth that contain intentionally added PFAS.
EPA publishes process update and Federal Register notice on expiring TSCA CBI claims beginning June 2026 (extensions via CDX required)
EPA announced (and published a Federal Register notice describing) the process it will use to notify submitters of upcoming TSCA confidential business information (CBI) claim expirations (generally 10 years after submission, under the 2016 TSCA amendments). EPA states the first expirations will begin in June 2026 and that it will post public lists of TSCA submissions with expiring claims (starting in spring 2026) and send direct notices via EPA’s Central Data Exchange (CDX). To maintain confidentiality, companies must submit an extension request through CDX with required substantiation no later than 30 days before the claim’s expiration date. Compliance teams should inventory TSCA submissions with CBI claims, ensure CDX access/roles are in place, and prepare substantiation workflows ahead of the spring 2026 public list postings.