All regulatory updates
1479 results found
EU Commission closes its proposal to nominate siloxanes D4, D5 and D6 under the Stockholm Convention
The European Commission’s international agreements page indicates the Commission decided to close its proposal to nominate octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6) for listing under the Stockholm Convention. For compliance and horizon-scanning teams, this signals that this specific EU-driven nomination pathway has been halted, potentially changing expectations/timelines for any future Stockholm Convention consideration of these substances via that route.
Stockholm Convention COP-12 documents hub published: decisions adopted at the twelfth meeting available via CHM COP Decisions page
The Stockholm Convention CHM COP Decisions page is identified in the research as the official landing page to retrieve COP-12 outputs, including the report and the decisions adopted at the twelfth meeting (advance versions). For compliance teams, this page is an authoritative entry point for tracking adopted COP decisions that may include new listings, exemptions, technical guidance mandates, or compliance mechanisms requiring future implementation by Parties.
Directive (EU) 2026/470 Enacted with Raised Reporting Thresholds
Directive (EU) 2026/470 (Omnibus I) significantly raises CSRD reporting thresholds. EU companies must now have >1,000 employees AND >€450M net turnover to be in scope (previously >250 employees AND €50M turnover). Non-EU company threshold raised to €450M turnover generated in the EU. Sector-specific sustainability reporting standards are now voluntary rather than mandatory. The directive introduces a value chain cap protecting companies with ≤1,000 employees from excessive information requests, limits assurance to 'limited assurance' only (removing pathway to reasonable assurance), and mandates creation of a digital reporting portal. Member States must transpose provisions by March 19, 2027.
EU Commission notes Stockholm Convention COPs (2025) listed chlorpyrifos, MCCPs and long-chain PFCAs as POPs
The European Commission’s international agreements page states that Parties, at the 2025 Basel/Rotterdam/Stockholm COPs, added three hazardous chemicals to the Stockholm Convention (chlorpyrifos; medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs); long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs), their salts and related compounds). For compliance teams, this is a confirmation of new global POP listings that can trigger downstream national/regional implementing measures and updates to restricted substance lists, supply-chain declarations, and product stewardship programs in Parties to the Convention.
RMI FAQ updates/clarifies annual CMRT versioning and supplier re-survey expectations (April release cadence)
The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) provides CMRT operational guidance for downstream companies on how to manage annual supplier data collection when new CMRT versions are released (typically in April). The FAQ clarifies that companies do not need to re-survey suppliers solely because a new CMRT is released; instead, companies should use the most recent CMRT version available when initiating their annual supplier survey and document which version was used/accepted. This affects CMRT version control, supplier campaign timing, and defensible documentation for customer and downstream due diligence expectations that rely on CMRT outputs.
POPRC-22 scheduled for 21–25 September 2026 in Rome; revised draft risk profile for PBDD/Fs and mixed PBDD/PCDD/Fs to be considered
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat’s POPRC-22 overview page announces that the 22nd meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) will take place in Rome, Italy, 21–25 September 2026. The page indicates POPRC will consider a revised draft risk profile for polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (mixed PBDD/PCDD/Fs), and references requests for additional Annex E information (e.g., long-range environmental transport and adverse effects). For compliance teams, this is an official process milestone that can signal forthcoming recommendations for new POP listings or scope clarifications, which may later translate into national/regional implementing controls.
ECHA consultation opened on draft recommendation to add four substances to the REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV) – comments due 2 May 2026
ECHA opened a public consultation on its draft recommendation to add four substances (currently on the REACH Candidate List as SVHCs) to the REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV). Stakeholders are invited to submit comments (e.g., information on uses, volumes, supply chain impacts, and potential exemptions) by 2 May 2026. This is a key SVHC-to-authorisation pipeline step: if the European Commission later adds these substances to Annex XIV, continued use/placing on the market after applicable sunset dates would require authorisation for non-exempt uses, affecting manufacturers, importers, and downstream users.
ECHA consultation opened on draft recommendation to add four Candidate List substances to REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV)
ECHA opened a public consultation on its draft recommendation to add four substances (from the REACH SVHC Candidate List) to the REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV). Stakeholders are invited to submit comments/information by 2 May 2026. Although this is an Annex XIV pipeline step (not a Candidate List change), it is directly SVHC-relevant because Candidate List substances are the feedstock for Annex XIV recommendations; impacted companies should review uses/supply chains and consider submitting information during the consultation window.
Stockholm Convention Secretariat publishes details for POPRC-22 (21–25 Sep 2026, Rome) and notes revised draft risk profile item (PBDD/Fs and mixed PBDD/PCDD/Fs)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat published the official meeting information for the 22nd meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC-22), including the meeting dates (21–25 September 2026) and venue (FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy). The meeting overview also highlights technical work relevant to future POP listings, including consideration of a revised draft risk profile for polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, and the related invitation for Parties/observers to provide Annex E information. Compliance teams tracking upcoming global POP listing actions should monitor POPRC-22 agenda items and associated information calls, as POPRC outputs can progress substances toward future COP listing decisions.
EU adopts Omnibus I Directive raising CSRD thresholds to 1,000+ employees and €450M turnover
Directive (EU) 2026/470 significantly raises CSRD mandatory reporting thresholds to companies with more than 1,000 employees AND net turnover exceeding €450 million (previously 250 employees and €50 million for large undertakings). This reduces CSRD scope by approximately 80%, exempting many mid-sized companies from mandatory sustainability reporting. Financial holding undertakings may now choose whether to report consolidated sustainability information. Member States have until March 2027 to transpose amendments.
Register of Specific Exemptions page details PFOA-related specific exemption entry and review milestones (e.g., review by 31 Dec 2026)
The Stockholm Convention Register of Specific Exemptions page for PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related compounds includes an exemption entry (noted in the research as for the European Union) describing a specific allowed use and setting review/assessment milestones including a review by 31 December 2026 (and periodic reviews thereafter). For compliance teams, this provides authoritative confirmation of the existence and review timing of a time-bound treaty exemption that may be relied upon by eligible Parties for the specified use while planning phase-out and future review submissions.
ECHA plans public consultation on PFAS SEAC draft opinion after March 2026 meeting (60-day consultation)
ECHA announced procedural next steps for the proposed EU-wide REACH restriction on PFAS, stating it plans to launch a 60-day public consultation on SEAC’s draft opinion after the committee meeting in March 2026 (i.e., planned for spring 2026). Compliance teams should anticipate an upcoming consultation window and prepare to submit evidence on uses, socio-economic impacts, and substitution timelines relevant to their PFAS-related products and supply chains.
DTSC proposes floor maintenance products containing PFAS as Priority Product
On February 25, 2026, DTSC released the proposed Priority Product for Floor Maintenance Products Containing Perfluoroalkyl or Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs). If finalized, floor maintenance products containing PFAS would be subject to California's Safer Consumer Products Program requirements, including manufacturer notification and alternatives analysis obligations.
EPA final rule adds sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS‑Na) to TRI reporting (chemical of special concern; 100 lb threshold)
EPA finalized action expanding TRI (EPCRA §313) PFAS reporting by adding sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS‑Na) as a TRI-listed chemical. PFHxS‑Na is identified as a TRI “chemical of special concern” with a stated 100 lb reporting threshold. Covered facilities must begin tracking releases and other reportable waste-management quantities beginning January 1, 2026 (Reporting Year 2026), with first TRI reports due July 1, 2027. Compliance teams should confirm applicability (NAICS, employee/threshold criteria) and update TRI chemical lists, calculation methods, supplier communications, and data-collection systems to capture PFHxS‑Na quantities across releases, transfers, and waste management.
EPA expands TRI PFAS reporting: adds sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS‑Na) as a chemical of special concern
US EPA finalized a rule adding sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS‑Na) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) as a PFAS chemical of special concern. Covered TRI facilities must begin tracking and reporting PFHxS‑Na releases and waste management. EPA indicates the first reporting period began January 1, 2026, with first TRI reports due July 1, 2027; PFHxS‑Na is subject to a 100 lb reporting threshold as a chemical of special concern. Compliance teams should update TRI chemical lists, reporting workflows, and supplier/material data collection to capture PFHxS‑Na where present in operations or waste streams.
COP-6 Dental Amalgam Amendment Enters Into Force March 23, 2027
The COP-6 amendments to Annex A, including the dental amalgam phase-out provisions, will enter into force on March 23, 2027—one year from the date of communication by the Depositary. This marks the date when the amendments become legally binding on Parties that have not submitted a notification of non-acceptance under Article 27, paragraph 3(c) of the Convention. While the phase-out deadline for dental amalgam is 2034, the March 2027 entry-into-force date triggers implementation obligations including national reporting and planning requirements. Parties must begin preparing national action plans or progress reports on dental amalgam phase-down as required by the amended Part II of Annex A.
EPA final rule adds sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS‑Na) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) as a chemical of special concern
EPA finalized an update to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) adding sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS‑Na), a PFAS, to TRI reporting. EPA indicates TRI tracking/reporting for PFHxS‑Na begins with the 2026 reporting year (starting Jan 1, 2026). Facilities in TRI-covered sectors that manufacture, process, or otherwise use PFHxS‑Na must implement tracking systems for thresholds and releases/waste management for future TRI submissions; EPA states the first TRI reports including PFHxS‑Na are due July 1, 2027. EPA also states PFHxS‑Na is treated as a chemical of special concern with a 100 lb reporting threshold, increasing the likelihood of reporting for affected facilities.
EPA expands TRI PFAS reporting: adds sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS‑Na) as a chemical of special concern
EPA issued a final action expanding PFAS reporting under EPCRA §313 / the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) by adding sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS‑Na). EPA states PFHxS‑Na is treated as a “chemical of special concern” with a 100 lb reporting threshold and notes the TRI PFAS list increases to 206 substances. EPA also specifies timing for regulated facilities: tracking/reporting begins with Reporting Year 2026 (reporting period beginning 2026-01-01) and the first Form R submissions are due 2027-07-01. Compliance teams should update TRI chemical inventories, supplier communications, and facility tracking systems to include PFHxS‑Na and verify applicability of the lower special-concern threshold.
USGBC publishes February 20, 2026 addenda for LEED v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C)
USGBC published the LEED v5 BD+C Addenda Table dated February 20, 2026. Addenda function as the authoritative change log for LEED rating system requirements and acceptable documentation, and can affect credit/prerequisite language, calculations, templates, and submittal expectations for teams pursuing LEED v5 BD+C certification. Compliance teams should review/diff the addenda against current project documentation workflows to ensure submittals align with the updated requirements and referenced templates.
USGBC publishes February 20, 2026 addenda for LEED v4.1 Cities: Existing
USGBC published an addenda table for LEED v4.1 Cities: Existing dated February 20, 2026. The addenda table documents changes/clarifications to program requirements and documentation expectations for LEED for Cities submissions (e.g., updates to documentation tables and evidence requirements). Cities and consultants using LEED v4.1 Cities: Existing should update internal submission checklists and evidence collection to match the revised addenda language.