All regulatory updates
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EPA publishes primacy extension request templates to support PFAS NPDWR state implementation
EPA published implementation resources for the PFAS NPDWR, including templates intended to help primacy agencies request extensions for primacy revision actions. State primacy agencies and regulated water systems should use these materials to plan state adoption/primacy timelines and coordinate implementation planning.
EPA releases draft PFAS Abbreviated Data Reporting instructions and UCMR 5 PFAS data reprocessing notice to support PFAS NPDWR implementation
As part of PFAS NPDWR implementation support, EPA posted implementation updates including (1) a draft document for PFAS Abbreviated Data Reporting instructions and (2) a notice regarding release/reprocessing of UCMR 5 PFAS data and the SDWIS state upload process. These materials are relevant for public water systems and primacy agencies preparing monitoring/data submission and leveraging UCMR 5 data for compliance planning and administration under the PFAS drinking water rule.
EPA publishes primacy/implementation timeline and extension request materials for the PFAS NPDWR
EPA posted primacy extension request documents and related implementation materials for the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR). The materials summarize key primacy/implementation milestones for states (including primacy revision package due dates and extension pathways) and provide templates/supporting documents to request primacy extensions. Compliance teams at water utilities and state primacy agencies should use these materials to plan regulatory adoption schedules, monitoring program build-out, and capital planning aligned to the NPDWR implementation timeline.
European Commission applicant guide confirms cut-off date for CRMA “Strategic Projects” open call (includes REE permanent magnet materials)
The European Commission published/maintained the “Strategic projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act – Guide for Applicants” (Version 1.1). The guide operationalizes implementation of CRMA Strategic Project recognition by describing the application process and confirming a submission cut-off date of 15 January 2026 at 12:00 CET (via EU Send WEB) for the referenced round. The guide explicitly includes rare earth elements for permanent magnets (Nd, Pr, Tb, Dy, Gd, Sm, Ce) within the strategic raw materials scope. For compliance and regulatory planning teams, this guidance is relevant because Strategic Project status is tied to CRMA implementation mechanisms (e.g., streamlined permitting and access-to-finance support) that can materially affect REE supply-chain project timelines and sourcing strategies.
ASEAN signs updated ASEAN Framework Agreement on MRAs and signs Protocol to amend the ASEAN Sectoral MRA for GMP inspection of medicinal product manufacturers (entry into force pending)
The 57th AEM Meeting joint media statement notes the signing of an updated ASEAN Framework Agreement on Mutual Recognition Arrangements and the signing of a Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Sectoral MRA for GMP Inspection of Manufacturers of Medicinal Products, with implementation contingent on entry into force. Compliance teams in pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply chains should track entry-into-force and subsequent national implementation, as these instruments can affect reliance on GMP inspections and mutual acceptance mechanisms across ASEAN markets (potentially reducing duplicative audits/inspections once effective).
57th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting statement confirms conclusion of ATIGA upgrade negotiations and target signing of 2nd Protocol to Amend ATIGA at 47th ASEAN Summit (Oct 2025)
The Joint Media Statement of the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (23 September 2025) reports that negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) were concluded on 24 May 2025 and that ASEAN targeted signing the 2nd Protocol to Amend ATIGA at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025. For trade compliance teams, this signals forthcoming changes to ASEAN’s trade-in-goods rules, including coverage of emerging issues (as described in the statement) and inclusion of an Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism for ASEAN trade-in-goods disputes. The statement does not confirm entry-into-force or compliance dates.
57th AEM statement notes signing of Protocol to amend ASEAN Sectoral MRA for GMP inspection of medicinal product manufacturers (entry-into-force pending)
The 57th AEM Joint Media Statement indicates that ASEAN signed a Protocol to amend the ASEAN Sectoral Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) inspection of manufacturers of medicinal products, and refers to expected entry-into-force for implementation (without providing a date). This is relevant for pharmaceutical manufacturing and regulatory affairs teams because an updated MRA can change how GMP inspections and recognition of inspection outcomes are conducted across ASEAN, potentially affecting inspection planning, audit readiness, and market authorization support.
ASEAN signs the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Competition (AFAC)
The 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meeting joint media statement reports the signing of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Competition (AFAC). For compliance teams, this signals a formalised ASEAN-wide framework for competition-policy cooperation and greater regulatory coherence, which may increase cross-border alignment and information sharing among competition authorities and influence internal antitrust/compliance governance for companies operating across multiple ASEAN Member States.
EPA proposes revisions to procedures for chemical risk evaluation under TSCA (Federal Register proposal dated Sept. 23, 2025)
EPA issued a proposed rule to amend procedures for conducting chemical risk evaluations for existing chemicals under TSCA. This proposal would revise the risk evaluation framework and could affect how companies plan for risk evaluation scope, data submissions, use categorization, and downstream risk management implications. Compliance teams should review the proposal and consider participating in the public comment process for impacts to ongoing and future TSCA risk evaluations.
Second Protocol to Amend AANZFTA enters into force (as reported by ASEAN Economic Ministers’ statement)
The 57th AEM Meeting joint media statement reports that the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN–Australia–New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) has entered into force. This is relevant for trade compliance teams managing preferential trade between ASEAN Member States and Australia/New Zealand, as protocol entry-into-force can change applicable rules and procedures under the agreement and may require updates to origin, documentation, or internal trade control processes depending on the protocol’s amendments.
EPA proposes revisions to TSCA procedures for chemical risk evaluation (risk evaluation ‘Framework Rule’)
EPA proposed amendments to the TSCA risk evaluation procedures rule (the ‘Framework Rule’) that governs how EPA conducts existing-chemical risk evaluations. The proposal (per EPA’s release) would adjust key procedural elements such as conditions-of-use determinations and other evaluation process components, and opens a public comment period. Compliance teams should assess how the proposed procedural changes could affect the scope, pace, and content of future TSCA risk evaluations relevant to their chemical portfolios and consider submitting comments.
CPPA/OAL approve finalized CCPA regulations package covering cybersecurity audits, risk assessments, and ADMT (plus updates to existing CCPA regs)
The CPPA announced approval of a major CCPA/CPRA regulations package (approved by OAL) that includes requirements and frameworks for cybersecurity audits, risk assessments, and rules governing automated decisionmaking technology (ADMT), along with updates to existing CCPA regulations. This is directly relevant to Vendor Cybersecurity & Data Privacy because these obligations commonly flow down into vendor/service-provider governance: businesses will need stronger documentation of cybersecurity programs, assessment processes, audit readiness, and risk management for processing activities often performed by vendors (e.g., cloud/SaaS processors). The CPPA announcement states an effective date of Jan 1, 2026, with staged compliance timelines referenced for audit certifications, risk assessment submissions/attestations, and ADMT significant-decision obligations.
ASEAN AEO MRA implemented by six ASEAN Member States; full ASEAN-wide implementation targeted by December 2025
The 57th AEM Meeting joint media statement provides an implementation milestone update for the ASEAN Authorised Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AAMRA): it has been implemented by six ASEAN Member States, with an ASEAN-wide rollout targeted by December 2025. For customs/trade compliance teams, this impacts trusted trader facilitation planning (e.g., leveraging AEO status across markets), potential reductions in duplicative controls, and the need to align internal procedures with AEO program requirements in additional Member States as implementation expands.
ASEAN Authorised Economic Operator MRA implemented by six Member States; full implementation across all ten targeted by Dec 2025
The 57th AEM Joint Media Statement reports that the ASEAN Authorised Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AAMRA) had been implemented by six ASEAN Member States since 28 February 2025, and that ASEAN aimed for full implementation across all ten Member States by December 2025. This is relevant for customs/trade compliance programmes as it indicates expanded mutual recognition of AEO status and related facilitation benefits, with a stated regional target timeline for broader rollout.
EPA proposes revisions to procedures for conducting TSCA risk evaluations for existing chemicals (Framework Rule)
EPA announced a proposed rule to revise the process/procedures for conducting TSCA risk evaluations for chemicals already in commerce (existing chemicals), intended to increase efficiency and better protect health and the environment. The proposal opens a public comment period (duration described by EPA in the news release). Compliance teams should assess how potential changes could affect scope, pace, and data expectations for TSCA risk evaluations, and consider submitting comments via the associated docket if affected.
OEHHA proposes NSRL safe harbor levels for 1‑bromopropane and diethanolamine (dermal) and extends comment deadline
OEHHA issued a proposed rulemaking to amend Title 27, California Code of Regulations, section 25705 (No Significant Risk Levels for carcinogens) to add new safe harbor NSRLs: 1‑bromopropane at 54 µg/day and diethanolamine (dermal exposure only) at 6.4 µg/day. OEHHA also issued an extension notice moving the public comment deadline to November 7, 2025. If finalized, these NSRLs would affect Proposition 65 warning determinations and risk assessments for products or workplaces involving these substances, particularly for dermal exposure scenarios for diethanolamine.
NIOSH revises CBRN Respiratory Protection Handbook; CBRN APR Protection List expanded and fit-testing statement corrected
NIOSH published an updated/revised CBRN Respiratory Protection Handbook (Publication 2025-111). The update expands the CBRN APR Protection List (described as increasing from 139 to 286 hazards) and includes corrections/clarifications regarding fit testing references (clarifying OSHA’s continued acceptance of qualitative fit testing for positive pressure tight-fitting respirators and NFPA’s identification of quantitative fit testing for positive pressure respirator wearers). This matters for emergency response and CBRN respiratory protection program planning, hazard coverage assumptions, and fit-testing communications aligned to NIOSH/OSHA/NFPA expectations.
ECHA sets 2026 milestones and plans spring 2026 consultation on SEAC draft opinion for proposed EU-wide PFAS restriction
ECHA communicated process milestones for the proposed EU-wide REACH restriction on PFAS, including that SEAC expects to agree its draft opinion around March 2026 and that ECHA plans a 60‑day consultation in spring 2026 on the SEAC draft opinion. ECHA also indicates RAC opinion adoption is expected around March 2026 and that SEAC’s final opinion is expected by end of 2026. For companies placing PFAS-containing substances/mixtures/articles on the EU market, this signals a near-term opportunity/need to submit socio-economic and use information during the spring 2026 consultation, and to monitor forthcoming RAC/SEAC opinions that will shape the European Commission’s eventual restriction decision.
ECHA to run 60-day consultation on SEAC draft opinion on EU-wide PFAS restriction in spring 2026
ECHA announced plans to consult (60 days) on SEAC’s draft opinion for the proposed EU-wide PFAS restriction following SEAC’s March 2026 meeting. This notice is directly relevant for stakeholders preparing submissions on socio-economic impacts, uses, and alternatives. Compliance teams should plan to assemble use information, substitution timelines, and cost/benefit inputs in advance of the consultation window.
ECHA plans 60-day consultation on SEAC draft opinion for proposed EU-wide PFAS restriction after March 2026 SEAC meeting
ECHA announced it plans to launch a 60-day stakeholder consultation on the SEAC draft opinion for the proposed EU-wide PFAS restriction under REACH, following SEAC’s March 2026 meeting. ECHA notes the consultation will use a structured survey format and will not accept attachments, which affects how companies should prepare impact/alternatives information. Compliance teams should plan internal data gathering (uses, alternatives, socio-economic impacts) to respond within the consultation window once opened.