All regulatory updates
1373 results found
ECHA launched public consultation for the 13th draft recommendation to include SVHCs in Annex XIV (Authorisation List)
ECHA opened a public consultation on its 13th draft recommendation for prioritising SVHCs for inclusion in REACH Annex XIV (Authorisation List). The recommendation status is shown as 'included in draft recommendation' with a consultation window from 02-Feb-2026 to 02-May-2026. While this is not yet a binding Annex XIV amendment, it is a key step toward future authorisation requirements (e.g., eventual latest application and sunset dates) for substances selected by the European Commission. Compliance teams should review whether any listed substances are used in their products/processes and consider submitting comments during the consultation period and preparing for potential downstream authorisation impacts if the Commission proceeds.
ECHA launched public consultation for the 13th draft recommendation to include SVHCs in Annex XIV (Authorisation List)
ECHA opened a public consultation on its 13th draft recommendation for prioritising SVHCs for inclusion in REACH Annex XIV (Authorisation List). The recommendation status is shown as 'included in draft recommendation' with a consultation window from 02-Feb-2026 to 02-May-2026. While this is not yet a binding Annex XIV amendment, it is a key step toward future authorisation requirements (e.g., eventual latest application and sunset dates) for substances selected by the European Commission. Compliance teams should review whether any listed substances are used in their products/processes and consider submitting comments during the consultation period and preparing for potential downstream authorisation impacts if the Commission proceeds.
ECHA opens public consultation on draft recommendation to include four Candidate List substances in REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV)
ECHA opened a public consultation on its draft recommendation to the European Commission to include four SVHC Candidate List substances in REACH Annex XIV (Authorisation List). Stakeholders are invited to submit information (e.g., uses, volumes, potential exemptions, and supply chain impacts) to inform ECHA’s final recommendation. This is a proposed/pipeline step (not yet a legal Annex XIV amendment) but is highly relevant for companies using these substances, as Annex XIV listing can lead to authorisation obligations and potential phase-out/substitution planning.
ECHA opened consultation on the 13th draft recommendation to include SVHCs in REACH Annex XIV (Authorisation List)
ECHA opened a public consultation on its 13th draft recommendation for prioritising Candidate List SVHCs for inclusion in REACH Annex XIV (Authorisation List). The consultation runs from 2 February 2026 to 2 May 2026. If finalised and later adopted by the European Commission, Annex XIV inclusion would introduce authorisation obligations (including latest application and sunset dates). Compliance teams should review the draft recommendation and background documents, assess portfolio impacts for listed SVHCs, and consider submitting comments.
ECHA publishes Draft 13th Recommendation documents for potential inclusion of priority SVHCs in REACH Annex XIV (Authorisation List)
ECHA published supporting documents for its Draft 13th Recommendation of priority substances for potential inclusion in REACH Annex XIV (Authorisation List), including draft Annex XIV entry structures and background/prioritisation documents. This is a draft/pipeline step (not yet a binding Annex XIV amendment), but it signals which SVHCs may be advanced toward authorisation requirements, informing early substitution planning and monitoring of latest application date/sunset date proposals once finalized by the European Commission.
ECHA opened public consultation on the draft 13th recommendation for inclusion of Candidate List SVHCs in REACH Annex XIV (Authorisation List)
ECHA published the draft 13th recommendation for inclusion of Candidate List substances of very high concern (SVHCs) in REACH Annex XIV (Authorisation List) and opened a public consultation. This is a key downstream step in the SVHC pathway because Annex XIV listing can ultimately require companies to obtain authorisation for continued use/placing on the market of listed substances after specified sunset dates (once Annex XIV is formally amended via EU legislation). Compliance teams should review whether any substances relevant to their portfolios are covered and consider preparing comments and internal substitution/authorisation strategies.
ECHA opened consultation on the 13th draft recommendation to include SVHCs in REACH Annex XIV (Authorisation List)
ECHA opened a public consultation on its 13th draft recommendation for prioritising Candidate List SVHCs for inclusion in REACH Annex XIV (Authorisation List). The consultation runs from 2 February 2026 to 2 May 2026. If finalised and later adopted by the European Commission, Annex XIV inclusion would introduce authorisation obligations (including latest application and sunset dates). Compliance teams should review the draft recommendation and background documents, assess portfolio impacts for listed SVHCs, and consider submitting comments.
ECHA announces spring 2026 60-day consultation on SEAC draft opinion for EU-wide PFAS restriction
ECHA published a notice announcing the next step in the EU-wide PFAS restriction process under REACH: a planned 60-day consultation on SEAC’s draft opinion (socio-economic impacts and alternatives). The consultation is expected to start after SEAC’s March 2026 meeting, run for 60 days, and be conducted via a structured survey (no attachments). This is a key stakeholder engagement milestone for companies and downstream users to prepare socio-economic and alternatives information for the restriction evaluation.
European Commission publishes updated RoHS exemptions tracker (“Exemptions list: validity and rolling plan” – Feb 2026)
The European Commission published an updated consolidated RoHS exemptions tracking file (“Exemptions list: validity and rolling plan” – February 2026). This tracker is used to monitor Annex III/IV exemption validity/expiry dates and the Commission’s rolling plan for evaluation and decisions, supporting compliance planning for upcoming exemption expirations and renewal timelines. It is not itself a delegated directive amending Annex III/IV, but it is an official planning/monitoring update that compliance teams use to track anticipated exemption changes.
USGBC releases LEED v5 Reference Guide for Operations and Maintenance (February 2026 Edition) reflecting February 2026 addenda
USGBC released the LEED v5 Reference Guide for Operations and Maintenance, February 2026 Edition, and indicates it reflects LEED addenda released in February 2026. Teams preparing LEED v5 O+M certification/recertification documentation should ensure they are using this updated reference guide edition to align interpretations, documentation guidance, and examples with the most recent addenda cycle.
DTSC releases technical document on artificial turf containing PFAS
In February 2026, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) released a technical document on artificial turf containing PFAS under the Safer Consumer Products Program. The document outlines DTSC's research findings on PFAS presence in artificial turf products. This technical document represents a key step in the SCP regulatory process, potentially leading to artificial turf being designated as a Priority Product requiring manufacturer alternatives analysis and compliance obligations.
EPA posts updated statistics for TSCA New Chemicals Program case inventory (as of Feb. 1, 2026)
EPA updated its TSCA New Chemicals Program statistics page with current counts of PMNs, SNUNs, and MCANs under review (as of Feb. 1, 2026). While not a rule change, the updated workload/case-status metrics can affect company expectations for review timing and resourcing for Section 5 submissions, including tracking potential delays in risk assessment and determination steps.
USACE ECB 2026-3 revokes LEED Silver requirement for applicable Army military projects; shifts to CEQ 2020 Guiding Principles checklists
USACE Engineering and Construction Bulletin (ECB) No. 2026-3 (issued Jan 30, 2026) directs an immediate transition away from using LEED (previously LEED v4 Silver per UFC 1-200-02) for applicable Army military projects, moving instead to Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) 2020 Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings checklists (Army self-certification approach). The bulletin includes limited grandfathering: projects already registered for LEED that awarded a construction contract including third-party certification costs prior to Dec 19, 2025 may continue using LEED while internal validation processes are developed. Compliance teams supporting Army projects should update project requirements/specifications, documentation workflows, and contracting language accordingly and monitor incorporation into UFC 1-200-02.
USACE Revokes LEED Requirement in ECB 2026-3, Transitions to CEQ Guiding Principles
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued Engineering and Construction Bulletin (ECB) No. 2026-3 on January 30, 2026, directing projects to immediately transition away from the LEED rating system and toward the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) 2020 Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings checklists. Projects that had already registered for LEED certification and were awarded a construction contract with third-party certification costs prior to December 19, 2025 may continue to use LEED while an internal compliance verification process is developed. This change reflects Executive Order effects on existing sustainability policies and High Performance and Sustainable Building Requirements (HPSB). Federal construction projects under USACE jurisdiction must now follow CEQ 2020 Guiding Principles rather than LEED certification pathways.
USACE Engineering and Construction Bulletin (ECB) 2026-3 revokes LEED requirement for applicable Army projects and shifts to CEQ Guiding Principles checklists
USACE issued Engineering and Construction Bulletin (ECB) 2026-3 directing that applicable Army military projects discontinue use of the LEED rating system (previously requiring LEED Silver under referenced criteria) and instead use Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) 2020 Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings checklists. The bulletin states the change is effective immediately, with limited grandfathering for projects already registered for LEED and with construction contracts awarded including third-party certification costs prior to a specified date. This impacts LEED-related compliance planning for Army projects, including contract language, sustainability documentation workflows, and third-party certification budgeting.
Illinois SB3101 proposes PFAS water quality monitoring and reporting regulations
Illinois Senate Bill 3101, introduced January 29, 2026 by Senator Julie A. Morrison, proposes amendments to the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5) to add new sections establishing PFAS regulations. The bill would create Title XIX and sections 60 and 60.1 with requirements for analytical methods, sampling protocols, reporting procedures, and compliance timelines for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water quality.
California opens 15-day public comment on SB 54 EPR permanent regulations
CalRecycle opened a 15-day written comment period on permanent regulations implementing the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54). Comments accepted January 29, 2026 through February 13, 2026. The regulations establish producer registration, reporting, and fee requirements for packaging and single-use plastic food service ware under California's EPR framework.
ECHA Universal PFAS restriction assessment expected by end of 2026
The European Commission confirms that ECHA's assessment of the Universal PFAS restriction proposal is expected to be ready by the end of 2026. The Commission will base its restriction proposal on ECHA's opinion. This timeline provides clarity for compliance planning across affected sectors, with the Commission decision expected in 2027.
CalRecycle opens an additional 15-day public comment period for SB 54 permanent regulations (Jan 29–Feb 13, 2026)
CalRecycle announced that SB 54 permanent regulations would be published for an additional 15-day public comment period, running from January 29, 2026 through February 13, 2026. For affected producers and PROs, this provides a defined window to review changes to the draft regulations and submit feedback that could affect final compliance mechanics and timelines under California’s packaging EPR program.
POPRC-21 follow-up: call for comments/new information on revised indicative lists for LC‑PFCAs, PFOA and PFHxS (deadline 31 Mar 2026)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat (POPRC intersessional follow-up) invited Parties and observers to submit new information and comments on revised indicative lists that clarify the substance scope captured by the existing listings for (1) long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs), their salts and related compounds, (2) PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related compounds, and (3) PFHxS, its salts and PFHxS-related compounds. The stated submission deadline is 31 March 2026 (letter date 28 January 2026). These indicative lists are used to interpret which specific substances/precursors are covered, impacting compliance scoping, supply-chain declarations, and analytical screening programs.