All regulatory updates
148 results found
NIOSH opens Federal Register Request for Information (RFI) on firefighter safety portfolio; comments due April 3, 2026
CDC/NIOSH published a Federal Register Request for Information (RFI) seeking stakeholder input to help refine priorities for the NIOSH Center for Firefighter Safety, Health, and Well-Being research and service portfolio. The notice states it does not propose new regulations, requirements, or policies, but it is an official docketed action that can influence NIOSH priority-setting and downstream guidance, research, and program emphasis relevant to firefighter occupational safety and health. Compliance teams and affected stakeholders (fire departments, unions, PPE/respirator stakeholders, researchers) may wish to submit comments by the stated deadline and monitor follow-on outputs.
ECHA opens consultation on draft recommendation to include four Candidate List substances in the REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV)
ECHA launched a public consultation on its draft recommendation to the European Commission to add four Candidate List substances to the REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV). Compliance teams should monitor this pipeline step because Annex XIV inclusion can introduce authorisation obligations for continued use/placing on the market (subject to future sunset dates set in any eventual Annex XIV entries). The consultation is open for stakeholder input until 2 May 2026.
Nevada Board of Pharmacy proposes adding dipentylone and seven fentanyl-related substances to Schedule I (NAC 453.510)
The Nevada State Board of Pharmacy issued a Notice of Hearing/Intent to act upon a regulation proposing amendments to NAC 453.510 (Schedule I) to add dipentylone and seven fentanyl-related substances to Nevada’s Schedule I list under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act framework. The notice schedules a public hearing (March 5, 2026). If adopted, these substances would become subject to Schedule I restrictions, affecting controlled substance compliance programs (e.g., prohibitions/controls on possession, handling, distribution, and associated enforcement exposure).
Nevada Board of Pharmacy adopted NAC 453.510 amendment adding ethylphenidate and 2‑methyl AP‑237 to Schedule I
An informational statement for an adopted Nevada State Board of Pharmacy regulation reports an amendment to NAC 453.510 (Schedule I) adding ethylphenidate and 2‑methyl AP‑237 to Nevada’s Schedule I list. These additions expand substances regulated as Schedule I under Nevada’s Uniform Controlled Substances Act implementation, affecting compliance for any organization potentially encountering these substances (e.g., prohibitions and controls related to possession, distribution, and enforcement consequences). The document states the change is intended to keep Nevada in conformity with federal controlled substance scheduling.
ASEAN endorsed Anti-Scam Guide and enhanced submarine cable resilience/repair guidelines at 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting
At the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting, ASEAN endorsed (1) the “ASEAN Guide on Anti-Scam Policies and Best Practices,” described as a comprehensive regional framework intended to harmonise baseline anti-scam measures and strengthen trust in communications across ASEAN Member States; and (2) “Enhanced ASEAN Guidelines for Strengthening Resilience and Repair of Submarine Cables,” updating 2019 guidance and recommending measures such as streamlined permitting, single points of contact, and improved inter-agency coordination to reduce repair timelines. Compliance teams for telecom operators, digital platforms, and critical infrastructure stakeholders should monitor for Member State implementation and align internal anti-scam controls and incident response/governance practices with the endorsed baseline recommendations.
CDC/NIOSH announces public meeting of the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health; written comments due Feb. 12, 2026
CDC/NIOSH published a Federal Register notice announcing a public meeting of the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health (ABRWH), including a deadline for submission of written comments for inclusion in the meeting record. The ABRWH supports NIOSH activities related to EEOICPA radiation dose reconstruction and related Special Exposure Cohort (SEC) petition processes. While not a binding rule change, the notice is a formal, docketed governance action relevant to stakeholders tracking EEOICPA/SEC developments and program administration.
White House issues Section 232 proclamation on adjusting imports of processed critical minerals and derivative products (includes rare earth permanent magnets)
A presidential proclamation issued following a Section 232 investigation addresses U.S. national security concerns related to imports of processed critical minerals and derivative products, explicitly highlighting rare earth elements and rare earth permanent magnets as vital downstream products with U.S. import reliance. For compliance teams, this is a formal U.S. trade/national-security action that can drive new import adjustment measures and downstream implementing actions (e.g., coverage definitions, potential future implementing directions), warranting monitoring for supply-chain and import compliance impacts on REE-related products (especially magnets).
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 for TSCA confidential business information (CBI) claim expirations beginning June 2026 (extension requests via CDX)
EPA published an implementation/process update describing how it will notify submitters about TSCA confidential business information (CBI) claims expiring starting June 2026 and how to request extensions. EPA indicates it will post lists of submissions with expiring claims (and send notices via CDX), and that extension requests must be submitted electronically via CDX no later than 30 days prior to the claim’s expiration, including substantiation. Compliance teams should inventory existing TSCA CBI claims, establish monitoring for EPA’s posted lists/notices, and prepare substantiated extension requests where ongoing confidentiality is needed.
Minnesota PFAS in Products Reporting Rule (Amara's Law) – PFAS reporting requirement for manufacturers of products containing intentionally added PFAS.
Under Amara’s Law, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requires manufacturers of products containing intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to report product and chemical information to the state. The MPCA has extended the initial reporting deadline to allow additional time for manufacturers to collect supply chain data and prepare disclosures. The initial PFAS report is due by July 1, 2026, with subsequent reports required annually by February 1.
ASEAN ACCSQ Sectoral Plan 2026–2030 published (standards, technical regulations, and conformity assessment harmonisation work programme)
ASEAN published the ACCSQ Sectoral Plan 2026–2030, an official regional work programme to advance harmonisation of standards, technical regulations, and conformity assessment procedures across ASEAN Member States. For compliance and market-access teams, this signals ASEAN-level priorities that may translate into future aligned technical requirements and greater mutual recognition/acceptance of test results and certifications. The plan highlights actions such as aligning with international standards, expanding work into emerging sectors (including technology and sustainability), reviewing the effectiveness of existing ASEAN standards/instruments, strengthening mutual recognition of conformity assessment results, and coordinating positions in international/regional bodies.
Louisiana introduced HB 152 (2026) to add multiple specified opioids/synthetic opioids to Schedule I
Louisiana HB 152 (2026 Regular Session), as introduced, proposes to amend the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law by enacting new Schedule I opiate entries at R.S. 40:964(Schedule I)(A)(108) through (120). The proposal would add a list of specified opioids/synthetic opioids (including certain nitazenes and fentanyl analog-related substances) to Schedule I, and directs the Louisiana State Law Institute to alphabetize/renumber the schedule entries. If enacted, impacted organizations would need to update controlled-substance lists and compliance controls tied to Louisiana Schedule I status.
EPA New Zealand Announces Phased PFAS Ban to Protect Health and Environment
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of New Zealand has introduced a phased ban to protect people and the environment from the risks of PFAS, which are used in cosmetics for skin smoothing and water resistance. The regulation bans the intentional use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in all cosmetic products. The updated standard enters into force on January 1, 2026; the import or manufacture of PFAS-containing cosmetics is prohibited as of December 31, 2026; the sale or supply of such products is prohibited from December 31, 2027; and all remaining PFAS-containing cosmetics must be disposed of by June 30, 2028.
Illinois ILCS updated to include authorized hospice and home health employees as lawful possessors of patient prescriptions (controlled substances) under 720 ILCS 570/302(c)(3); effective Jan 1, 2026 (P.A. 104-336)
The Illinois Compiled Statutes text for 720 ILCS 570/302(c)(3) reflects an update (source note: Public Act 104-336) to explicitly include authorized employees of organizations providing hospice services or home health services among persons who may lawfully possess a controlled substance prescribed for the ultimate user. The ILCS source note indicates an effective date of 2026-01-01. This change affects compliance policies for hospice and home health providers regarding possession, custody, and handling of patient-prescribed controlled substances and may require updates to internal authorization/training documentation and controlled substance handling procedures.
EPA final rule adds sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS‑Na) to TRI as a PFAS chemical of special concern; first reporting due July 1, 2027
EPA finalized a rule adding sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS‑Na) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) PFAS reporting list as a chemical of special concern. Covered facilities must begin tracking PFHxS‑Na releases and other TRI reportable activities starting with the reporting year that begins January 1, 2026. EPA indicates the TRI reporting threshold is 100 lbs, and the first TRI submissions including PFHxS‑Na are due July 1, 2027. Compliance teams should assess whether operations manufacture, process, or otherwise use PFHxS‑Na and update TRI data collection, recordkeeping, and supplier/customer communication workflows accordingly.
EPA final rule adds sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS‑Na) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) as a chemical of special concern
EPA finalized the addition of sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS‑Na) to the TRI list as a PFAS chemical of special concern. TRI-covered facilities that manufacture, process, or otherwise use PFHxS‑Na must begin tracking for Reporting Year 2026 (starting Jan 1, 2026). The research summary indicates a 100 lb threshold and first TRI reporting due July 1, 2027, which compliance teams should incorporate into TRI applicability screening, supplier data collection, and environmental reporting workflows.
Canada publishes Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025 (repeals/ replaces 2012 regulations; includes PFAS-related prohibitions)
Canada published the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025 in the Canada Gazette, Part II. These regulations repeal and replace the 2012 regulations and are intended to address certain toxic substances, including PFAS-related controls. Compliance teams should review product and chemical portfolios for any PFAS substances captured by the new/updated prohibitions and confirm any new compliance obligations or scope changes versus the 2012 framework.
European Commission publishes updated RoHS exemptions “validity and rolling plan” (Dec 2025)
The European Commission published an updated “Exemptions list – validity and rolling plan” document page (with an associated XLSX download) for RoHS Annex III/IV exemptions. While not itself a legal amendment, this Commission-hosted tracker is an authoritative compliance management resource for monitoring exemption validity periods, expirations, and the rolling plan of exemptions under review—supporting 2026 redesign/substitution planning, documentation updates, and exemption renewal tracking.
Rolling Action Plan: AICIS extends evaluation EVA00176 completion timeframe to 30 June 2026
AICIS issued a notice updating its Rolling Action Plan by extending the end date for chemical evaluation EVA00176 to 30 June 2026, citing the need to consult with relevant government agencies on matters arising during the evaluation. Companies with interest in the evaluated substance(s) should adjust internal tracking for evaluation outcomes and any downstream risk-management expectations tied to the evaluation timeline.