All regulatory updates
1254 results found
California Releases Draft Cancer Risk Assessments for Acrolein and Ethylene Oxide
OEHHA released draft cancer risk assessments showing acrolein and ethylene oxide can potentially pose unacceptable cancer risks exceeding 800 in 1 million, more than 10 times higher than benzene. Governor Newsom proposed $2.5 million for expanded air monitoring and research. Public workshops scheduled for June 2, 2026 (Sacramento) and June 4, 2026 (Los Angeles) with a 45-day public comment period.
BAT/BEP guidance made available for management of POPs-contaminated sites (web and PDF formats)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat’s BAT/BEP materials indicate that guidance for the management of POPs-contaminated sites is available in web-based form and as a downloadable formatted publication. This guidance supports Parties’ implementation (e.g., identification, management and remediation of contaminated sites) and can inform corporate remediation strategies, contractor specifications, and best-practice controls where POPs contamination is present.
BAT/BEP guidance for management of POPs-contaminated sites available in interactive web and PDF formats
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat has made the BAT/BEP guidance for the management of POPs-contaminated sites available in an interactive web format and as a downloadable PDF. This implementation guidance supports Parties’ Article 6 obligations (identification and management/remediation of contaminated sites) and is relevant for remediation project specifications, environmentally sound management expectations, and due diligence in land transactions where POP contamination may be present.
EPA releases list of expiring TSCA CBI claims and launches CDX process for CBI claim extension requests
EPA published a rolling public list of TSCA Confidential Business Information (CBI) claims scheduled to expire (including claims expiring between June 22, 2026 and July 31, 2026) and stated it will refresh the list monthly. EPA also described a new electronic extension-request process in EPA’s Central Data Exchange (CDX) using a dedicated tool (TSCA Section 14(e) CBI Claim Extension Request). Companies must submit extension requests with substantiation no later than 30 days before claim expiration to maintain confidentiality protections; otherwise, EPA may no longer be required to protect the information from disclosure. Compliance teams should inventory TSCA submissions with CBI claims, monitor the monthly expiring-claims list, and prepare CDX extension filings within EPA’s stated timing window.
Second meeting of the Stockholm Convention Compliance Committee (CC.2) scheduled for 16–19 June 2026 (Geneva)
The Secretariat published the Compliance Committee CC.2 meeting overview, including dates (16–19 June 2026) and the meeting documentation package covering compliance/implementation topics (e.g., national reporting, national implementation plans, national legislation, and elimination/restriction obligations). While not a change to POP listings, this is a compliance-relevant official event that may influence Parties’ implementation expectations and provide clarifications or materials compliance teams should monitor.
EPA will regulate 15 uses of 1,2-dichloroethane (TSCA §6(a) risk management rulemaking announced)
EPA announced it will move forward with TSCA section 6(a) risk management to regulate 15 industrial and commercial conditions of use of 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2‑DCA), based on EPA’s final risk evaluation finding unreasonable risk to workers in 15 of 20 conditions of use (driven by inhalation and dermal exposure). EPA stated it did not identify unreasonable risk to consumers, the general population (including fish-consuming/Tribal communities), or the environment under evaluated conditions of use. Compliance teams should anticipate forthcoming workplace-focused restrictions/controls for affected 1,2‑DCA uses and monitor the referenced docket activity for proposed requirements, timelines, and any exemptions.
Invitation to comment on draft report assessing alternatives to PFOS (deadline 10 June 2026)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat (via the POPRC-21 follow-up page) posted an invitation for stakeholders to submit comments on a draft report assessing alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), its salts and PFOSF, including draft recommendations intended for consideration by the Conference of the Parties. This consultation is relevant for organizations relying on PFOS-related acceptable purposes/specific exemptions or planning substitution, as stakeholder input can influence the recommendations that may later affect exemption/acceptable-purpose expectations under the Convention.
CPCB publishes FAQ clarifying RoHS exclusion sunset dates for Schedule II C EEE (1 Apr 2025) and parts/spares (1 Apr 2028)
The CPCB published an FAQ document for the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 (and amendments thereafter) that clarifies RoHS-related applicability exclusions for equipment listed in Schedule II C. The FAQ states that the provisions of sub-rule 16(1) do not apply to Schedule II C EEE placed on the market on or before 1 April 2025, and that the exclusion also applies to components/spares for Schedule II C equipment until 1 April 2028 (subject to availability of compliant parts/spares). Compliance teams should treat this as an authoritative interpretation affecting RoHS planning and product/parts lifecycle support in India (e.g., ensuring compliant redesign/alternative parts sourcing ahead of the sunset dates).
CPCB issues Environmental Compensation (EC) guidelines for non-compliance under E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 (including references to EPR certificate price bounds mechanism)
CPCB published Environmental Compensation (EC) guidelines under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. The guidance describes the enforcement/penalty framework for common violations (e.g., operating without registration, dealing with unregistered entities, failure to file returns, EPR obligation shortfalls, RoHS non-compliance, and issues around EPR certificates). The document also references the mechanism in the E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2024 under which CPCB fixes the highest and lowest price for exchange of EPR certificates. Compliance teams should align internal controls and audits to avoid EC exposure and ensure accurate portal reporting and certificate transactions.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1168 amends REACH Annex XVII Entry 78
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1168 of 1 June 2026 amends Annex XVII to REACH Regulation. The regulation modifies Entry 78 concerning synthetic polymer microparticles restrictions. Compliance teams should review the amendment to understand any changes to scope, transitional periods, or compliance obligations for microplastic-containing products.
CPCB publishes SOP for E-Waste Recycler registration and verification on the EPR portal (registration validity, verification timeline, revocation triggers)
CPCB published an SOP detailing information/documentation required for registration of e-waste recyclers on the portal under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. The SOP outlines required documents and operational evidence (e.g., consents/authorizations, geotagged video of installed machinery), states registration validity (5 years), describes CPCB verification within 3 months of granting registration (physical or video conference), and highlights revocation triggers for false information/wilful concealment/irregularities (including potential EC implications). This affects recyclers’ onboarding readiness and producers’ due diligence when sourcing EPR certificates from registered recyclers.
European Commission RoHS implementation page reiterates exemption renewal timing, decision timelines, and post-rejection transition period expectations
The Commission’s RoHS implementation guidance page sets out procedural expectations for RoHS exemptions: renewal applications should be submitted no later than 18 months before an exemption expires; typical decisions take 18–24 months; timely renewal submissions generally keep the exemption valid until a decision is taken; and rejected renewals typically include a 12–18 month transition period. This guidance is operationally important for planning exemption renewal strategies, supplier declarations, and product change timelines around expiring RoHS exemptions.
BIS issues guidance on advanced computing license requirements for Country Group D:5 and Macau
BIS issued guidance clarifying that a license is required to export advanced computing items (ECCNs 3A090.a/b, 4A090.a/b) to entities headquartered in Country Group D:5 or Macau, or with an ultimate parent company headquartered in those regions—even if the entities themselves are located elsewhere. The guidance confirms that this license requirement under § 742.6(a)(6)(iii)(A) predates the AI Diffusion Rule and remains in effect. Bona fide data center operators are not required to cease ongoing use or storage of advanced computing items pending further BIS notice.
CEN and CENELEC publish first European standards for Digital Product Passport framework
CEN and CENELEC published the first-ever European standards supporting the EU Digital Product Passport framework under ESPR Regulation (EU) 2024/1781. Developed by joint technical committee CEN-CLC/JTC 24, the standards package (EN 18216:2026 and related standards) covers core technical infrastructure for consistent and interoperable DPP rollout across Europe. Compliance teams should begin assessing these standards for DPP implementation planning.
CARB adopts Cap-and-Invest Program updates extending program through 2045
The California Air Resources Board adopted comprehensive updates to the state's Cap-and-Invest Program (formerly Cap-and-Trade), extending it through 2045 following legislative authorization through SB 840 and AB 1207 in 2025. The adopted changes maintain California's path toward meeting 2030 and 2045 climate targets while supporting affordability for Californians. The program covers approximately 80% of California's climate emissions and has achieved nearly 100% compliance over 13 years of operation. The updates balance legislative direction, affordability, jobs and near-term economic concerns while ensuring emissions reductions and providing long-term market signals for clean energy investment. Estimated compliance cost is $124 billion over the 20-year lifetime, approximately $20 billion less costly than scenarios analyzed in April 2024.
CARB opens public comment/hearing process for Proposed 2026 amendments to Cap-and-Invest Regulation
CARB has an active rulemaking for Proposed 2026 Amendments to the Cap-and-Invest Regulation (California Cap on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Market-Based Compliance Mechanisms). The program and docket materials indicate defined public participation steps (public hearing and public comment opportunities) for stakeholders affected by allowance market design and compliance obligations. Compliance teams for covered entities, offset/market participants, and regulated facilities should monitor the docket for adopted regulatory text, final timelines, and any transition provisions.
CARB proposes 2026 amendments to Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Regulation
CARB has proposed 2026 amendments to the Regulation for the Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The Board held a public hearing on May 28-29, 2026 (Resolution 26-6). The MRR was originally approved in 2007 and revised in 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2018. Covered entities should monitor the rulemaking for changes to reporting requirements.
CARB adopts Cap-and-Invest Program updates with September 2026 effective date
CARB adopted updates to California's Cap-and-Invest Program extending it through 2045, implementing long-term allowance budgets beyond 2030, transferring free allowances from natural gas to electric utilities, maintaining industry free allowances, and enhancing market manipulation protections. The updates include post-2030 allowances added to the Allowance Price Containment Reserve. Estimated compliance costs are $124 billion over 20 years with projected benefits of $180.7 billion statewide.
CARB posts Notice of Public Hearing and proposed regulatory text for 2026 Cap-and-Invest amendments (rulemaking hearing scheduled)
CARB opened the formal hearing/comment process for proposed amendments to the California Cap on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Market-Based Compliance Mechanisms Regulation (Cap-and-Invest). CARB posted the Notice of Public Hearing and the Proposed Regulation Order (proposed regulatory text), along with CEQA documentation including a Final Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) dated May 26, 2026. Covered entities and market participants should track the proposed regulatory changes and participate in the hearing/comment process as applicable.
EPA Issues TSCA New Chemicals Program Policy Updates
EPA announced important policy updates to the TSCA New Chemicals Program. Key changes include: EPA will no longer issue 'not likely to present unreasonable risk' determinations based on proposed SNURs; worker protections will be mandated through TSCA Section 5(e) orders rather than relying on OSHA standards; and EPA will identify absence of worker safeguards as 'reasonably foreseen' conditions of use. EPA remains committed to meeting statutory deadlines for review and determinations on new chemicals submissions.