All regulatory updates
718 results found
European Commission adopts amendments affecting PFOA in firefighting foams (exemption timing/limits)
ECHA’s Weekly (7 May 2025) reports that the European Commission adopted amendments to Annex I of the EU POPs Regulation on 5 May 2025 that affect PFAS controls for firefighting foams containing PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related substances. The changes include extending the expiry date of a specific exemption for use of firefighting foams already installed in systems and setting new concentration limits for PFOA-related compounds in firefighting foam. Compliance teams in sectors using/maintaining installed firefighting foam systems (and suppliers of foam concentrates and service providers) should reassess exemption eligibility, inventory/supply constraints, and any updated concentration-limit conditions referenced by the amended Annex I requirements.
ECHA publishes final screening report under REACH Article 69(2) for tetraethyllead (Annex XIV Entry 55), concluding no need to prepare an Annex XV restriction dossier
ECHA published a final screening report (Final v1, dated 7 May 2025) assessing whether use of tetraethyllead (a substance subject to authorisation under REACH Annex XIV, Entry 55) in articles could trigger the need for an Annex XV restriction dossier under REACH Article 69(2). After screening available information sources (including registrations, authorisation applications, notifications of SVHCs in articles, SCIP, and other sources), ECHA reported it found no information indicating tetraethyllead is present in articles placed on the EU market, and therefore concluded there is currently no need to prepare an Annex XV restriction dossier. Compliance teams managing legacy Annex XIV substances should note ECHA’s documented conclusion and monitor for new evidence that could reopen Article 69(2) considerations.
ECHA Weekly notes Commission amendments affecting PFOA firefighting foam exemption timing and concentration limits
An ECHA Weekly item reports that the European Commission adopted amendments affecting the specific exemption for installed firefighting foam systems containing PFOA, its salts, and related substances, including extending the exemption expiry date and setting new concentration limits for PFOA-related compounds in foam. Compliance teams managing firefighting foams and installed suppression systems should review whether foam formulations and installed systems remain eligible under revised exemption timing/limits and update procurement/replacement plans accordingly.
COP‑12 Decision SC‑12/12 lists long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs), their salts and related compounds in Annex A (elimination)
At COP‑12, Parties adopted decision SC‑12/12 amending Annex A of the Stockholm Convention to list long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs; C9–C21), their salts and related compounds for elimination, with the decision text describing scope and specific exemptions/derogations. This listing drives downstream national/regional restrictions and trade controls. Compliance teams should map LC‑PFCA presence (including precursor/related compounds), assess any applicable specific exemptions per jurisdiction, and prepare for phase-out obligations as implemented domestically.
COP‑12 Decision SC‑12/9 lists chlorpyrifos in Annex A (elimination)
At COP‑12, Parties adopted decision SC‑12/9 amending Annex A of the Stockholm Convention to list chlorpyrifos for elimination (with the decision text setting out the listing entry and related provisions). This global listing is the upstream legal trigger that Parties implement via domestic/regional measures (e.g., import/export and production/use prohibitions, and any applicable specific exemptions). Compliance teams should monitor national implementations and verify whether any specific exemptions apply in jurisdictions where products/chemicals are placed on the market.
COP‑12 Decision SC‑12/10 lists medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) in Annex A (elimination)
At COP‑12, Parties adopted decision SC‑12/10 amending Annex A of the Stockholm Convention to list medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) for elimination. The decision defines the MCCP scope (including C14–C17 and chlorination level criteria) and includes the Convention’s framework for any specific exemptions. Compliance teams should identify MCCP presence in substances/mixtures/articles and track jurisdiction-specific implementing measures and any time-limited exemptions relevant to their supply chains.
EPA confirms TSCA PFAS §8(a)(7) reporting window and extended submission deadlines (most due Oct 13, 2026; small article importers due Apr 13, 2027)
EPA’s TSCA §8(a)(7) PFAS reporting program page describes the current reporting window and extended submission deadlines established via an interim final rule. Per the research text, submissions are due by Oct 13, 2026 for most manufacturers (including importers), and by Apr 13, 2027 for small manufacturers that only need to report PFAS in imported articles. Companies in scope should align data collection and internal reporting systems to the updated reporting window and submission deadlines and monitor ongoing rulemaking that could further alter scope.
China Customs Q&A clarifies documentation expectations and non-scope for magnets (HS 8505111000) without controlled elements under MOFCOM & GACC Announcement No. 18 (2025)
China Customs published a Q&A response regarding export declarations for magnets/permanent magnet products under HS 8505111000 in the context of MOFCOM & GACC Announcement No. 18 (2025) rare earth export controls. The response indicates that magnet products that do not contain the controlled elements referenced in the announcement are not treated as controlled items under that measure, and suggests providing product explanations and composition/material reports with declarations to facilitate customs verification and reduce clearance delays. Compliance teams exporting magnet products should ensure robust composition evidence and consistent customs documentation.
RMI releases CMRT version 6.5 (template update primarily affecting Smelter Reference List)
The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), the maintainer of the Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT), released CMRT v6.5 (reported release date: April 25, 2025). The research indicates the principal change is an update to the embedded Smelter Reference List/Smelter Look-up data. For CMRT-driven supplier due diligence workflows, this can require updating supplier survey packages, internal intake/validation logic, and reconciliation against current smelter IDs and statuses to avoid mismatches and data-quality issues.
CARB Executive Order W-25-048 re-approves Evertrust as a Third-Party Certifier (TPC-48) under 17 CCR §93120.4 (supersedes W-23-048)
CARB Executive Order W-25-048 re-approves Evertrust International Certification Company, Limited as a CARB-approved Third-Party Certifier (TPC-48) under 17 CCR §93120.4 for the Composite Wood Products Formaldehyde ATCM (17 CCR §§93120–93120.12). The EO supersedes W-23-048 and maintains Evertrust’s authority to certify and conduct oversight for hardwood plywood, particleboard, and medium density fiberboard. This affects compliance operations because regulated manufacturers may continue to rely on Evertrust for required third-party certification; the EO also sets/continues conditions for subcontract laboratories, inter-laboratory comparisons, reporting/recordkeeping, and notification requirements.
CARB Executive Order W-25-050 approves CIT Corporation as a CARB Third-Party Certifier (TPC-50) and supersedes EO W-23-050
CARB issued Executive Order (EO) W-25-050 approving (re-approving) CIT Corporation as a CARB-approved Third-Party Certifier (TPC-50) under 17 CCR §93120.4 for hardwood plywood, particleboard, and medium density fiberboard, superseding EO W-23-050. This EO is directly relevant to maintaining valid third-party certification relationships required by the Composite Wood ATCM for manufacturers placing regulated composite wood products and finished goods on the California market.
CARB Executive Order W-25-023 re-approves VVUD as a Third-Party Certifier (TPC-23) under 17 CCR §93120.4 (supersedes W-23-023)
CARB Executive Order W-25-023 re-approves Výzkumný a vývojový ústav dřevařský (VVUD) as a CARB-approved Third-Party Certifier (TPC-23) under 17 CCR §93120.4 for the Composite Wood Products Formaldehyde ATCM (17 CCR §§93120–93120.12). The EO supersedes W-23-023 and continues VVUD’s authority to certify and conduct oversight for manufacturers of hardwood plywood, particleboard, and medium density fiberboard. This is compliance-relevant because manufacturers must use CARB-approved TPCs for certification/verification; the EO also reiterates operational conditions (e.g., subcontractor controls, inter-laboratory study participation, recordkeeping/annual reporting, and notification obligations).
CARB Executive Order W-25-016 re-approves CATAS S.p.A. as a CARB Third-Party Certifier (TPC-16) under §93120.4
CARB issued Executive Order W-25-016 re-approving CATAS S.p.A. as a CARB-approved Third-Party Certifier (TPC-16) under 17 CCR §93120.4 for the Composite Wood Products Formaldehyde ATCM (17 CCR §93120–§93120.12). This update is compliance-relevant because panel producers must use CARB-approved TPCs for certification/verification activities for covered composite wood products (hardwood plywood, particleboard, MDF). The EO supersedes EO W-23-016 and sets conditions and a defined approval term.
Second Protocol to Amend AANZFTA entered into force (AANZFTA upgrade)
ASEAN announced that the Second Protocol to Amend the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN–Australia–New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) entered into force on 21 April 2025. The Protocol updates/enhances 13 existing chapters (including Rules of Origin, Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation, Competition, and Electronic Commerce) and adds new chapters on trade and sustainable development, MSMEs, and government procurement. Compliance teams should review updated preferential trade qualification, customs/trade facilitation processes, and any revised obligations in covered chapters when operating across AANZFTA parties.
Directive (EU) 2025/794 adopted (‘stop-the-clock’) postponing CSRD application dates for certain waves
Directive (EU) 2025/794 (published in OJ L on 16 April 2025) amends the CSRD framework as regards application dates (commonly referred to as the CSRD ‘stop-the-clock’ mechanism). This legally underpins postponements of certain CSRD reporting timelines (notably for later ‘waves’ of companies) and requires companies to reassess their first reporting year and internal readiness plans in light of the updated application schedule and Member State implementing measures.
European Commission press release: provisional political agreement on new EU Toy Safety Regulation (EU) 2025/2509 (chemical bans, DPP, online sales/border enforcement)
The European Commission issued a press release announcing a provisional political agreement between the European Parliament and the Council on the new Toy Safety Regulation (EU) 2025/2509. The release previews expected compliance impacts, including a planned ban of harmful chemicals in toys (explicitly referencing PFAS, endocrine disruptors, and bisphenols), introduction of a mandatory Digital Product Passport (DPP) for toys to improve traceability and compliance checks, and stronger rules for online sales and border/market surveillance. As this is a political agreement stage communication (not the final legal text notice), it is treated as a proposed/pending milestone that signals upcoming obligations and enforcement tooling for supply chains selling toys into the EU market.
Illinois SB1569 legislative status update: bill proposes increasing fentanyl sentencing add-on enhancement from 3 to 5 years (re-referred to Senate Assignments)
Illinois SB1569 (104th General Assembly) proposes amendments to the Illinois Controlled Substances Act to increase certain fentanyl-related sentencing enhancements, including changing an added sentence from 3 years to 5 years for manufacture/delivery (or possession with intent) when a substance contains any amount of fentanyl. The Illinois General Assembly bill status reflects a legislative action on 2025-04-11: the measure was re-referred to the Senate Assignments committee. Compliance teams should track because it signals ongoing legislative movement on heightened fentanyl penalties that could impact enforcement risk and criminal liability frameworks if enacted.
Illinois SB1569 status update: bill to increase fentanyl-related sentencing enhancement re-referred to Senate Assignments
The ILGA bill status for SB1569 shows the measure (proposing fentanyl-related sentencing enhancement changes under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act) was re-referred to the Senate Assignments committee (Rule 3-9(a)) on 2025-04-11. This is legislative status activity (not enactment). Compliance teams tracking potential changes to fentanyl-related penalty structures should monitor further movement before making policy updates.
European Commission launches public consultation on the Digital Product Passport (DPP) system (service providers and potential certification scheme)
The European Commission launched a public consultation on the Digital Product Passport (DPP), focused on how DPP data should be stored/managed by service providers and whether a certification scheme for DPP service providers is needed. This consultation is directly relevant to EU DPP implementation under the ESPR framework, as it may shape future implementing/delegated measures that affect DPP system governance, vendor qualification, assurance/certification expectations, and technical architecture choices for companies placing products on the EU market.
MOFCOM & GACC Announcement No. 18 of 2025 imposes export controls on specified medium/heavy rare earth-related items
MOFCOM and GACC issued Announcement No. 18 of 2025 implementing export controls on specified medium/heavy rare earth-related items. The measure requires exporters to apply for export licenses under China’s export control framework and to declare controlled status (including the relevant control numbers) in customs declarations. The Dual-Use Items Export Control List is updated accordingly. Compliance teams should assess whether any products, materials, or shipments involve the listed rare earth elements and controlled forms (e.g., metals, alloys, targets, oxides/compounds/mixtures, and certain permanent magnet materials) and ensure licensing and customs-declaration processes are in place before export.