All regulatory updates
894 results found
EPA proposes multiple SNUR batches (24-5.5e; 25-1.5e; 25-2.5e) with comments due Dec 3, 2025
EPA proposed several batches of Significant New Use Rules (SNURs) (24-5.5e, 25-1.5e, 25-2.5e). If finalized, these SNURs would require submission of a SNUN before certain new uses can proceed. Stakeholders had an opportunity to comment (deadline stated as Dec. 3, 2025) and should track finalization outcomes for implications on commercialization, import, and downstream use conditions.
EPA issues multiple proposed SNUR batches (published Nov. 3, 2025) and proposed SNUR amendments (published Oct. 28, 2025)
EPA proposed multiple SNUR batches (published Nov. 3, 2025) and proposed amendments to existing SNURs (published Oct. 28, 2025). If finalized, these proposals would impose or modify TSCA Section 5 Significant New Use Notice (SNUN) requirements for specified chemical substances/uses. Compliance teams should monitor the relevant dockets, evaluate whether their substances/uses could be affected, and consider submitting comments as appropriate.
BAT/BEP expert meeting work programme includes planned updates to guidance to reflect newly listed POPs (MCCPs, LC‑PFCAs, UV‑328 exemptions; possible chlorpyrifos guidance)
An official Stockholm Convention BAT/BEP meeting page indicates an implementation work programme to update Best Available Techniques/Best Environmental Practices guidance to reflect recent Stockholm Convention outcomes: incorporating MCCPs into SCCPs-related guidance, including LC‑PFCAs in PFOS/PFOA-relevant guidance, updating UV‑328 BAT/BEP guidance reflecting COP-12 exemption amendments, and considering in June 2026 whether to develop BAT/BEP guidance for chlorpyrifos. For compliance teams, these updates can affect operational expectations for controlling releases and managing wastes/industrial processes linked to newly listed POPs and exemptions.
In November 2025, the EPA proposed a dramatic overhaul of the 2023 "Final" PFAS Reporting Rule. While the original rule offered almost no exemptions, the new proposal introduces six standard TSCA exemptions. The goal is to focus reporting on the "primary" manufacturers and importers of chemicals rather than businesses that simply import finished goods. If finalized, this will eliminate the reporting obligation for an estimated 127,000 businesses, focusing the data call on the 4,000 entities most likely to have detailed chemical safety data. The "Six Proposed Exemptions" If these revisions are finalized in 2026, you will NOT have to report: 1. Imported Articles: Finished products (like laptops, cars, or textiles) containing PFAS. 2. De Minimis Concentrations: PFAS present at concentrations of 0.1% or lower in mixtures or products. 3. Byproducts: PFAS produced unintentionally during the manufacture of another substance (if not used for commercial purposes). 4. Impurities: PFAS present unintentionally in another chemical substance. 5. Research and Development (R&D): PFAS manufactured/imported in small quantities solely for R&D. 6. Non-Isolated Intermediates: PFAS produced and consumed within a closed-system manufacturing process.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed revisions to the TSCA Section 8(a)(7) PFAS Reporting and Recordkeeping Rule, significantly narrowing the scope of the original 2023 requirements. The proposal introduces six standard TSCA exemptions, including relief for imported articles and de minimis concentrations (≤0.1%), aiming to shift the reporting burden primarily to chemical manufacturers and importers rather than finished goods importers. If finalized in 2026, the revisions could eliminate reporting obligations for approximately 127,000 businesses while maintaining requirements for primary PFAS producers under the Toxic Substances Control Act framework.
In November 2025, the EPA proposed a dramatic overhaul of the 2023 "Final" PFAS Reporting Rule. While the original rule offered almost no exemptions, the new proposal introduces six standard TSCA exemptions. The goal is to focus reporting on the "primary" manufacturers and importers of chemicals rather than businesses that simply import finished goods. If finalized, this will eliminate the reporting obligation for an estimated 127,000 businesses, focusing the data call on the 4,000 entities most likely to have detailed chemical safety data. The "Six Proposed Exemptions" If these revisions are finalized in 2026, you will NOT have to report: 1. Imported Articles: Finished products (like laptops, cars, or textiles) containing PFAS. 2. De Minimis Concentrations: PFAS present at concentrations of 0.1% or lower in mixtures or products. 3. Byproducts: PFAS produced unintentionally during the manufacture of another substance (if not used for commercial purposes). 4. Impurities: PFAS present unintentionally in another chemical substance. 5. Research and Development (R&D): PFAS manufactured/imported in small quantities solely for R&D. 6. Non-Isolated Intermediates: PFAS produced and consumed within a closed-system manufacturing process.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed revisions to the TSCA Section 8(a)(7) PFAS Reporting and Recordkeeping Rule, significantly narrowing the scope of the original 2023 requirements. The proposal introduces six standard TSCA exemptions, including relief for imported articles and de minimis concentrations (≤0.1%), aiming to shift the reporting burden primarily to chemical manufacturers and importers rather than finished goods importers. If finalized in 2026, the revisions could eliminate reporting obligations for approximately 127,000 businesses while maintaining requirements for primary PFAS producers under the Toxic Substances Control Act framework.
USGBC Publishes LEED v5 BD+C Rating System Document
USGBC has published the LEED v5 Building Design and Construction (BD+C) Rating System document (November 2025 Edition). The document details all prerequisites and credits organized by category including Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality with associated point values.
EPA proposes SNUR amendments (modification batch 23-1.M) with comments due Nov 28, 2025
EPA proposed amendments/modifications to existing SNUR requirements (batch 23-1.M). The proposal would adjust significant new use designations for covered substances and opened a public comment period (deadline stated as Nov. 28, 2025). Companies should review whether amended SNUR triggers could affect current or planned uses and consider submitting comments and preparing for potential final changes.
European Commission recognises RMI’s Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) as an equivalent due diligence scheme (Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/2071)
The European Commission announced recognition of the Responsible Minerals Assurance Process (RMAP) as the first supply chain due diligence scheme recognised under Regulation (EU) 2017/821 (EU Conflict Minerals Regulation), via Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/2071. This is directly relevant to CMRT users because RMAP is administered by the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), which also maintains the CMRT. The recognition increases the compliance value of CMRT/RMI-aligned due diligence outputs for EU importers of 3TG (tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold) by allowing reliance on a recognised scheme to help demonstrate conformity with EU due diligence obligations.
RMI releases EMRT 2.1 Completion Guide (corresponding to EMRT Revision 2.1)
RMI published the EMRT 2.1 Completion Guide (released October 17, 2025) corresponding to EMRT Revision 2.1. The guide provides official instructions for completing the template (including updates reflected in the revision history) and reiterates EMRT scope expansion that began with EMRT 2.0 (adding copper, natural graphite, lithium, and nickel alongside cobalt and mica). Compliance teams should use the guide to update internal work instructions, training, and data validation approaches when collecting supplier EMRT declarations.
RMI releases EMRT v2.1 and recommends it for the reporting year (template changes to scope notice, product list fields, and smelter/mine list tabs)
The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), the governing body for the Extended Minerals Reporting Template (EMRT), released EMRT version 2.1 and states it is the recommended version for the reporting year. The EMRT v2.1 update includes structural/field changes that impact supplier survey collection and internal data validation, including: (1) an added notice of “Select Minerals/Metals in Scope,” (2) Product List updates adding “Requester Product Number” and “Requester Product Name,” and (3) updates to the Smelter List and Mine List tabs and to the Smelter Reference/Standard Smelter List content. Compliance teams using EMRT for customer due diligence requests should update internal templates, instructions, and validation checks to align to v2.1.
RMI publishes EMRT 2.1 Completion Guide with updated instructions and revision history (including mine list smelter selection guidance)
RMI released the EMRT 2.1 Completion Guide corresponding to EMRT revision 2.1. The guide provides authoritative instructions for completing the EMRT and includes a revision history noting guidance updates, including guidance for selecting smelters from the drop-down menu on the Mine List tab (Oct 17, 2025 entry) and prior guidance additions tied to the Apr 25, 2025 release. This is operationally relevant for compliance teams because it affects how suppliers are instructed to complete the template and how recipients validate completeness/consistency of Mine List and smelter selections.
RMI publishes EMRT 2.1 Completion Guide (official guidance)
RMI issued the EMRT Completion Guide corresponding to EMRT Revision 2.1 (released Oct 17, 2025). The guide provides authoritative instructions for completing EMRT tabs (e.g., Declaration, Smelter List, Product List) and explains alignment to IPC-1755 and OECD Due Diligence Guidance. Compliance teams can use this as the primary reference for supplier training and internal quality checks when collecting EMRT disclosures.
RMI recommends EMRT v2.1 for the reporting year; notes data-quality CID corrections and anticipates next EMRT release in Spring 2026
The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) EMRT page indicates that EMRT v2.1 is the recommended template version for the reporting year and provides official download materials. RMI also flags a data-quality issue in EMRT 2.1 where certain facilities display incorrect CIDs (providing correct vs. incorrect CIDs) and advises users to verify against the online smelter reference information. RMI further states that the next EMRT version is anticipated in Spring 2026, which compliance teams should track for upcoming template/process changes and supplier communication updates.
RMI confirms EMRT v2.1 as recommended reporting-year template and notes next version anticipated Spring 2026
The Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) EMRT landing page indicates EMRT v2.1 is the recommended template for the reporting year and summarizes template changes (e.g., added “Select Minerals/Metals in Scope” notice; expanded Product List fields for requester product number/name; updates to Smelter List, Mine List, Smelter Reference List, and Standard Smelter List). The page also notes governance/quality points (RMI does not recognize modified templates outside its consensus process; guidance on CID issues and use of reference lists). RMI further states the next EMRT version is anticipated to be released in Spring 2026, which compliance teams should track for upcoming supplier survey/template updates.
ESMA issues Public Statement on 2025 European Common Enforcement Priorities for corporate reporting (includes CSRD/ESRS focus)
ESMA published a public statement setting out European Common Enforcement Priorities for 2025 corporate reporting. This statement is relevant to CSRD because it signals supervisory focus areas for corporate reporting and can influence how CSRD/ESRS sustainability statements are reviewed/enforced by national competent authorities. Compliance teams should consider these priorities when preparing CSRD-aligned disclosures and documentation supporting reported information.
Governor vetoes SB 682 expanding PFAS restrictions to six new product categories
Governor Newsom vetoed SB 682 on October 13, 2025. The bill would have prohibited intentionally added PFAS in cleaning products, dental floss, juvenile products, food packaging, and ski wax (effective January 1, 2028), and cookware (effective January 1, 2030). The veto message cited concerns about enforcement mechanisms and the absence of an identified regulatory agency to ensure compliance with the proposed restrictions.
ECHA Member State Committee October meeting highlights: agreement to identify DBDPE as an SVHC
ECHA published highlights from its Member State Committee (MSC) October meeting stating the MSC agreed to identify 1,1'-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis[pentabromobenzene] (DBDPE) as an SVHC. This is a key procedural step in the SVHC identification process and can precede future Candidate List inclusion, affecting future Article 33/Article 7(2) obligations once/if included on the Candidate List.
Stockholm Convention Seeks Information on PBDD/PBDF for Annex E Assessment
The Stockholm Convention POPs Review Committee (POPRC) has requested information on polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/PBDF) and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans for the development of risk profiles under Annex E of the Convention. The deadline for information submission is 5 December 2025. These substances are under consideration for potential listing in the Convention annexes. Companies with relevant scientific, technical, or monitoring data should submit information to inform the Committee's risk assessment.
ECHA reports European Commission adopted EU-wide REACH restriction on PFAS in firefighting foams (3 Oct 2025)
ECHA Weekly reported that the European Commission adopted an EU-wide REACH restriction on PFAS in firefighting foams on 3 October 2025, including transition periods. Compliance teams for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and users of firefighting foams should assess affected PFAS-containing formulations, transition timelines, and downstream user communications to ensure continued market access and compliant substitution planning.
European Commission adopts EU-wide REACH restriction on PFAS in firefighting foams (reported by ECHA Weekly)
ECHA Weekly reported that the European Commission adopted an EU-wide REACH restriction on PFAS in firefighting foams. This creates binding EU controls on placing on the market and use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams (with transition periods referenced in the ECHA Weekly summary). Compliance teams in fire safety, airports, industrial sites, and foam manufacturers/importers should review the adopted restriction requirements, transition periods, and substitution/stock management obligations.