All regulatory updates
1373 results found
New Jersey Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act Prohibits PFAS in Products
The Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act (P.L.2025, c.202), approved January 12, 2026, prohibits intentionally added PFAS in certain products effective January 2028. The Act also requires cookware containing PFAS to carry labeling disclosures. Unlike other state PFAS laws, it does not include registration or reporting requirements and does not establish a framework to exempt currently unavoidable uses of PFAS.
EU Drinking Water Directive (recast) PFAS parameters: Member State compliance measures due by 12 Jan 2026 (PFAS Total / Sum of PFAS transition)
ECHA’s legislation profile for the recast EU Drinking Water Directive indicates a transitional deadline under which Member States must have measures in place by 12 January 2026 to ensure compliance for parameters including “PFAS Total” and “Sum of PFAS,” and suppliers will be required to monitor those parameters. Compliance teams supporting EU water suppliers, laboratories, and regulated entities should ensure monitoring programs, analytical capability, and documentation are aligned to the PFAS parameter requirements by this date.
EPA updates Extended Battery Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework page outlining ongoing framework development and stakeholder engagement
EPA updated its official page on the national Extended Battery Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework (developed with the U.S. Department of Energy pursuant to Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act direction). The update summarizes framework-development scope (goals, cost structures, reporting, collection models, transportation, design considerations) and lists stakeholder engagement activities such as an upcoming virtual roundtable. While not a binding regulation, this is an official federal guidance/framework-development signal that may influence future federal or state battery EPR program design and harmonization expectations.
EPA updates Extended Battery Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework page describing framework development and stakeholder engagement
EPA updated its Extended Battery Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework webpage (page shows a last updated date of January 8, 2026), describing EPA’s ongoing development of a national battery EPR framework and related stakeholder engagement activities. While not a binding rule, the update is relevant for battery producers and stewardship organizations as it signals federal policy direction that may influence harmonization expectations across state battery EPR/stewardship programs.
EU withdraws proposal to restrict TBBP-A and MCCPs under RoHS
The European Commission has decided not to proceed with proposals to add Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBP-A) and Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (MCCPs) to the RoHS Directive Annex II restricted substances list. This decision represents a reversal of earlier plans to expand RoHS substance restrictions. Manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment will not face new compliance obligations for these substances under RoHS. The decision affects compliance planning for flame retardant and plasticizer applications in EEE.
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).
JRC publishes methodology for defining Digital Product Passport data requirements under the ESPR framework
The JRC published an official methodology document on defining DPP data requirements under the ESPR framework. This is non-binding technical guidance but is directly relevant for companies designing DPP data models and IT architecture, as it addresses approaches for specifying information requirements and associated implementation concepts referenced in ESPR/DPP planning. (The research text includes timing language within the PDF, but no new binding obligations are established by this document itself.)
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.
NYSDEC announces virtual public meeting series on PFAS response initiatives
NYSDEC is hosting a virtual meeting series about ongoing actions to protect New York communities from PFAS. The webinars focus on the PFAS Rural Background Study, treatment of landfill leachate, wastewater treatment guidance, sampling of PFAS in biosolids, and drinking water policy. This initiative supports Governor Hochul's State of the State priorities for environmental protection and community education on PFAS risks.
EPA publishes process update and Federal Register notice on expiring TSCA CBI claims beginning June 2026 (extensions via CDX required)
EPA announced (and published a Federal Register notice describing) the process it will use to notify submitters of upcoming TSCA confidential business information (CBI) claim expirations (generally 10 years after submission, under the 2016 TSCA amendments). EPA states the first expirations will begin in June 2026 and that it will post public lists of TSCA submissions with expiring claims (starting in spring 2026) and send direct notices via EPA’s Central Data Exchange (CDX). To maintain confidentiality, companies must submit an extension request through CDX with required substantiation no later than 30 days before the claim’s expiration date. Compliance teams should inventory TSCA submissions with CBI claims, ensure CDX access/roles are in place, and prepare substantiation workflows ahead of the spring 2026 public list postings.
EPA Federal Register notice details process for TSCA CBI claims expiring starting June 2026 (CDX notices, public lists, and extension requests)
EPA published a Federal Register notice and supporting EPA webpage describing the process for upcoming expirations of TSCA Confidential Business Information (CBI) claims beginning in June 2026. EPA indicates it will (1) post the first public list of TSCA submissions with CBI claims expiring starting in June 2026 (planned for early spring 2026) and (2) send direct notifications to affected submitters via CDX. To maintain protection, submitters must file an extension request via CDX with required substantiation no later than 30 days prior to the claim’s expiration date. EPA also states it is developing a new CDX tool to collect extension requests and expects it to be available before June 2026; if delayed, EPA will post an update on the TSCA CBI website. Compliance teams should inventory affected TSCA submissions, monitor EPA’s posted lists/notifications, and prepare substantiation packages to meet the 30‑day pre-expiration submission timing.
EPA issues Federal Register notice and EPA webpage update detailing process for expiring TSCA CBI claims beginning June 2026 (CDX extension requests required)
EPA published an official process/timeline update for confidential business information (CBI) claims under TSCA that will begin expiring starting June 2026 (generally 10 years after submission). EPA explains it will post (in early spring) a first public list of submissions with expiring CBI claims, and will send direct notices via EPA’s CDX system. Companies seeking to maintain confidentiality must submit extension requests electronically via CDX no later than 30 days before the specific claim expiration date, including substantiation. This is operationally significant for TSCA compliance teams managing CBI portfolios and ensuring timely substantiation/extension workflows.
EPA publishes new default values/assumptions used in TSCA new chemical risk assessments (New Chemicals Division reference library)
EPA released technical resources describing common/default values used in TSCA new chemical risk assessments (e.g., occupational exposure and environmental release assumptions). While not a binding rule, the defaults are operationally important for PMN/SNUN submitters because they can affect EPA’s exposure estimates and risk determinations and therefore the quality and predictability of submissions and any resulting risk management measures.
EPA provides update and Federal Register notice on expiration/extension process for TSCA Confidential Business Information (CBI) claims expiring starting June 2026
EPA published an update and accompanying Federal Register notice describing how it will implement expiration and extension procedures for TSCA CBI claims. EPA stated it will post lists of submissions with expiring CBI claims (first list in early spring 2026) and notify submitters via CDX; companies seeking to extend CBI protection must submit extension requests through CDX no later than 30 days before the claim expiration date with required substantiation. If no timely extension request is received, EPA may no longer be required to safeguard the information. Compliance teams should inventory TSCA submissions with CBI claims approaching the 10-year expiration window and prepare substantiations and CDX processes to file extension requests on time.
EPA publishes updated TSCA Inventory (latest non-confidential Inventory update available)
EPA posted an updated biannual public (non-confidential) TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory update. While not a rule change, the Inventory refresh affects substance status screening (existing vs. new chemicals), and may change operational compliance signals via updated commercial activity data (active/inactive), unique identifier data, and regulatory flags (e.g., SNUR/test order indicators). Compliance teams should refresh internal substance lists, re-run regulatory flag screening, and note any identities moved from confidential to public portions of the Inventory as part of EPA’s ongoing CBI reviews.
FHWA updates BABA Q&As for Federal-aid highway projects (construction materials definitions and manufactured products phase-in dates)
FHWA published an updated Q&A document explaining how BABA/OMB guidance applies to FHWA Federal-aid highway projects. The Q&As clarify construction material coverage and definitions (including required U.S. manufacturing processes consistent with 2 CFR 184.6) and address classification issues (e.g., when combined materials become manufactured products and interactions with iron/steel content). The document reiterates the staged manufactured-products requirements tied to FHWA’s rescission of the manufactured products general waiver: for projects obligated on/after Oct 1, 2025, final assembly must occur in the U.S.; for projects obligated on/after Oct 1, 2026, final assembly plus >55% U.S. component cost applies. Compliance teams should use the updated Q&As to validate material/product classification, supplier declarations, and contract flow-downs for FHWA-funded work.
FHWA Updates Manufactured Products Final Rule Q&A Document
FHWA issued updated Q&As clarifying implementation of the Manufactured Products Final Rule (effective March 20, 2025). Key clarifications include: (1) the manufactured products general waiver remains in effect for projects obligated March 20 – September 30, 2025; (2) confirmation that cement, asphalt mixtures, and aggregates are NOT construction materials under BABA but are Section 70917(c) materials; and (3) details on the two-phase implementation timeline with final assembly requirements effective October 1, 2025 and the 55% domestic component cost requirement effective October 1, 2026.
EPA publishes process and timeline for expiring TSCA CBI claims beginning June 2026 (extension requests via CDX)
EPA published an implementation/process update for Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) confidential business information (CBI) claims that will begin expiring starting June 2026 under TSCA §14(e). EPA indicates it will post public lists of TSCA submissions with expiring CBI claims (expected in early spring) and also send direct notifications via EPA’s Central Data Exchange (CDX). To maintain CBI protection, companies must submit an extension request electronically via CDX no later than 30 days before the claim expiration date and include substantiation. EPA also notes it is developing a new CDX tool to support extension requests ahead of the June 2026 expiration wave. Compliance teams should identify TSCA submissions with expiring claims (including via TSCA Inventory resources) and prepare substantiation and CDX workflows to avoid inadvertent public disclosure.
EPA publishes expiring TSCA CBI claims list and launches CDX tool for Section 14(e) CBI claim extensions
EPA announced the release of a public list of TSCA Confidential Business Information (CBI) claims scheduled to expire (initially covering claims expiring June 22, 2026 through July 31, 2026) and stated the list will be refreshed monthly. EPA also described the process for maintaining confidentiality by submitting an extension request and substantiation electronically via CDX no later than 30 days before the claim expires, including use of a new “TSCA Section 14(e) CBI Claim Extension Request” tool. Compliance teams should inventory TSCA submissions with CBI claims, confirm responsible CDX accounts/contacts, and prepare substantiation packages ahead of claim expiration dates to avoid loss of confidential status.
EPA publishes process update for expiring TSCA Confidential Business Information (CBI) claims beginning June 2026 (extension requests via CDX)
EPA published an update describing how it will notify submitters about TSCA CBI claims that will begin expiring starting June 2026 and how to maintain protection. EPA indicates it will (1) post public lists of submissions with expiring claims beginning in early spring 2026, (2) send direct notices via EPA’s Central Data Exchange (CDX), and (3) require companies seeking to maintain protection to submit an extension request (with substantiation) via CDX no later than 30 days before the claim’s expiration date. This affects companies relying on TSCA CBI protections and requires internal tracking of claim expiration dates and preparation of substantiation packages for timely extension requests.