All regulatory updates
1373 results found
NY Bill A.01053 clarifies PFAS firefighting foam recall requirements
Bill A.01053 clarifies that New York's PFAS firefighting foam law requires manufacturers to recall ALL class B firefighting foam containing PFAS, including products sold or distributed before the original law's effective date. The bill addresses uncertainty about whether the original prohibition applied retroactively.
IATA DGR 67th Ed. adds UN numbers for cargo transport unit batteries
IATA DGR 67th Edition introduces new UN numbers for batteries installed in cargo transport units: UN 3563 for lithium metal batteries and UN 3564 for sodium ion batteries. These new classifications address the specific hazard considerations for large-scale battery installations in cargo containers, distinct from individual battery shipments. New hybrid vehicle classifications under UN 3166 are also provided.
IATA DGR 67th Edition expands mandatory 30% SoC limit to additional lithium battery configurations
The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations 67th Edition (2026), effective January 1, 2026, makes the 30% state of charge (SoC) limit mandatory for additional lithium-ion battery configurations. Previously recommended, the SoC ≤ 30% requirement is now mandatory for UN 3481 (lithium ion batteries packed with equipment, cells/batteries > 2.7 Wh) and UN 3556 (vehicles, lithium ion battery powered, battery > 100 Wh). Shippers must implement internal controls for pre-shipment charge verification and documentation workflows. Special Provision A331 allows shipments exceeding 30% SoC with written approval from State of Origin and State of Operator.
ECHA publishes Single Programming Document 2026–2028 stating aim to finalise opinion-making on broad PFAS restriction in 2026
ECHA’s Single Programming Document 2026–2028 includes an official planning milestone indicating ECHA aims to finalise the opinion-making process in 2026 for the broad (universal) PFAS restriction proposal under REACH. This is not a legal restriction yet, but it is a credible timeline signal for compliance teams tracking expected EU-wide PFAS controls and potential future substitution/phase-out planning.
EU publishes COM(2026)51 register entry for proposed Council Decision to submit TBPH listing proposal under the Stockholm Convention (Annex A or B)
The European Commission documents a proposal (COM(2026)51) for a Council Decision on submitting, on behalf of the European Union, a proposal to list bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) under the Stockholm Convention in Annex A (elimination) or Annex B (restriction). If advanced through the Convention process and adopted by Parties, a TBPH listing could trigger global controls and subsequent EU implementing measures. Compliance teams should track progress as it may affect flame retardant use in products and supply chains.
IATA DGR 67th Edition adds new UN numbers for sodium-ion battery transport
The IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations 67th Edition (2026), effective January 1, 2026, establishes new UN numbers for sodium-ion batteries with organic electrolyte: UN 3551 (sodium ion batteries, standalone) and UN 3552 (sodium ion batteries contained in or packed with equipment). Sodium-ion batteries with aqueous alkali electrolyte continue to be transported as UN 2795 (Batteries, wet, filled with alkali). Classification follows the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Sub-section 38.3. Shippers must ensure proper classification and documentation for sodium-ion battery shipments by air.
UK Seeks Comments on PBDD/PBDFs POP Risk Profile
The UK government is calling for comments on a revised draft risk profile for polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBCDD/Fs), excluding polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans. This risk profile is being developed as part of the Stockholm Convention Article 8 process for potential listing in Annex E (release reduction provisions). Stakeholders can provide input on the scientific assessment of these substances as POPs.
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.
PackUK publishes operational plan for 2026-2027 EPR implementation
PackUK published its operational plan for 2026-2027 setting out priorities, forecasts, methodologies, planned activities, and performance indicators for the EPR for packaging scheme. The plan covers notices of liability issuance, fee calculations using LAPCAP methodology, and the first year of modulated fees based on recyclability.
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 TRI as a chemical of special concern (100 lb threshold) with reporting starting in 2026
EPA finalized a TRI expansion adding sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS‑Na) to EPCRA §313 (TRI). PFHxS‑Na is designated a chemical of special concern with a 100 lb reporting threshold, meaning covered facilities must begin tracking releases and other reportable activities during the 2026 reporting year (starting Jan 1, 2026). The first TRI submission covering this new listing is due July 1, 2027. Compliance teams should update chemical inventories, release tracking, and TRI applicability determinations accordingly.
Clean Truck Check Compliance Fee Increases to $32.13 Effective January 1, 2026
CARB increased the Clean Truck Check (Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance) compliance fee to $32.13, effective January 1, 2026. The fee increase accounts for consumer price index adjustments as authorized by Senate Bill 210 (Leyva, Chapter 298, Statutes of 2019). The fee applies to almost all non-gasoline heavy-duty vehicles subject to the Clean Truck Check program. Vehicle owners must pay the updated fee for compliance deadlines on and after January 1, 2026.
IATA publishes revised Battery Guidance Document for 2026 Regulations
IATA released an updated Battery Guidance Document for the transport of lithium metal, lithium ion, and sodium ion batteries. The document is aligned with the 2025-2026 Edition of the ICAO Technical Instructions and the 67th Edition (2026) of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, providing practical implementation guidance for battery shipping compliance.
JRC publishes methodology for defining DPP data requirements under ESPR framework
The Joint Research Centre published a methodology document (JRC145830) for defining data requirements for the Digital Product Passport under the ESPR framework. The methodology provides step-by-step guidance for translating policy objectives and use cases into structured data needs, criteria for distinguishing essential, strongly recommended, and voluntary data elements, and guidance on granularity, access rights, lifecycle management, and interoperability. The document includes indicative timelines for product groups: Iron and steel (2026), Textiles and Tyres (2027), Aluminium (2027), Furniture (2028), Mattresses (2029), and ICT (2029).
The European Union has adopted a legislative amendment transferring the scientific and technical responsibilities related to the RoHS Directive from the European Commission to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Under this change, ECHA will be responsible for evaluating applications for new RoHS exemptions, exemption renewals, revocations, and reviews of restricted substances. The European Commission will continue to make the final regulatory decisions, while ECHA will provide the scientific and technical assessments supporting those decisions. This transition aims to streamline the exemption evaluation process and align RoHS chemical assessments more closely with other EU chemicals legislation managed by ECHA. Although this update does not introduce new substance restrictions or modify existing RoHS exemptions, companies relying on RoHS exemptions should prepare for a revised evaluation process and potentially more structured scientific assessments
The European Union has adopted a legislative amendment transferring the scientific and technical responsibilities related to the RoHS Directive from the European Commission to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Under this change, ECHA will be responsible for evaluating applications for new RoHS exemptions, exemption renewals, revocations, and reviews of restricted substances. The European Commission will continue to make the final regulatory decisions, while ECHA will provide the scientific and technical assessments supporting those decisions. This transition aims to streamline the exemption evaluation process and align RoHS chemical assessments more closely with other EU chemicals legislation managed by ECHA. Although this update does not introduce new substance restrictions or modify existing RoHS exemptions, companies relying on RoHS exemptions should prepare for a revised evaluation process and potentially more structured scientific assessments.
FEMA revises Buy America Preference policy (Revision 1) and ends STORM/RLF general applicability waiver; BABA applies to STORM/RLF awards starting Jan 10, 2026
FEMA issued Revision 1 of its policy on Buy America Preference in FEMA financial assistance programs for infrastructure. The revised policy explains FEMA’s one-year general applicability waiver for the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (STORM/RLF) through Jan 9, 2026, and states that effective Jan 10, 2026, STORM/RLF awards are subject to BABA and FEMA’s policy requirements. Recipients and contractors working on STORM/RLF-funded infrastructure should update procurement controls, contract clauses, and documentation systems to ensure BABA compliance for awards and obligations on/after the applicability date.
30% State of Charge Mandate Extended to Batteries Packed with Equipment
Starting January 1, 2026, lithium batteries packed with equipment must be shipped at a state of charge not exceeding 30% of their rated capacity. This extends the existing 30% SoC requirement which previously applied only to lithium metal and lithium ion batteries shipped by themselves (not packed with or installed in equipment). Shippers must verify and document SoC compliance for all lithium battery shipments packed with equipment.
Southern Nevada Health District launches PFAS private well testing program
In 2026, the Southern Nevada Health District is providing free PFAS testing and resources to private well users, funded by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP). Private well owners must register for testing, after which Health District staff contact them to gather information and schedule the test. Account setup is required to receive results. This program addresses gaps in public water system monitoring by extending PFAS surveillance to private wells.
Hawaii DOH issues January 2026 PFAS EALs guidance update
The Hawaii Department of Health issued an updated interim guidance document for PFAS Environmental Action Levels (EALs) in January 2026. This guidance provides screening criteria for assessing PFAS contamination in soil and water at environmental sites. The document includes specific action levels for over 24 PFAS compounds and is used to quickly identify low-risk sites and determine when additional investigation or remediation is warranted. This supersedes previous versions of the PFAS EALs guidance.
Kentucky HB 196 enacted with January 1, 2027 PFAS reporting deadline
Kentucky has enacted HB 196 establishing mandatory PFAS reporting requirements for manufacturers. Starting January 1, 2027, manufacturers of products containing intentionally added PFAS sold, offered for sale, or distributed in Kentucky must submit annual reports to the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet. Required information includes product description, PFAS purpose, CAS numbers, and quantities. The law establishes a 21-member PFAS Working Group to study health impacts and develop mitigation strategies, with penalties up to $1,000 per day for non-compliance. First report due January 1, 2027.