All regulatory updates
1479 results found
RoHS exemption stakeholder consultation extended to 1 August 2026
The European Commission's contracted evaluator has extended the submission deadline for stakeholder contributions on RoHS exemption evaluations to 1 August 2026 (extended from 24 July 2026). Stakeholders are invited to submit fact-based evidence to support ongoing exemption evaluations. Registered stakeholders receive updates on project progress and can participate in the evaluation process. Companies relying on RoHS exemptions should monitor this consultation and consider submitting relevant technical evidence.
POPRC-22 Meeting Scheduled for September 2026 in Rome
The 22nd meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC-22) is scheduled to take place in Rome, Italy, from 21 to 25 September 2026, back-to-back with the 22nd meeting of the Rotterdam Convention Chemical Review Committee. POPRC reviews proposals for listing new chemicals in the Stockholm Convention annexes and develops recommendations for the Conference of the Parties. The advance provisional agenda is now available. Compliance teams should monitor POPRC-22 outcomes for potential new POP listings that may affect product formulations.
SEAC draft opinion consultation closes with 3,511 comments received
The 60-day consultation on SEAC's draft opinion on the PFAS restriction proposal (26 March to 25 May 2026) received 3,511 comments from more than 3,200 organisations and 250 individuals. SEAC is now assessing the contributions and is expected to adopt its final opinion on the proposed restriction by the end of 2026. This represents strong stakeholder engagement in the REACH restriction process.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Maryland MDE Publishes EPR Compliance Guide for COMAR 26.04.14
Maryland Department of the Environment has published a compliance guide for COMAR 26.04.14 Packaging and Paper Products - Producer Responsibility regulations. The guide provides detailed information on how producers of covered materials must comply with Maryland's EPR requirements, including registration, reporting, and fee obligations. Producers operating in Maryland should consult this guide alongside the official regulations to ensure compliance with the state's packaging EPR program.
EU adopts Regulation 2026/1168 amending microplastics restriction Entry 78 with new obligations
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1168 amends Entry 78 of Annex XVII to REACH regarding synthetic polymer microparticles (microplastics). The regulation, adopted on 1 June 2026, introduces new reporting and labelling obligations for microplastics. This amendment builds on the original microplastics restriction introduced by Regulation 2023/2055. Companies placing synthetic polymer microparticles on the EU market must comply with the new reporting and labelling requirements.
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.
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.
NY GreenNY Issues PFAS-Free Apparel Specification for State Purchasing
The New York State Office of General Services has issued a GreenNY specification for Apparel and Apparel Textiles dated June 1, 2026. The specification requires apparel purchased by state agencies to be free of intentionally added PFAS, using terms such as 'PFAS-free' or 'PFC-free' on manufacturer documentation. Additional requirements include preferences for 100% natural fiber content, prohibition of antimicrobial/anti-odor/wrinkle-resistant treatments, no PVC/vinyl, and no single-use items. State agencies and vendors supplying apparel to New York State must comply with these procurement specifications.
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.
Commission Publishes FAQ on Life-Cycle Data Requirements for Green Claims Directive
The European Commission published a Questions & Answers document providing guidance to stakeholders on Directive (EU) 2024/825 (Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive). The directive requires environmental claims to be substantiated with clear, objective, publicly available, and verifiable life-cycle data. This FAQ clarifies compliance expectations for companies making environmental marketing claims, directly linking claim substantiation requirements to LCA methodology based on ISO 14040/14044 principles. Compliance teams must ensure environmental claims are supported by verified life-cycle data rather than generic database averages.
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).
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.
EU amends microplastics restriction with new reporting and labelling obligations
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1168 amends Entry 78 of REACH Annex XVII to clarify and expand information, labelling, and reporting requirements for synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM). The regulation specifies that products containing derogated SPM must comply with reporting obligations to minimize and monitor emissions. Market prohibition for certain products is deferred 4 to 12 years depending on product type. Compliance teams placing products with microplastics on the EU market must ensure appropriate labelling and reporting procedures are implemented.