All regulatory updates
894 results found
Commission opens infringement procedure against Cyprus for failure to transpose RoHS Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/1416 (cadmium LED exemption narrowed)
The European Commission initiated an infringement procedure (letter of formal notice) against Cyprus for not transposing Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/1416, which amends the RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU) by narrowing the scope of a cadmium-related exemption for certain LED applications due to technical progress. This signals heightened enforcement attention on Member State transposition of RoHS delegated directives, which can affect consistent EU market access and national enforcement posture.
GAO Report: EPA TSCA New Chemicals Program Lacks Systematic Performance Management
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report (GAO-25-106839) finding that EPA's TSCA New Chemicals Program does not follow key management practices. Chemical manufacturers raised concerns about unclear requirements and review delays. GAO found EPA lacks a systematic process to manage and assess program performance, which may impede effective implementation. Companies submitting new chemical notifications should be aware of ongoing program challenges and potential process changes.
ECHA added five substances to the REACH SVHC Candidate List and updated one existing entry (total 247 entries)
ECHA updated the REACH Candidate List by adding five substances of very high concern (SVHCs) and updating one existing Candidate List entry (Tris(4-nonylphenyl, branched and linear) phosphite) to reflect endocrine-disrupting properties (environment), including when it contains ≥0.1% w/w 4-nonylphenol. This triggers downstream REACH Candidate List duties for supply chains (e.g., Article 33 communication for articles above 0.1% w/w, potential Article 7(2) notifications where applicable, and SDS updates for substances/mixtures supplied in the EU/EEA) and supports SCIP notification considerations for articles containing SVHCs above 0.1% w/w.
POPRC-20 follow-up: Secretariat invites comments/information on listed PFAS and draft risk profile packages (2025 deadlines)
The POPRC-20 follow-up page compiles official Secretariat invitations for comments and information that support the POPRC technical evaluation process for potential Stockholm Convention listings and related documentation. Items highlighted in the research include (i) an invitation dated 22 January 2025 for comments on indicative lists and explanatory notes relating to long-chain PFCAs, PFOA, and PFHxS (deadline shown on the page as 9 June 2025) and (ii) an invitation dated 10 March 2025 for comments on the draft risk profile for PBDD/Fs and mixed PBCDD/Fs (deadline shown as 14 April 2025). For compliance teams, these consultations signal potential future listing actions and evolving scope/interpretation for PFAS and brominated dioxin/furan substances under the Convention process.
PHMSA issues nonavailability waiver of BABA requirements for specified gas distribution products under NGDISM program
PHMSA issued a nonavailability waiver under BABA for certain products used in the NGDISM grant program (as described in the Federal Register notice). This waiver provides compliance relief where domestic products are not reasonably available, affecting procurement decisions for covered natural gas distribution modernization work funded under the program. Compliance teams should assess whether procurements fall within the waiver’s scope and conditions and document eligibility accordingly.
PHMSA grants project-specific BABA waiver for City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri (NGDISM grant program)
PHMSA granted a project-specific waiver under BABA for City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri, for certain products used under the NGDISM grant program. The waiver applies only to the identified project and products described in the Federal Register notice. Compliance teams supporting this project (and similarly situated grantees) should ensure waiver scope controls are implemented (product list, project limitation, and recordkeeping) to avoid misapplication to other procurements.
ECHA updates REACH SVHC Candidate List: five substances added and one existing entry updated (total 247 entries)
On 21 January 2025, ECHA updated the REACH SVHC Candidate List by adding five hazardous chemicals and updating one existing entry, bringing the Candidate List total to 247 entries. This update is relevant for REACH SVHC compliance because Candidate List additions/entry updates can affect Article 33 communication requirements for SVHCs in articles above 0.1% w/w, associated supply-chain information flows, and other Candidate List-related obligations referenced by ECHA. Compliance teams should review the specific substances/entry update in the ECHA notice and validate substance identifiers and any revised concern information against the authoritative Candidate List table.
ECHA adds five hazardous chemicals to the REACH SVHC Candidate List and updates one existing entry (total 247 entries)
ECHA updated the REACH Candidate List (SVHC) by adding five substances and updating one existing entry. The updated entry (tris(4-nonylphenyl, branched and linear) phosphite) was revised to clarify scope in relation to endocrine disrupting properties (Article 57(f) – environment), including when it contains ≥0.1% w/w 4-nonylphenol (branched and linear). This triggers standard REACH Candidate List downstream obligations for EU supply chains (e.g., Article 33 communication for SVHCs in articles >0.1% w/w; Article 7(2) notification obligations for article producers/importers where applicable; SDS updates for substances/mixtures).
ECHA adds five substances to the REACH SVHC Candidate List and updates one existing entry (total 247 entries)
ECHA updated the REACH Candidate List on 21 January 2025 by adding five new substances of very high concern (SVHCs) and updating one existing Candidate List entry. This Candidate List update triggers downstream REACH SVHC obligations for supply chains, including Article 33 communication duties for SVHCs in articles above 0.1% w/w, potential Article 7(2) notifications for EU producers/importers of articles (where applicable), and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) update expectations for suppliers of listed substances/mixtures. Companies placing articles on the EU market should reassess SVHC content, update customer/consumer communications, and review SCIP-related obligations where relevant.
ECHA adds five hazardous chemicals to the REACH SVHC Candidate List and updates one existing entry (total 247 entries)
ECHA updated the REACH Candidate List (Article 59) by adding five substances of very high concern (SVHCs) and updating one existing entry (Tris(4-nonylphenyl, branched and linear) phosphite) to reflect endocrine-disrupting properties, including a condition referencing presence of ≥0.1% w/w 4-nonylphenol (branched and linear). Candidate List updates trigger downstream supply-chain obligations for articles and substances/mixtures, including Article 33 communication duties when SVHCs are present in articles above 0.1% w/w and potential Article 7(2) notification obligations for EU producers/importers of articles (within six months of listing).
DOE publishes BiCRS LCA Best Practices aligned to ISO 14040/14044
The U.S. Department of Energy published 'Best Practices for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage (BiCRS) Technologies' — an official guidance document explicitly positioned as a companion to ISO 14040 (principles/framework) and ISO 14044 (requirements/guidelines). The document provides specific methodological recommendations for conducting LCAs on carbon dioxide removal technologies, including cradle-to-grave system boundaries, co-product allocation hierarchies, standardized uncertainty quantification protocols, and induced land use change emissions accounting. Compliance-relevant for DOE-funded projects, procurement programs, and carbon removal accounting where government-backed methodological expectations apply.
OEHHA lists vinyl acetate as known to cause cancer under Proposition 65 (effective Jan 3, 2025)
OEHHA issued an official notice listing vinyl acetate on the Proposition 65 list as a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer. Businesses whose products or operations may result in consumer or occupational exposures to vinyl acetate in California should evaluate whether warnings are required and update compliance documentation and supplier inquiries accordingly.
EPA posts latest non-confidential TSCA Inventory update (#7)
EPA announced availability of the latest update to the non-confidential TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory (Update #7). Inventory updates support determinations of whether a substance is listed as an existing chemical and provide updated activity status and regulatory flags used for compliance screening. Companies should refresh internal Inventory datasets and screening tools used for TSCA Section 5 and import/manufacture compliance checks.
U.S. Department of Energy publishes 'Best Practices for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage (BiCRS) Technologies' aligned to ISO 14040/14044
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published an official best-practices guidance document for conducting LCAs of Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage (BiCRS) technologies. The document explicitly cites ISO 14040 (principles/framework) and ISO 14044 (requirements/guidelines) as the underpinning standards and positions itself as a complement to ISO 14040/14044 (not a replacement and not a legal document). For organizations preparing LCAs to support carbon removal accounting, procurement/funding expectations, or broader MRV practices where government-backed methodological expectations can influence acceptance of results, this guidance is compliance-relevant as an authoritative methodology reference.
EPA Releases 2025 Annual Plan for Chemical Risk Evaluations Under TSCA
EPA released its 2025 Annual Plan for Chemical Risk Evaluations under TSCA, providing transparency on upcoming regulatory activities. The plan confirms completion of final risk evaluations for DIDP and DINP by December 31, 2024, and documents the designation of five chemical substances as High-Priority for risk evaluation. Compliance teams should use this planning document to anticipate upcoming risk management actions and regulatory timelines for chemicals in their supply chains.
U.S. Department of Energy publishes BiCRS LCA best-practices guidance aligned to ISO 14040/14044
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a guidance document, "Best Practices for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage (BiCRS) Technologies" (dated January 17, 2025). The document is positioned as a best-practices companion to ISO 14040 (principles/framework) and ISO 14044 (requirements/guidelines), providing more specific recommendations for subjective methodological choices to support more consistent and comparable LCAs for BiCRS/carbon dioxide removal contexts. While DOE notes the document is not a legal instrument and does not establish a specific reporting template/requirement, it is directly relevant for compliance teams supporting DOE-funded projects, procurement, or program participation where DOE expects or recommends ISO 14040/14044-aligned LCA methods and consistent accounting of life-cycle GHG emissions.
BIS imposes controls on laboratory equipment and technology for biotechnology dual-use concerns
BIS implemented export controls on certain laboratory equipment and related technology to address dual-use concerns about biotechnology. The rule adds new controls on items that could be used for biological weapons development or other nefarious purposes while balancing legitimate scientific and commercial applications.
BIS implements due diligence measures for advanced computing integrated circuits
BIS implemented additional due diligence measures for advanced computing integrated circuits, including new reporting requirements for front-end fabricators producing applicable advanced logic ICs. The rule establishes approved IC designer and approved OSAT company lists, application processes for additions to these lists, and clarifies the scope of ECCN 3A090.a.
HUD PIH issues Notice PIH 2025-06 updating BABA Buy America Preference implementation guidance (supersedes PIH 2024-01)
HUD PIH issued Notice PIH 2025-06 updating and clarifying BABA Buy America Preference implementation guidance for Public Housing Agencies and PIH-funded activities, superseding the prior PIH notice. The notice provides updated direction on applicability/scope and implementation considerations (including how BABA applies in certain PIH program contexts and how waivers may be relevant). PIH recipients and their contractors should align procurement planning and compliance documentation with the updated PIH notice.
BIS establishes Framework for Artificial Intelligence Diffusion with new export controls
BIS established the Framework for Artificial Intelligence Diffusion, implementing new export controls on advanced AI chips and model weights. The framework includes provisions for validated end-users, acceptable use policies, documentation and auditing requirements, and security requirements for entities receiving controlled AI technology. It creates tiered country treatment with different authorization levels.