All regulatory updates
1373 results found
Final SNUR batch published Nov. 4, 2025 (effective Jan. 5, 2026) — Significant New Use Notice (SNUN) requirements for certain chemical substances
EPA finalized a batch of Significant New Use Rules (SNURs) under TSCA Section 5, establishing significant new uses that trigger Significant New Use Notice (SNUN) obligations before manufacture, import, or processing for those uses can begin. This is a binding regulatory change for entities handling covered substances, requiring screening of uses against the SNUR conditions and updating internal new-use change-management to ensure SNUN submissions occur before initiating any designated significant new use. The research notes the final SNUR batch was published Nov. 4, 2025 and became effective Jan. 5, 2026.
EPA publishes final SNUR batch “24-4.5e” (effective Jan. 5, 2026) and logs multiple proposed SNUR batches/amendments with comment deadlines
EPA’s New Chemicals Program updates reflect multiple Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) actions under TSCA Section 5 affecting substances that were subject to PMNs/TSCA orders. EPA published a final SNUR batch (“24-4.5e”) in the Federal Register on Nov. 4, 2025, with an effective date of Jan. 5, 2026, creating Significant New Use Notice (SNUN) notification triggers for the covered substances/uses. EPA also published several proposed SNUR batches (Nov. 3, 2025) and proposed amendments to existing SNURs (Oct. 28, 2025), each with associated public comment periods via Regulations.gov dockets. Compliance teams should review whether any substances in their portfolios are covered by the final SNUR effective Jan. 5, 2026 and monitor/participate in proposed SNUR actions that could add or modify SNUN obligations.
USGBC Updates LEED v4.1 ID+C Addenda with Energy Guidance Changes
USGBC issued updated addenda for LEED v4.1 Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) rating system on November 3, 2025. Updates include revisions to Energy and Atmosphere prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance guidance, including references to base building HVAC and service water-heating systems contribution guidance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
EU adopts Delegated Regulation 2025/1482 strengthening PBDE controls under POPs Regulation
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1482 amends the EU POPs Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 regarding tetrabromodiphenyl ether, pentabromodiphenyl ether, hexabromodiphenyl ether, heptabromodiphenyl ether and decabromodiphenyl ether. The regulation addresses persistent organic pollutants that were listed under the Stockholm Convention and strengthens controls on brominated flame retardants entering new products through recycled materials.
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.
California AG issues enforcement advisory on AB 1200 PFAS obligations
California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued an enforcement advisory letter to manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of food packaging and cookware, alerting them to their obligations under AB 1200. The statute restricts PFAS in food packaging and imposes labeling disclosure requirements for cookware. The advisory serves as a compliance warning to industry, signaling enforcement priorities and reminding companies of their disclosure requirements for PFAS-containing products.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
EU Opens Consultation on Space Sector Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules
The European Commission has opened a public consultation on the first draft of Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for the space sector. The PEFCR methodology is based on ISO 14040/14044 Life Cycle Assessment standards and provides the framework for measuring environmental impacts of space activities. Space companies and interested stakeholders are invited to review and provide feedback on the draft rules, which will shape the European framework for measuring impacts and environmental footprint of space activities.