All regulatory updates
1373 results found
EPA releases latest public TSCA Inventory update and notes next regular update planned for winter 2026
EPA announced availability of the latest update to the public (non-confidential) TSCA Inventory as part of its biannual posting cycle, including updates to inventory totals and associated data elements (e.g., commercial activity, unique identifier data, regulatory flags). EPA also notes the next regular update is planned for winter 2026. Compliance teams should refresh internal inventory reference datasets and re-check substance listing status and applicable flags used to support TSCA Inventory determinations.
Maryland implements SB 901 Packaging EPR rulemaking
Maryland enacted SB 901 establishing a Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility program, with the Maryland Department of the Environment conducting rulemaking to implement the statute. The law requires producers of packaging materials to participate in a producer responsibility organization (PRO) and submit producer responsibility plans. Producers with less than $2 million in annual revenue are exempt.
PIB parliamentary reply summarizes implementation/enforcement actions under E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 (CPCB EPR portal registration, audits, directions)
A MoEFCC parliamentary reply published by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) provides an official implementation and enforcement-status update for the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. It reiterates the rules’ coverage and emphasizes operational compliance controls, including mandatory registration of regulated entities on the CPCB online E-Waste EPR portal and CPCB verification mechanisms (inspections/audits). The reply references CPCB directions affecting portal registration and EPR certificate generation and summarizes national e-waste generation/recycling figures, which compliance teams can use to benchmark enforcement focus and portal-driven verification expectations.
EPA Accelerates Low Volume Exemption Reviews in TSCA New Chemicals Program
EPA announced significant process improvements to accelerate Low Volume Exemption (LVE) reviews under TSCA. The agency completed risk assessments for 106 LVEs in just two months and increased the average number of LVE risk assessments from 15 per month to 53 per month, representing an increase of over 250%. This operational change reduces backlogs and accelerates time-to-market for new chemicals qualifying for LVE status while maintaining safety reviews.
EU adds 16 new CMR substances to REACH Annex XVII restrictions
Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/1731 amends Annex XVII to REACH by adding 16 new CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reproductive Toxic) Category 1B substances to Appendices 2, 4, and 6. The substances include Diuron, Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA), 4-Methylimidazole, Bisphenol AF, and various dibutyltin compounds and phosphine oxide derivatives. The simplified procedure under Article 68(2) of REACH was used for these consumer article restrictions. Companies placing these substances in consumer articles must comply with concentration limits ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 ppm depending on CMR classification.
EPA Revises Guidelines for TSCA Inventory Corrections
EPA has revised the guidelines for making corrections to the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory. The updated guidelines provide procedures for manufacturers and importers to correct errors or update information in their Inventory submissions, ensuring accurate chemical substance records.
Implementing Regulation 2025/2289 establishes reporting format for waste battery data under Article 76
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2289 establishes the reporting format that Member States must use when submitting waste battery data to the Commission under Article 76(1) of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. The regulation specifies that data must be reported separately for each battery category defined in Article 1(3) and differentiated by battery chemistries. Member States must use Tables 1-5 of Annex I for their reporting submissions, creating a harmonized EU-wide reporting framework for waste battery statistics.
HF 81 enacted exempting off-highway vehicles from PFAS juvenile product prohibitions
HF 81, enacted as part of 2025 1st Special Session SF3 (Chapter 1), exempts off-highway vehicles, snowmobiles, and electric-assisted bicycles from the definition of juvenile products under Amara's Law (Minn. Stat. 116.943). This removes these products from the January 1, 2025 PFAS prohibition that applies to juvenile products containing intentionally added PFAS. The exemption addresses safety-related items and clothing used by juveniles operating all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes.
China RoHS adds four phthalates to restricted substances under GB 26572-2025
China's mandatory national standard GB 26572-2025 expands restricted substances in electrical and electronic equipment from 6 to 10, adding DEHP (bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), BBP (butyl benzyl phthalate), DBP (dibutyl phthalate), and DIBP (diisobutyl phthalate). Each substance is restricted to 0.1% by mass in homogeneous materials. This aligns China RoHS substance restrictions with EU RoHS Directive requirements.
China RoHS expands restricted substances to 10 with GB 26572-2025
GB 26572-2025 'Requirements for Restricted Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products' was published as a mandatory national standard on August 1, 2025, taking effect August 1, 2027. The standard expands the restricted substance list from 6 to 10 substances by adding four phthalates: DEHP, DBP, BBP, and DIBP, each with a 0.1% limit threshold. This aligns China RoHS with EU RoHS substance restrictions. The standard consolidates and replaces the previous recommended standard GB/T 26572-2011 and its Amendment 1, as well as labeling requirements previously in SJ/T 11364. Products must meet substance limits, display proper labeling, and maintain technical documentation.
EU ‘Stop-the-clock’ amendment delays Battery Regulation supply-chain due diligence application to 18 August 2027 and extends Commission guidelines deadline to 26 July 2026
A published EU amending act (“stop-the-clock”) postpones the application date of the EU Battery Regulation’s due diligence obligations to 18 August 2027 (from 18 August 2025, per the research summary). The same change also extends the deadline for the European Commission to publish due diligence guidelines to 26 July 2026 (from 18 February 2025, per the research summary). This affects compliance program timelines for in-scope economic operators required to implement battery supply-chain due diligence processes and to align internal procedures with forthcoming Commission guidance.
GB 26572-2025 mandatory RoHS standard takes effect August 1, 2027
China has published GB 26572-2025, a new mandatory national standard for RoHS compliance that takes effect on August 1, 2027. This standard consolidates and elevates previously recommended standards (GB/T 26572-2011 and SJ/T 11364-2024) into mandatory requirements. The standard aligns more closely with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and tightens limits on hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products, including enhanced restrictions and labeling requirements.
EU adopts Regulation 2025/1561 postponing battery due diligence to August 2027
Regulation (EU) 2025/1561 amends the EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 to postpone battery supply chain due diligence obligations from August 18, 2025 to August 18, 2027. The regulation also extends the deadline for Commission guidelines from February 18, 2025 to July 26, 2026. This provides companies additional time to establish due diligence policies for cobalt, lithium, natural graphite, and nickel supply chains, and allows for the development of third-party verification infrastructure (notified bodies).
Commission adopts VSME Recommendation establishing voluntary sustainability reporting standard for SMEs
The European Commission adopted a Recommendation establishing a voluntary sustainability reporting standard for small and medium-sized enterprises (VSME). The standard is based on EFRAG's VSME standard delivered in December 2024. It includes a 'value chain cap' provision that protects companies with up to 1,000 employees from excessive sustainability information requests from companies subject to mandatory CSRD reporting. The standard will serve as the basis for a future delegated act under the CSRD for voluntary reporting by SMEs.
NJDEP Publishes 'Forever No More' PFAS Strategy Document
NJDEP released 'Forever No More: New Jersey's Commitment to PFAS Action' outlining the state's comprehensive strategy to address PFAS contamination. The document addresses PFAS impacts on water supplies, landfills, and natural resources including surface waters, soil, wetlands, groundwater, and air. The strategy reflects New Jersey's position as a major birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution with significant legacy contamination challenges from these persistent 'forever chemicals.'
EPA Opens Public Comment on PCE TSCA Risk Management Rule
EPA opened a 30-day public comment period on its 2024 final risk management rule for perchloroethylene (PCE) under TSCA. This is the first step in EPA's efforts to reconsider and, if appropriate, revise the final risk management rule. The review is being done in accordance with applicable law, Executive Orders, and Administration policies, including Executive Order 14219 on ensuring lawful governance.
COP-6 working document UNEP/MC/COP.6/6 on proposed amendments to Annex A published (decision support document)
The Minamata Convention Secretariat published the COP-6 working document UNEP/MC/COP.6/6 (dated 28 July 2025) containing proposed amendments to Annex A (mercury-added products), including context and draft text used to support COP consideration and decision-making. This is not itself a binding change, but is an authoritative pre-decision document relevant for tracking potential future treaty obligations (e.g., amendments affecting products such as dental amalgam measures).
Commission guidance clarifies battery data sharing under Renewable Energy Directive
The European Commission published guidance (C/2025/4907) on battery-related data sharing under Article 20a, paragraph 3 of the revised Renewable Energy Directive. The guidance helps EU Member States implement data sharing requirements for batteries used in renewable energy applications, which intersects with the EU Battery Regulation's data and traceability requirements. This supports implementation of both frameworks for batteries in energy storage and renewable energy systems.
Commission Launches Impact Assessment Surveys on Digital Product Passport
The European Commission launched 4 surveys for specific stakeholder groups to better understand the costs and impacts of future requirements for Digital Product Passports. The surveys aim to gather input from different stakeholder categories — including companies, consumers, and national bodies — on DPP implementation costs, benefits, and practical impacts. Results will inform future delegated acts and DPP system development requirements. The initiative seeks to achieve easy-to-access digital information on products available along the entire value chain from raw materials to recycling.
European Commission launches impact-assessment participation on Digital Product Passport (DPP) (stakeholder input on future requirements)
The European Commission opened participation/feedback as part of its impact assessment for the Digital Product Passport (DPP). The initiative seeks stakeholder input (e.g., via surveys) to assess costs and impacts of potential future requirements, including elements linked to DPP service providers and possible certification. This is directly relevant to the EU DPP framework because it signals development of horizontal DPP-system requirements that could influence compliance planning, vendor selection, contracting, and assurance processes.