All regulatory updates
1479 results found
BIS issues guidance on advanced computing license requirements for Country Group D:5 and Macau
BIS issued guidance clarifying that a license is required to export advanced computing items (ECCNs 3A090.a/b, 4A090.a/b) to entities headquartered in Country Group D:5 or Macau, or with an ultimate parent company headquartered in those regions—even if the entities themselves are located elsewhere. The guidance confirms that this license requirement under § 742.6(a)(6)(iii)(A) predates the AI Diffusion Rule and remains in effect. Bona fide data center operators are not required to cease ongoing use or storage of advanced computing items pending further BIS notice.
CEN and CENELEC publish first European standards for Digital Product Passport framework
CEN and CENELEC published the first-ever European standards supporting the EU Digital Product Passport framework under ESPR Regulation (EU) 2024/1781. Developed by joint technical committee CEN-CLC/JTC 24, the standards package (EN 18216:2026 and related standards) covers core technical infrastructure for consistent and interoperable DPP rollout across Europe. Compliance teams should begin assessing these standards for DPP implementation planning.
CARB adopts Cap-and-Invest Program updates extending program through 2045
The California Air Resources Board adopted comprehensive updates to the state's Cap-and-Invest Program (formerly Cap-and-Trade), extending it through 2045 following legislative authorization through SB 840 and AB 1207 in 2025. The adopted changes maintain California's path toward meeting 2030 and 2045 climate targets while supporting affordability for Californians. The program covers approximately 80% of California's climate emissions and has achieved nearly 100% compliance over 13 years of operation. The updates balance legislative direction, affordability, jobs and near-term economic concerns while ensuring emissions reductions and providing long-term market signals for clean energy investment. Estimated compliance cost is $124 billion over the 20-year lifetime, approximately $20 billion less costly than scenarios analyzed in April 2024.
CARB adopts Cap-and-Invest Program updates with September 2026 effective date
CARB adopted updates to California's Cap-and-Invest Program extending it through 2045, implementing long-term allowance budgets beyond 2030, transferring free allowances from natural gas to electric utilities, maintaining industry free allowances, and enhancing market manipulation protections. The updates include post-2030 allowances added to the Allowance Price Containment Reserve. Estimated compliance costs are $124 billion over 20 years with projected benefits of $180.7 billion statewide.
China RoHS 2026 Compliance Management Catalogue Expands to 33 Product Categories
The 2026 Compliance Management Catalogue under China RoHS expands regulated products from the original 12 categories to 33 product categories. New additions include consumer appliances (microwave ovens, rice cookers, air purifiers, vacuum cleaners), electronics (projectors, servers, network equipment), personal devices (smart bracelets/watches, earphones, smart speakers), and safety/health products (electric toys, desk lamps, blood pressure monitors, hearing aids). Products in the catalogue must comply with GB 26572-2025 substance limits for all 10 restricted substances (lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBBs, PBDEs, DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP) and complete conformity assessment via voluntary certification or self-declaration. Results must be uploaded to the China RoHS public service platform (chinarohs.miit.gov.cn).
CARB opens public comment/hearing process for Proposed 2026 amendments to Cap-and-Invest Regulation
CARB has an active rulemaking for Proposed 2026 Amendments to the Cap-and-Invest Regulation (California Cap on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Market-Based Compliance Mechanisms). The program and docket materials indicate defined public participation steps (public hearing and public comment opportunities) for stakeholders affected by allowance market design and compliance obligations. Compliance teams for covered entities, offset/market participants, and regulated facilities should monitor the docket for adopted regulatory text, final timelines, and any transition provisions.
CARB Board Adopts Mandatory GHG Reporting Regulation Amendments via Resolution 26-6
The CARB Board adopted amendments to the Regulation for the Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions via Resolution 26-6 at its May 28, 2026 meeting. The amendments include clarifications on cessation, emissions and product data reporting requirements, and definitions to support accurate and complete GHG accounting and the Cap-and-Invest Program. The amendments also address potential emissions leakage from imported electricity transfers within CAISO's Western Energy Imbalance Market, including anticipated Extended Day Ahead Market transactions. These changes harmonize MRR reporting with the Cap-and-Invest and Low Carbon Fuel Standard programs.
CARB proposes 2026 amendments to Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Regulation
CARB has proposed 2026 amendments to the Regulation for the Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The Board held a public hearing on May 28-29, 2026 (Resolution 26-6). The MRR was originally approved in 2007 and revised in 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2018. Covered entities should monitor the rulemaking for changes to reporting requirements.
CARB posts Notice of Public Hearing and proposed regulatory text for 2026 Cap-and-Invest amendments (rulemaking hearing scheduled)
CARB opened the formal hearing/comment process for proposed amendments to the California Cap on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Market-Based Compliance Mechanisms Regulation (Cap-and-Invest). CARB posted the Notice of Public Hearing and the Proposed Regulation Order (proposed regulatory text), along with CEQA documentation including a Final Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA) dated May 26, 2026. Covered entities and market participants should track the proposed regulatory changes and participate in the hearing/comment process as applicable.
Washington WAC-173-950 Recycling Reform Act Rulemaking Timeline Published
The Washington State Department of Ecology published the rulemaking timeline for WAC-173-950 under the Recycling Reform Act. Draft rule language covering producer duties (WAC-173-950-100), individual producer plan requirements (WAC-173-950-110), applicability, and definitions was presented at the May 27, 2026 rule committee meeting. Key estimated milestones include: proposed rule filing (CR-102) in October 2027, public hearings in December 2027, end of public comment period in December 2027, and rule effectiveness in May 2028. The rule will implement the packaging EPR program established by SB 5284.
European Commission hosts battery-industry webinar on Digital Product Passport implementation and upcoming data requirements
The European Commission published an official event notice for an industry webinar on the DPP’s implications for the battery value chain. While not a binding legal act, it is an official implementation-support update indicating Commission focus areas (upcoming data requirements, industry readiness, SME support, and Q&A/contact channels). Compliance teams in the battery ecosystem can use this to align internal readiness work and monitor clarifications provided in presentations/Q&A.
Washington WAC 173-950 Draft Rule Language Released for Recycling Reform Act Committee Review
The Washington Department of Ecology released draft rule language for Chapter 173-950 WAC implementing the Recycling Reform Act (Chapter 70A.208 RCW). The draft includes sections on purpose (173-950-010), applicability (173-950-020), definitions (173-950-030), producer duties (173-950-100), and individual producer plan requirements (173-950-110). The rule committee meeting on May 27, 2026 reviewed the draft language. According to the published timeline, the proposed rule (CR-102) is estimated for October 2027 with final adoption (CR-103) in April 2028 and an effective date of May 2028. The EPR program will require producers of residential packaging and paper products to join and fund a nonprofit Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), with recycling service provider cost reimbursements beginning in 2030.
European Commission webinar on Digital Product Passport implementation for the batteries industry (27 May 2026)
The European Commission (DG GROW) held an implementation-focused webinar titled “The EU Digital Product Passport: Implications and Practical Guidance for the Batteries Industry.” While not a binding legal act, this official outreach signals near-term implementation focus for battery value chain Digital Product Passport readiness (e.g., data requirements, industry readiness and support for SMEs). Compliance teams in battery-related supply chains can use this as an authoritative indicator of Commission expectations and practical implementation topics to prepare internal data/IT processes and supplier engagement ahead of mandatory battery DPP obligations.
EPA Issues TSCA New Chemicals Program Policy Updates
EPA announced important policy updates to the TSCA New Chemicals Program. Key changes include: EPA will no longer issue 'not likely to present unreasonable risk' determinations based on proposed SNURs; worker protections will be mandated through TSCA Section 5(e) orders rather than relying on OSHA standards; and EPA will identify absence of worker safeguards as 'reasonably foreseen' conditions of use. EPA remains committed to meeting statutory deadlines for review and determinations on new chemicals submissions.
LEED v4/v4.1 Commercial Registration Deadline Extended to June 30, 2027
USGBC extended the LEED v4 and LEED v4.1 commercial registration deadline from June 30, 2026 to June 30, 2027, providing project teams additional time due to supply chain constraints, financing challenges, and regulatory uncertainty. The certification sunset date was also extended to June 30, 2033. This affects BD+C, ID+C, and O+M rating systems.
On May 26, 2026, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a new state law that modifies Minnesota's reporting requirements for products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals." The amendment updates Amara’s Law, Minnesota’s landmark legislation designed to phase out nonessential uses of PFAS in consumer and industrial products. What Has Changed? Under the revised law, manufacturers are required to report only those products that: Contain intentionally added PFAS; and Were manufactured after July 1, 2023; and Are sold, offered for sale, or distributed in Minnesota. Previously, the reporting requirement applied to all products containing intentionally added PFAS, regardless of when they were manufactured. This created significant compliance challenges, particularly for manufacturers managing legacy products and older inventory.
The amendment reduces the reporting burden by excluding products manufactured before July 1, 2023, while preserving the state's broader objective of identifying and regulating PFAS in newer products entering the market. Manufacturers should review their product portfolios and supply chain data to determine which products remain subject to reporting requirements under the revised law. Next Steps Companies selling products in Minnesota should: Identify products containing intentionally added PFAS. Verify product manufacturing dates. Determine which products fall within the revised reporting scope. Engage suppliers to obtain necessary PFAS disclosures and supporting documentation. Prepare for submission ahead of the September 2026 reporting deadline.
GBCI/USGBC publishes LEED v5 exam transition information including beta exam launch dates and LEED v4 exam registration/testing deadlines
The USGBC Help Center article provides the transition timeline from LEED v4-based credential exams to LEED v5 beta exams, including stated beta launch dates and cutoffs for registering/testing under LEED v4 exams. This affects organizations that require LEED credentials for staff qualification or contractual compliance, and informs training and exam scheduling plans to avoid missing v4 testing windows and to prepare for v5 exam content.
USGBC publishes LEED v4/v4.1 transition deadlines: registration closes June 30, 2026 (most systems) and certification sunset June 30, 2032; exceptions extend some registration windows
USGBC’s LEED certification deadlines page consolidates phase-out timelines for LEED v4 and v4.1, including the registration close date (June 30, 2026 for most BD+C/ID+C/O+M systems) and certification sunset (June 30, 2032). The page also notes specific exceptions (e.g., certain LEED v4.1 O+M recertification/interiors registration through June 30, 2027; additional exceptions for campus/master site and volume pathways). Organizations with contractual or policy commitments tied to LEED v4/v4.1 should update internal schedules for project registration and long-range certification planning to avoid missing eligibility windows.
USGBC publishes 2026 LEED certification application submission/payment cutoffs to meet target certification dates (e.g., Greenbuild 2026, year-end 2026)
USGBC’s 2026 planning article provides operational deadlines for when LEED applications must be received and payment cleared to meet target review return dates tied to key milestones (such as certification before Greenbuild 2026 and before the end of 2026). This impacts compliance-by-contract and owner commitments where certification is required by a specific event/date; teams should schedule documentation completion and review submissions to align with USGBC’s published processing timelines.
Chapter 127 amends PFAS reporting scope to post-July 2023 products
The Minnesota Legislature enacted Chapter 127, which amends Minn. Stat. § 116.943, subdivision 2, to limit PFAS product reporting obligations to products manufactured after July 1, 2023. This statutory change codifies the scope limitation that previously existed only in agency guidance, providing legal certainty for manufacturers. The amendment reduces compliance burden by excluding legacy products and older inventory from reporting requirements.