All regulatory updates
1369 results found
BIS rescinds AI Diffusion Framework before scheduled effective date
BIS announced the rescission of the Framework for Artificial Intelligence Diffusion on May 13, 2025, two days before its scheduled effective date of May 15, 2025. The Framework, issued as an interim final rule on January 15, 2025, would have established new worldwide licensing requirements for advanced semiconductors and advanced computing commodities under the EAR. The rescission removes the planned tiered country licensing framework and associated compliance obligations for AI chip exports. Exporters should monitor for potential replacement guidance or new rulemaking from BIS.
EPA PFAS Reporting Requirement (TSCA Section 8(a)(7)) - manufacturers and importers must submit a one-time PFAS report covering activities since 2011, with reporting opening in 2026.
Under TSCA Section 8(a)(7), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires manufacturers (including importers) of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to submit one-time retrospective reports covering PFAS manufactured or imported since January 1, 2011. The rule aims to enhance federal oversight by collecting detailed information on PFAS production volumes, uses, exposure pathways, and potential environmental and human health impacts. Reporting opens April 13, 2026; submissions are due by October 13, 2026, with small manufacturers allowed until April 13, 2027
Stockholm Convention Registers of Specific Exemptions updated to incorporate UV‑328 amendment while noting chlorpyrifos and MCCPs listing amendments not yet entered into force (as stated on register page)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat’s Registers of Specific Exemptions page for Annex A chemicals indicates the register incorporates the UV‑328 amendment provisions, and separately notes that the amendments listing chlorpyrifos and MCCPs were not incorporated because they had not yet entered into force (per the register page statement). For compliance teams, this affects how exemptions and their availability are tracked in the Convention’s official register and helps determine which COP-adopted changes are reflected in the operational exemption registry.
LEED Deepens Alignment with EU Level(s) Framework and EU Taxonomy
LEED certification is strengthening its integration with the EU Level(s) framework and EU Taxonomy in the new version, helping European project teams simplify documentation requirements and align with EU buildings policies. This regional pathway enhances LEED's applicability in the European market by supporting concepts that Level(s) puts forward and promoting adoption of the framework.
COP‑12 adopts decisions to list chlorpyrifos, MCCPs and LC‑PFCAs (C9–C21) as new POPs in Annex A
At the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP‑12) to the Stockholm Convention, Parties adopted decisions to list (i) chlorpyrifos, (ii) medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), and (iii) long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs, C9–C21), their salts and related compounds, as new POPs under Annex A. This global decision drives subsequent national/regional implementation measures (e.g., import/export/manufacture prohibitions, product restrictions, and potential exemptions) and should be reflected in global product stewardship and trade compliance screening for regulated POPs content.
COP-12 adopts Annex A listings for chlorpyrifos, MCCPs and LC‑PFCAs; adds additional specific exemption for UV‑328
At the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-12, 28 April–9 May 2025), Parties adopted decisions amending the Stockholm Convention annexes to (1) list chlorpyrifos in Annex A (elimination), (2) list medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) in Annex A, and (3) list long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs), their salts and related compounds in Annex A (and referenced as Annex A/C in the research summary). COP-12 also adopted an amendment for UV‑328 in Annex A to add an additional specific exemption. Compliance teams should treat these as new/updated global POP obligations that can trigger downstream national implementation measures (production/use prohibitions, trade controls, exemptions/allowed uses tracking) and supply chain due diligence for affected substances and articles.
Stockholm Convention COP-12 (2025) amends Annex A to list chlorpyrifos, MCCPs, and LC‑PFCAs; and adopts an additional specific exemption for UV‑328
The Stockholm Convention COP-12 (Geneva, 28 April–9 May 2025) adopted amendments to Annex A adding chlorpyrifos, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs), their salts and related compounds as new POPs. COP-12 also adopted an amendment related to UV‑328 to add an additional specific exemption. Compliance teams should assess supply-chain and product impacts for these newly listed POPs and track any applicable exemptions and phase-out requirements as they are implemented domestically by Parties.
SC-12/14: UV-328 Aerospace Exemption Added to Annex A
The Conference of the Parties at its twelfth meeting adopted decision SC-12/14 to amend Part I of Annex A to add a new specific exemption for UV-328. The exemption permits use in: water-seal tape for insulation blankets and decking on aircraft; and polyurethane and polyamide adhesives, and polyurethane coatings, for structural, mechanical, interior and electrical assemblies, and emergency, propulsion, environmental control, and flight control systems on aircraft. UV-328 is a UV absorber used in plastics and coatings to prevent UV degradation.
BRS Secretariat announces COP-12 (2025) closure and summarizes new Stockholm Convention POP listings (chlorpyrifos, MCCPs, LC‑PFCAs) plus UV‑328 time-bound exemptions
The BRS Secretariat press release closing the 2025 COP meetings (including Stockholm Convention COP-12) summarizes that Parties agreed to list chlorpyrifos, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), and long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs) for elimination under the Stockholm Convention, and notes time-bound exemptions for UV‑328 (as referenced in the COP-12 outcomes summary). Compliance teams should treat this as confirmation of global treaty-level listing decisions that drive national implementation measures (bans/restrictions and exemptions) and supply-chain impacts for products/mixtures/articles containing these chemicals.
Stockholm Convention COP-12 outcomes: chlorpyrifos, MCCPs and LC‑PFCAs added for elimination (Annex A)
Official Stockholm Convention COP-12 outcomes include decisions to list chlorpyrifos, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs), their salts and related compounds as persistent organic pollutants for elimination (Annex A). This global listing triggers follow-on obligations for Parties to implement prohibitions/restrictions and manage any allowed specific exemptions through domestic/regional implementing measures, affecting global supply chains for chemicals and articles containing these substances.
Stockholm Convention COP-12 (Apr–May 2025) lists chlorpyrifos, MCCPs, and LC‑PFCAs in Annex A; adds additional specific exemption for UV‑328
The Stockholm Convention COP-12 (28 April–9 May 2025) adopted amendments adding chlorpyrifos, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs), their salts and related compounds to Annex A (elimination). COP-12 also adopted an amendment related to UV‑328 in Annex A to add an additional specific exemption. Compliance teams should evaluate product and supply-chain exposure to these newly listed POPs and track exemption conditions/availability for UV‑328 where applicable, as these COP decisions drive Parties’ national implementation measures and may affect permitted uses and phase-out timelines.
Dechlorane Plus Listed in Stockholm Convention Annex A
The Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention adopted the decision to list Dechlorane Plus in Annex A at its twelfth meeting (COP-12), held from 28 April to 9 May 2025. Dechlorane Plus is a chlorinated flame retardant historically used in plastics, electrical equipment, adhesives, and construction materials. The listing requires Parties to eliminate production and use of Dechlorane Plus, subject to any specific exemptions for which they have registered. Compliance teams should verify supply chains for Dechlorane Plus (CAS 13560-89-9) and assess product formulations for the presence of this newly restricted substance.
ECHA Weekly notes Commission amendments affecting PFOA firefighting foam exemption timing and concentration limits
An ECHA Weekly item reports that the European Commission adopted amendments affecting the specific exemption for installed firefighting foam systems containing PFOA, its salts, and related substances, including extending the exemption expiry date and setting new concentration limits for PFOA-related compounds in foam. Compliance teams managing firefighting foams and installed suppression systems should review whether foam formulations and installed systems remain eligible under revised exemption timing/limits and update procurement/replacement plans accordingly.
European Commission adopts amendments affecting PFOA in firefighting foams (exemption timing/limits)
ECHA’s Weekly (7 May 2025) reports that the European Commission adopted amendments to Annex I of the EU POPs Regulation on 5 May 2025 that affect PFAS controls for firefighting foams containing PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related substances. The changes include extending the expiry date of a specific exemption for use of firefighting foams already installed in systems and setting new concentration limits for PFOA-related compounds in firefighting foam. Compliance teams in sectors using/maintaining installed firefighting foam systems (and suppliers of foam concentrates and service providers) should reassess exemption eligibility, inventory/supply constraints, and any updated concentration-limit conditions referenced by the amended Annex I requirements.
ECHA publishes final screening report under REACH Article 69(2) for tetraethyllead (Annex XIV Entry 55), concluding no need to prepare an Annex XV restriction dossier
ECHA published a final screening report (Final v1, dated 7 May 2025) assessing whether use of tetraethyllead (a substance subject to authorisation under REACH Annex XIV, Entry 55) in articles could trigger the need for an Annex XV restriction dossier under REACH Article 69(2). After screening available information sources (including registrations, authorisation applications, notifications of SVHCs in articles, SCIP, and other sources), ECHA reported it found no information indicating tetraethyllead is present in articles placed on the EU market, and therefore concluded there is currently no need to prepare an Annex XV restriction dossier. Compliance teams managing legacy Annex XIV substances should note ECHA’s documented conclusion and monitor for new evidence that could reopen Article 69(2) considerations.
European Commission adopted amendments affecting PFOA firefighting foam exemption timing and concentration limits (ECHA Weekly report)
ECHA’s Weekly update reports that the European Commission adopted amendments (reported as adopted 5 May 2025) to Annex I of the EU POPs Regulation affecting PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related substances in firefighting foams. The update indicates (1) an extension of the expiry date of the specific exemption for use of firefighting foams already installed in systems containing PFOA-related substances, and (2) new concentration limits for PFOA-related compounds in firefighting foam. Compliance teams managing AFFF/installed suppression systems and PFAS waste streams should review the updated exemption conditions and concentration limits to confirm continued eligibility and any phase-out/transition planning.
ECHA publishes final screening report under REACH Article 69(2) for tetraethyllead (Annex XIV Entry 55), concluding no need to prepare an Annex XV restriction dossier
ECHA published a final screening report (Final v1, dated 7 May 2025) assessing whether use of tetraethyllead (a substance subject to authorisation under REACH Annex XIV, Entry 55) in articles could trigger the need for an Annex XV restriction dossier under REACH Article 69(2). After screening available information sources (including registrations, authorisation applications, notifications of SVHCs in articles, SCIP, and other sources), ECHA reported it found no information indicating tetraethyllead is present in articles placed on the EU market, and therefore concluded there is currently no need to prepare an Annex XV restriction dossier. Compliance teams managing legacy Annex XIV substances should note ECHA’s documented conclusion and monitor for new evidence that could reopen Article 69(2) considerations.
EU adopts Delegated Regulation 2025/843 adding UV-328 to POPs Regulation Annex I
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/843 of 5 May 2025 amends Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 to add controls for UV-328, implementing the Stockholm Convention COP-12 amendment. The regulation incorporates the specific exemptions for aerospace applications adopted under SC-12/14, including use in water-seal tape for insulation blankets and decking on aircraft, and in polyurethane/polyamide adhesives and coatings for aircraft structural, mechanical, interior and electrical assemblies.
COP‑12 decisions list chlorpyrifos, MCCPs and long‑chain PFCAs (their salts and related compounds) in Annex A (Elimination)
At the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP‑12), Parties adopted decisions to list three chemicals as new POPs under Annex A (Elimination): chlorpyrifos (Decision SC‑12/9), medium‑chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) (Decision SC‑12/10), and long‑chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs), their salts and related compounds (Decision SC‑12/12). The decision texts establish the listing and set out specific exemptions/conditions (via Part XIII–XV) that Parties may rely on if registered. Compliance teams should treat these as authoritative global treaty listings driving subsequent national/regional implementation bans and exemptions management.
COP‑12 Decision SC‑12/12 lists long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs), their salts and related compounds in Annex A (elimination)
At COP‑12, Parties adopted decision SC‑12/12 amending Annex A of the Stockholm Convention to list long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs; C9–C21), their salts and related compounds for elimination, with the decision text describing scope and specific exemptions/derogations. This listing drives downstream national/regional restrictions and trade controls. Compliance teams should map LC‑PFCA presence (including precursor/related compounds), assess any applicable specific exemptions per jurisdiction, and prepare for phase-out obligations as implemented domestically.