All regulatory updates
1283 results found
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.
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.
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.
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 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 '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.
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.
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 ICs
BIS implemented additional due diligence measures for advanced computing integrated circuits. The rule includes new Supplement Nos. 6 and 7 to Part 740 with lists of approved IC designers and approved OSAT companies, reporting requirements for front-end fabricators producing applicable advanced logic ICs for authorized IC designers, and application processes for additions to these lists.
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.
BIS imposes controls on laboratory equipment for dual-use concerns
BIS implemented controls on certain laboratory equipment and related technology to address dual-use concerns. The rule adds new ECCNs with license requirements and special conditions for Strategic Trade Authorization (STA). Controls target items with potential military or WMD-related applications.
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.
DOT Issues Final BABA Waiver for Pacific Island Territories
The Department of Transportation issued a final waiver of Buy America Requirements for the Pacific Island Territories and the Freely Associated States. This waiver applies to infrastructure projects in Pacific Island territories where domestic manufacturing and supply chain constraints make compliance with BABA requirements impractical. The waiver supports continued infrastructure development in these territories while recognizing the unique geographic and economic challenges they face.
Washington Recycling Reform Act establishes packaging EPR program
Washington enacted the Recycling Reform Act (Senate Bill 5284, Chapter 70A.208 RCW) in 2025, establishing an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for residential packaging and paper products. The law requires producers of covered materials to join and fund a nonprofit Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). Starting in 2030, recycling service providers will have most of their costs reimbursed by the PRO.
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.
FHWA Manufactured Products Final Rule Phase 2 Deadline Approaches
FHWA published the Final Rule terminating the General Applicability Waiver for manufactured products in Federal-aid highway projects. The rule implements a phased approach: Phase 1 (October 1, 2025) requires all manufactured products to have final assembly in the United States; Phase 2 (October 1, 2026) requires the cost of components mined, produced, or manufactured in the U.S. to exceed 55% of total component costs. Manufacturers and contractors must establish supply chain traceability systems to document domestic content percentages.
FHWA final rule rescinds Manufactured Products General Waiver and phases in manufactured-products domestic content requirements (final assembly 2025; 55% components 2026)
FHWA published a final rule amending its Buy America regulation for Federal-aid highway projects (23 CFR 635.410) to terminate the longstanding general waiver for manufactured products and establish standards for when manufactured products are considered produced in the United States. The rule provides a phased approach tied to project obligation dates (including a U.S. final assembly requirement starting for projects obligated on/after October 1, 2025, and a 55% domestic component cost requirement for projects obligated on/after October 1, 2026). This change is directly relevant to BABA-aligned domestic preference compliance for highway construction supply chains and contract specifications.
FHWA final rule rescinds Manufactured Products General Waiver and phases in manufactured-products domestic content requirements
FHWA issued a final rule updating its Buy America requirements for Federal-aid highway projects by terminating the long-standing Manufactured Products General Waiver and establishing phased-in compliance criteria for manufactured products. Per the rule/agency announcement, projects with FHWA funds obligated on/after 2025-10-01 require U.S. final assembly/manufacturing for manufactured products, and projects obligated on/after 2026-10-01 additionally require that more than 55% of the cost of components be domestically produced. Compliance teams supporting highway infrastructure supply chains should update sourcing/BoM cost roll-ups and supplier certifications to meet the phased obligation-date thresholds.
HUD CPD issues Notice CPD-2025-01 implementing guidance for BABA Buy America Preference (BAP) and supersedes CPD-2023-12
HUD CPD issued Notice CPD-2025-01 providing updated implementation guidance for BABA’s Buy America Preference (BAP) requirements for CPD programs and superseding CPD-2023-12. The notice includes key applicability clarifications for housing/infrastructure determinations (e.g., treatment of 1–4 unit versus 5+ unit housing in relation to BAP applicability), as well as guidance on project scope, recordkeeping, and waiver processes. CPD grantees and contractors should review and align project scoping decisions, procurement documentation, and waiver requests to the updated CPD guidance.