All regulatory updates
1255 results found
BAT/BEP guidance for UV-328 published (January 2025)
The Secretariat published a BAT/BEP guidance document specific to UV-328 (listed under the Stockholm Convention), providing implementation-oriented recommendations to prevent/minimize exposure and releases and addressing waste/stockpile considerations. This is relevant for manufacturers and waste handlers dealing with UV-328 in articles or wastes, particularly where exemptions apply and where destruction/irreversible transformation expectations for POP wastes are discussed.
Minnesota: MPCA confirms first Amara’s Law product prohibitions for intentionally added PFAS effective Jan 1, 2025
Minnesota’s Pollution Control Agency compliance page confirms that, starting January 1, 2025, the first product prohibitions under Amara’s Law (Minn. Stat. § 116.943) apply: products in specified categories may not be sold/distributed in Minnesota if they contain intentionally added PFAS. For compliance teams, this is a binding sales/distribution restriction that requires product-content diligence (PFAS intentional addition) and market access controls for Minnesota.
Clean Truck Check compliance fee increases to $32.13 effective January 1, 2026
CARB updated the Clean Truck Check compliance fee to $32.13, reflecting a CPI adjustment, effective January 1, 2026. The fee applies to almost all non-gasoline heavy-duty vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 14,000 pounds operating in California. This replaces the previous fee of $31.18.
Minnesota PFAS use prohibitions take effect starting Jan 1, 2025
Minnesota’s first phase of statutory PFAS use prohibitions takes effect starting January 1, 2025 (as summarized by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency). Compliance teams supplying into Minnesota should confirm whether any products/uses they place on the market fall into the prohibited categories effective on this date and update product stewardship, material declarations, and procurement controls accordingly.
Commission opens infringement against Cyprus for RoHS transposition failure
The European Commission opened infringement procedures against Cyprus by sending a letter of formal notice for failing to transpose into national legislation Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/1416, which amends the RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU) regarding an exemption for cadmium in downshifting quantum dots directly deposited on LED semiconductor chips. Member States are required to transpose delegated directives within specified timeframes; non-compliance triggers enforcement action. This signals the Commission's active monitoring of RoHS transposition across Member States.
PFAS Regulation in Massachusetts: TURA Reporting and Phased Elimination
Massachusetts manages PFAS through a dual-track system. Under TURA, industrial facilities exceeding specific thresholds must track and report their use of listed PFAS categories. Concurrently, new state legislation has established a phased approach to eliminating intentionally added PFAS from consumer goods and industrial discharges to protect environmental justice populations and municipal water systems. The employee notification deadline is January 1, 2026; TURA reporting and planning are due by July 1, 2026; intentionally added PFAS in specified product categories were subject to elimination as of January 1, 2026; and sales of firefighter turnout gear containing PFAS are prohibited beginning in 2027.
Hawaii SB683 proposes PFAS restrictions in consumer products including textiles and cosmetics
Hawaii Senate Bill 683 addresses per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products. The bill recognizes PFAS as 'forever chemicals' that persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body through consumption, skin contact, and food packaging. The legislation builds upon Act 152 (2022) which previously prohibited PFAS in certain food packaging. SB683 proposes to extend PFAS restrictions to clothing, textiles, food packaging, and cosmetic products including lotions, nail polish, shaving cream, and mascara.
Hawaii SB738 Proposes PFAS Testing for Wastewater Sludge
Senate Bill 738 would amend Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 342D to require wastewater treatment plants to test sewage sludge and other residual materials intended for land application for the presence of PFAS. The bill also proposes adding a definition for PFAS to the state's water pollution control statute. If enacted, this would create new monitoring and reporting obligations for wastewater facilities handling biosolids.
AB 1817 Textile PFAS Threshold Drops to 50 ppm on January 1, 2027
California AB 1817 establishes a phased compliance threshold for PFAS in textile articles. The initial 100 ppm total organic fluorine threshold, in effect since January 1, 2025, will tighten to 50 ppm on January 1, 2027. Textile manufacturers and distributors must ensure products meet the lower threshold by the compliance date. 'Regulated PFAS' includes both intentionally added PFAS and PFAS present above the threshold as measured in total organic fluorine.
ISO 14075 Published as International Standard for Social Life Cycle Assessment
ISO has published ISO 14075, establishing the first international standard for social life cycle assessment (S-LCA). This standard extends the LCA framework defined in ISO 14040/14044 to include social and socio-economic impacts throughout a product's life cycle, addressing aspects such as worker rights, health and safety, local community impacts, and consumer issues. Organizations conducting comprehensive sustainability assessments should incorporate S-LCA methodology alongside traditional environmental LCA to address the full scope of sustainability impacts.
Vermont AG issues guidance on PFAS product bans under Acts 131 and 54
The Vermont Attorney General's Office published guidance on PFAS product bans implementing Acts 131 (2024) and 54 (2025). The guidance explains covered products including cosmetics, menstrual products, certain consumer products, food packaging, Class B firefighting foam, and personal protective equipment, with varying effective dates beginning January 1, 2026. The guidance provides the public with a general understanding of the basic contours of the law.
NY Senate Bill S3207A Proposes PFAS Drinking Water MCLs and Hazard Index
New York State Senate Bill S3207A (2025-2026 Legislative Session) proposes establishing maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and a hazard index in drinking water for certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The bill would expand New York's current drinking water standards, which currently regulate PFOA and PFOS at 10 ppt each. The legislation is in the proposal stage and has not yet been enacted.
2025 consolidated text of the Stockholm Convention (updated compilation) published
An updated consolidated compilation of the Stockholm Convention text and annexes (2025 version) is available as an official PDF. While this is not itself a new listing decision, it is compliance-relevant as a current reference of the treaty text incorporating adopted amendments up to the compilation date.
EU Environmental Footprint Transition Phase Concludes in 2025
The Environmental Footprint Transition phase, initiated in 2019, is expected to conclude in 2025. This phase aimed to monitor implementation of existing PEFCRs (Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules) and OEFSRs (Organisation Environmental Footprint Sector Rules), develop new ones, and advance methodological developments integrating latest scientific findings. After the transition phase, the EF methods are expected to enter a phase of more stability and gradually wider application. Organizations using LCA-based Environmental Footprint methods should prepare for post-transition methodological stability and broader regulatory application.
COP-12 decision SC-12/9 lists chlorpyrifos in Annex A with specific exemptions
At COP-12, Parties adopted decision SC-12/9 amending Annex A to add chlorpyrifos (CAS 2921-88-2). The decision establishes the Annex A listing entry and specifies that production/use is to be eliminated except where a Party has registered applicable specific exemptions in the Register. Compliance teams should evaluate whether chlorpyrifos is present in products, formulations, or supply chains and determine whether any activities rely on uses that would only be permissible under registered exemptions in implementing jurisdictions.
EPA Office of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) publishes BABA implementation procedures FAQs for GGRF recipients
EPA’s Office of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund published a program-specific FAQ/procedures document explaining how BABA applies for GGRF recipients. The guidance addresses applicability determinations (including infrastructure scoping concepts), compliance documentation and certifications, record retention, and waiver processes. GGRF recipients and implementing partners should align procurement documentation and waiver workflows to this program guidance.
COP-12 decision SC-12/10 lists medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) in Annex A with specific exemptions
At COP-12, Parties adopted decision SC-12/10 amending Annex A to add medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) with specific exemptions. This establishes global treaty-level elimination obligations (subject to registered exemptions) that are typically mirrored into national/regional POPs implementing laws. Compliance teams should review MCCP use in articles and mixtures (e.g., plastics, sealants, industrial applications) and monitor downstream implementing restrictions and any time-limited exemptions in relevant markets.
Stockholm Convention consolidated 'Text and Annexes' revised in 2025 incorporates COP-12 amendments (chlorpyrifos, MCCPs, LC‑PFCAs listed; UV‑328 amended)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat published an updated consolidated version of the Convention text and annexes ("revised in 2025") reflecting COP-12 amendments. The consolidated text incorporates COP-12 decisions to add chlorpyrifos, medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), and long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC‑PFCAs), their salts and related compounds to Annex A (elimination) and to amend the Annex A listing for UV‑328 (specific exemption adjustments). For compliance teams, this consolidated treaty text is an authoritative reference for current Annex scope, supporting screening of products/materials and assessing whether any specific exemptions may apply in relevant jurisdictions implementing the Convention.
European Commission RoHS implementation page reiterates exemption renewal validity and transition rules (official procedural guidance)
The European Commission’s RoHS Directive implementation page provides authoritative procedural guidance on exemption renewals under Directive 2011/65/EU. It explains that timely renewal requests keep exemptions valid until a Commission decision is taken, and that rejected renewals typically include a 12–18 month transition period before expiry. It also notes expected decision timelines and links to the exemptions list and exemption application guidance materials. Compliance teams should use this page to plan exemption renewal submissions (18 months before expiry) and manage transition planning when exemptions are rejected or revised.
NH HB 398 requires PFAS disclosure in real estate transactions
New Hampshire HB 398 requires home sellers to notify potential buyers about the possibility of PFAS water contamination prior to executing any contract for sale of real property. Sellers must alert buyers that PFAS have been found throughout New Hampshire exceeding state and federal standards, and inform them that testing can determine if water filtration systems are needed. PFAS was added to existing mandatory disclosure requirements alongside radon, lead, and arsenic. The requirement does not apply to rental properties.