All regulatory updates
1479 results found
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
Seattle Publishes Director's Rule for Green Building Standard with LEED Gold Requirement
Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections published a new Director's Rule for the Green Building Standard, maintaining the minimum LEED Gold certification level for projects subject to the 2018 Seattle Energy Code. The rule notes that Seattle's energy code is sufficiently strong that LEED Gold projects often achieve maximum energy points by meeting code requirements alone, distinguishing LEED from other certification programs like Built Green that align with Washington State code.
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.
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 Decision SC‑12/9 lists chlorpyrifos in Annex A (elimination)
At COP‑12, Parties adopted decision SC‑12/9 amending Annex A of the Stockholm Convention to list chlorpyrifos for elimination (with the decision text setting out the listing entry and related provisions). This global listing is the upstream legal trigger that Parties implement via domestic/regional measures (e.g., import/export and production/use prohibitions, and any applicable specific exemptions). Compliance teams should monitor national implementations and verify whether any specific exemptions apply in jurisdictions where products/chemicals are placed on the market.
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.
COP‑12 Decision SC‑12/10 lists medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) in Annex A (elimination)
At COP‑12, Parties adopted decision SC‑12/10 amending Annex A of the Stockholm Convention to list medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) for elimination. The decision defines the MCCP scope (including C14–C17 and chlorination level criteria) and includes the Convention’s framework for any specific exemptions. Compliance teams should identify MCCP presence in substances/mixtures/articles and track jurisdiction-specific implementing measures and any time-limited exemptions relevant to their supply chains.
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.
CARB settles with LADWP for SF6 emissions violations
CARB reached a $137,900 settlement with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) for violations of the Regulation for Reducing Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) Emissions from Gas Insulated Switchgear. The regulation, codified in California Code of Regulations, Title 17, addresses emissions of this potent greenhouse gas from electrical equipment.
EPA confirms TSCA PFAS §8(a)(7) reporting window and extended submission deadlines (most due Oct 13, 2026; small article importers due Apr 13, 2027)
EPA’s TSCA §8(a)(7) PFAS reporting program page describes the current reporting window and extended submission deadlines established via an interim final rule. Per the research text, submissions are due by Oct 13, 2026 for most manufacturers (including importers), and by Apr 13, 2027 for small manufacturers that only need to report PFAS in imported articles. Companies in scope should align data collection and internal reporting systems to the updated reporting window and submission deadlines and monitor ongoing rulemaking that could further alter scope.
Nevada postpones adoption of federal PFAS drinking water rule pending revisions
Nevada NDEP has temporarily postponed adoption of EPA's April 10, 2024 federal PFAS drinking water regulation pending the outcome of federal rule revisions. NDEP notes EPA's intent to keep PFOA and PFOS MCLs while extending compliance deadlines by two years (to April 2029), establishing a federal exemption framework, and initiating enhanced outreach through the PFAS OUT initiative. Nevada will follow EPA's drinking water regulations once federal changes are finalized.
Nevada NDEP to Postpone PFAS Drinking Water Rule Adoption Pending Federal Revisions
Nevada NDEP is temporarily postponing adoption of the April 2024 federal PFAS Rule to align with anticipated federal revisions. EPA announced intent to rescind regulations for PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Hazard Index mixture, while keeping PFOA and PFOS standards. NDEP is following EPA's PFAS OUT outreach initiative and extended compliance timeline, with the federal compliance deadline now extended to April 2029. Public water systems in Nevada should monitor both federal and state developments.
EPA announces $9.5M for Nevada PFAS drinking water remediation
EPA announced $9.457 million in Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) grant funding for Nevada to address PFAS and emerging contaminants in drinking water. Funding supports testing, monitoring, planning, and infrastructure projects for communities, drinking water systems, and private well owners. This grant is part of EPA's comprehensive lifecycle-based strategy to address PFAS contamination, ensuring clean water access for Nevada communities most in need.