All regulatory updates
1254 results found
MoEFCC notifies E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 8 March 2024 (return timeline relaxation + EPR certificate platform pricing bounds)
MoEFCC notified the E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules dated 8 March 2024 amending the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. Key compliance impacts captured in the official PDF include: (1) Rule 3 definition update for “dismantler” aligning the definition to dismantling in accordance with CPCB guidelines; (2) insertion of new Rule 9A allowing the Central Government to relax timelines for filing required returns/reports for a further period not exceeding nine months (in public interest/effective implementation), which affects compliance calendar and potential late-filing exposure; and (3) amendments to Rule 15 enabling establishment of one or more platforms for exchange/transfer of EPR certificates per CPCB guidelines and Central Government approval, and requiring CPCB to set a price band for EPR certificate exchange—highest at 100% and lowest at 30% of the environmental compensation for non-fulfilment under Rule 22—constraining permissible transaction prices between registered entities and shaping EPR credit procurement strategies.
India Amends E-Waste Management Rules with Dismantler Definition Changes and EPR Certificate Controls
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2024 (G.S.R. 164(E)), amending the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. Key changes include: (1) Redefined 'Dismantler' definition to allow informal sector operators to participate in formal e-waste management under CPCB guidelines rather than requiring full SPCB authorization; (2) Rule 9A allows the Central Government to extend filing deadlines by up to 9 months for manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, and recyclers; (3) Rule 15 establishes EPR certificate price controls with the highest price capped at 100% of environmental compensation for non-fulfillment and the lowest at 30%; and (4) provisions enabling the Central Government to establish EPR certificate exchange platforms operated per CPCB guidelines.
New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Amendment Bans PFAS in Cosmetics
New Zealand EPA amended the Cosmetic Products Group Standard 2020 to add PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) to Table 2 of Schedule 4 'Prohibited Ingredients'. The amendment introduces a phased ban: import and manufacturing of PFAS-containing cosmetics is prohibited from December 31, 2026, with a full ban taking effect in 2027. New Zealand becomes the first country to enact a comprehensive PFAS ban in cosmetics.
New Zealand Bans PFAS in Cosmetics with Phased Implementation
New Zealand's EPA has amended the Cosmetic Products Group Standard 2020 to prohibit perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetic products. The class-based ban covers approximately 14,000 PFAS chemicals in all cosmetics including makeup, skincare, hair care, personal care, sunscreens, and professional salon products. The ban applies to intentionally added PFAS and covers both domestically manufactured and imported cosmetics. Phased implementation: manufacturing/import prohibition takes effect December 31, 2026; sale/supply prohibition takes effect December 31, 2027; mandatory disposal deadline June 30, 2028.
Rhode Island Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024 prohibits PFAS in products with phased effective dates
Rhode Island enacted the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024 (Chapter 23-18.18), establishing phased sales prohibitions on products containing intentionally added PFAS. Class B firefighting foam restrictions began January 1, 2025. Starting January 1, 2026, restrictions apply to carpets/rugs, fabric treatments, cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, and other consumer products. Additional categories including firefighting personnel protective equipment (FPPE), ski wax, upholstered furniture, and bedding are prohibited from January 1, 2027. Artificial turf and outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions are prohibited from January 1, 2029. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers must ensure products sold in Rhode Island comply with the applicable phase-in dates.
ISO publishes ISO 14072:2024 standard for organizational life cycle assessment aligned to ISO 14040/14044
ISO has published ISO 14072:2024 (Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Requirements and guidance for organizational life cycle assessment). The standard provides requirements and guidance for applying ISO 14040/14044 principles at the organization level (organizational LCA). Compliance teams using ISO 14040/14044 as a required LCA framework (e.g., via customer, procurement, or program rules) should assess whether internal LCA procedures, data collection, and reporting expectations need to be updated to align with ISO 14072:2024 (noting it replaces ISO/TS 14072:2014).
ISO publishes 14071:2024 standard for LCA critical review processes and reviewer competencies
ISO 14071:2024 establishes the international standard for critical review processes and reviewer competencies in life cycle assessment (LCA). The standard provides additional requirements and guidance to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, specifying how to conduct critical reviews of LCA studies and the competencies required for reviewers conducting such reviews.
EU adopts exemption for cadmium and lead in plastic profiles for windows and doors
Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/232 establishes an exemption under RoHS Annex III for cadmium and lead in plastic profiles used in electrical and electronic windows and doors. This exemption allows manufacturers of windows and doors with electronic components to continue using these substances under specified conditions. The directive was adopted on 25 October 2023 and published in the Official Journal in 2024.
ISO publishes ISO 14072:2024 organizational LCA standard (requirements and guidance applying ISO 14040/14044 at the organization level)
ISO published ISO 14072:2024, which specifies additional requirements and provides guidance for applying ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006 to organizations (organizational life cycle assessment). This is relevant to LCA programs using ISO 14040/14044 as the methodological foundation and needing a standardized approach for organizational-level assessments. The ISO standard page indicates this is a successor to ISO/TS 14072:2014 (transition from Technical Specification to International Standard). No specific regulatory enforcement date or legal mandate is indicated in the provided source.
EU adopts cadmium exemption for quantum dots on LED semiconductor chips
Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2024/1416 establishes a new exemption under RoHS Annex III for cadmium in downshifting quantum dots directly deposited on LED semiconductor chips. This narrower exemption follows the expiration of the broader exemption 39(a) for cadmium in quantum dots for display and projection applications. Manufacturers of LED display components must verify compliance with the new exemption scope, which applies only to quantum dots directly deposited on LED chips.
ECHA decision to publish and update the Candidate List on 23 Jan 2024 (incl. new SVHC inclusions and update to dibutyl phthalate entry)
ECHA Decision D(2023)8585-DC (signed 19 Dec 2023) states ECHA will publish and update the REACH Candidate List of SVHCs on 23 Jan 2024. The decision identifies multiple substances to be included on that date (e.g., 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol; Bumetrizole; oligomerisation and alkylation reaction products of 2-phenylpropene and phenol; and 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol), and also updates the existing Candidate List entry for dibutyl phthalate to reflect additional intrinsic properties of concern. Compliance teams should ensure SVHC screening lists and article-level communication/notification processes reflect the updated Candidate List as of 23 Jan 2024 and capture the updated hazard basis for dibutyl phthalate where it affects internal declarations and customer communications.
European Commission proposes amending RoHS to re-attribute scientific and technical tasks to ECHA ("one substance, one assessment")
The European Commission published a legislative proposal (COM(2023) 781) to amend Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS) to re-attribute scientific and technical tasks (notably supporting processes under Article 5 exemptions and Article 6 review/amendment of restricted substances) to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). If adopted, this would change how RoHS exemptions and potential restriction updates are scientifically assessed and managed, with implications for exemption application strategy, evidence requirements, and monitoring of RoHS restriction/exemption decision-making workflows.
European Commission proposal COM(2023) 781 to amend RoHS: re-attribute scientific/technical assessment tasks to ECHA ("one substance, one assessment")
European Commission materials indicate the RoHS review was finalised and a targeted amendment was proposed on 7 Dec 2023. The proposal (COM(2023) 781) would amend Directive 2011/65/EU to re-attribute scientific and technical assessment tasks (e.g., supporting restricted substances review and exemptions work) to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) under the EU 'one substance, one assessment' approach. For RoHS compliance teams, this is a forward-looking governance/process change that could affect how future Annex II substance restrictions and Annex III/IV exemptions are assessed (evidence expectations, transparency, timelines, and stakeholder engagement), even though it does not itself add substances or change exemption text yet.
Commission proposal COM(2023) 781 to amend RoHS by re-attributing scientific/technical assessment tasks to ECHA (One Substance, One Assessment)
The European Commission published a proposal (COM(2023) 781; 2023/0454 (COD)) to amend Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS) to re-attribute certain scientific and technical assessment tasks (notably around restriction review processes and the exemptions process) to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), consistent with the EU “one substance, one assessment” policy direction. This is a proposed legislative change (not yet in force) that could affect how future RoHS substance restrictions and exemption evaluations are conducted, potentially impacting evidence expectations, process transparency, and timelines once adopted.
Commission Regulation 2023/2482 aligns DEHP Annex XIV dates for medical devices
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2482 amends REACH Annex XIV to align the latest application date and sunset date for DEHP (bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, EC No. 204-211-0) when used in medical devices. This modification provides adjusted timing requirements for companies seeking authorisation for DEHP uses specifically in medical device applications, addressing the unique regulatory pathway for this sector.
Commission delegated directive text (C(2023) 7088 final) proposes new exemption for cadmium/lead in recovered rigid PVC profiles used in certain electrical/electronic windows and doors
A Commission Delegated Directive document (C(2023) 7088 final) in the Commission transparency register proposes adding a RoHS exemption covering cadmium and lead in plastic profiles (recovered rigid PVC) used in certain electrical and electronic windows and doors (referenced as category 11 EEE in the research notes). The draft text referenced in the research indicates an expiry date (reported as 28 May 2028). Compliance teams using recovered PVC profiles should monitor adoption/publication and confirm any concentration limits, conditions, and documentation needs in the final legal text.
EPA proposes amendments to TSCA PFAS one-time reporting rule to add exemptions and adjust reporting mechanics
EPA announced a proposal to modify the TSCA §8(a)(7) PFAS reporting and recordkeeping rule to make requirements more practical and implementable. EPA highlighted proposed exemptions/adjustments including: PFAS in mixtures/products at ≤0.1% concentration, imported articles, certain byproducts, impurities, R&D substances, and non-isolated intermediates, plus technical corrections and potential changes to the data submission period. EPA stated comments would be accepted for 45 days upon Federal Register publication. Compliance teams should monitor the proposal because it could materially change which entities (especially article importers) must report and what data must be submitted.
OMB: Guidance for Grants and Agreements (Buy America preferences) published in Federal Register
OMB guidance for grants and agreements addressing Buy America preferences (BABA implementation for federal financial assistance) was published in the Federal Register. This guidance is a central governmentwide reference used by agencies and recipients to interpret and apply BABA domestic preference requirements, including definitions and waiver processes as implemented through grants and cooperative agreements.
EU Battery Regulation requires CE marking with labeling and digital passport obligations
EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 established CE marking requirements for batteries placed on the EU market. Key upcoming deadlines: physical battery labels with general information mandatory from 18 August 2026; Digital Battery Passport mandatory from 18 February 2027 for EV batteries, industrial batteries (>2 kWh), and LMT batteries. QR code linking to passport data required on all batteries by February 2027. CE marking confirms compliance with carbon footprint declarations, recycled content requirements, and supply chain due diligence obligations.
European Commission publishes batteries implementation hub page aggregating secondary legislation and guidance (tracking update)
The European Commission’s batteries policy page serves as an official implementation hub for Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, aggregating links to Battery Regulation-related secondary legislation and Commission notices/guidelines (e.g., on removability/replaceability and recycling efficiency/material recovery methodology). While the research did not confirm a specific new item within the last 30 days, compliance teams can use this page as an authoritative tracker for newly published delegated/implementing acts and Commission notices relevant to the Battery Regulation.