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Maine Clarifies Motor Vehicle Exemption in PFAS Product Statute
Maine enacted Chapter 68 (S.P. 419 - L.D. 987) amending 38 MRSA §1614 to clarify the motor vehicle exemption language in the state's PFAS in products statute. The amendment modifies subsection 4(I) regarding exemptions for motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment. This statutory clarification affects the scope of products exempt from Maine's PFAS sales prohibitions.
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.
COP-12 decision SC-12/14 amends UV-328 Annex A listing by adding an additional specific exemption (aviation uses; expiry end of 2030)
At COP-12, Parties adopted decision SC-12/14 amending the Annex A listing for UV-328 to add an additional specific exemption for certain aviation-related uses, with the decision text indicating expiry by the end of 2030. Compliance teams should assess whether UV-328 is used in aircraft-related products or supply chains and, where relevant, confirm whether any continued use is reliant on this specific exemption and whether the Party/jurisdiction has properly registered the exemption and its conditions/expiry are managed.
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.
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.
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.
Australia and New Zealand Release PFAS NEMP Version 3.1
Australia and New Zealand release PFAS National Environmental Management Plan (NEMP) Version 3.1, providing updated national guidance for managing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in the environment. The plan has been jointly developed by the Australian, state, territory and New Zealand governments through the National Chemicals Working Group of the Heads of EPA Australia and New Zealand, establishing a framework for consistent PFAS management across both jurisdictions.
ISO advances ISO/CD 14077 committee draft on applying chain-of-custody models in LCA (ISO 14040/14044)
ISO has a committee draft in progress: ISO/CD 14077, which addresses requirements and guidelines for applying Chain of Custody (CoC) models in Life Cycle Assessment, building on ISO 14040/14044 LCA methodology and CoC concepts (e.g., mass balance/segregation attribution). While not a binding regulation, this draft may lead to a future published ISO standard that could materially affect how organizations substantiate CoC-based claims within LCAs and how supply-chain traceability assumptions are documented. Teams relying on ISO 14040/14044-aligned LCAs should monitor ISO/CD 14077 progress for future adoption impacts.
Hawaii PFAS Food Packaging Ban Takes Effect
Act 152 (2022) prohibition on PFAS in food packaging became effective December 31, 2024. The regulation bans the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of paper food packaging with intentionally added PFAS, including wraps, liners, plates, food boats, pizza boxes, and other paper-based food packaging. Applies to manufacturers, distributors, retailers, wholesalers, restaurants, and food establishments. Businesses must transition to PFAS-free packaging alternatives.
Hawaii Act 152 PFAS food packaging prohibition now in effect
Hawaii Act 152 (2022) prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of paper food packaging containing intentionally added PFAS. The ban took effect December 31, 2024. Affected products include wraps and liners, plates, food boats, and pizza boxes comprised in substantial part of paper, paperboard, or other materials originally derived from plant fibers. Food manufacturers, kitchen supply distributors, and food establishments must comply. Alternatives include uncoated paper products, foil or foil-lined products, bioplastic products, and molded fiber products with bioplastic linings.
Singapore announces phase-out of 6 mercury-added products aligned to Minamata deadlines
Singapore NEA will prohibit the manufacture, import and export of 6 mercury-added products including compact fluorescent lamps (>30 watts), non-integrated ballast CFLs, linear halophosphate lamps, non-linear fluorescent lamps, cold cathode fluorescent lamps, and external electrode fluorescent lamps. Four products have phase-out date of 1 January 2027, with remaining products phased out per Minamata Convention timelines.
SJ/T 11364—2024 updates China RoHS labeling requirements
Industry standard SJ/T 11364—2024 'Requirements for Labeling of Restricted Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products' was published on December 25, 2024 and took effect on April 1, 2025, replacing SJ/T 11364—2014. The updated standard specifies labeling and marking requirements for electrical and electronic products under China RoHS, including the use of environmental protection labels and disclosure of hazardous substance content. Products must display appropriate labeling indicating whether they contain restricted substances and their environmental use period.
EPA final rule updates TSCA New Chemicals Regulations (40 CFR Parts 720, 721, 723, 725), including PFAS/PBT ineligibility for certain exemptions and strengthened premanufacture determination requirements
EPA finalized amendments to the TSCA New Chemicals Regulations (40 CFR Parts 720, 721, 723, and 725). As highlighted by EPA, the changes remove eligibility for certain exemptions (e.g., LVE/LoREX) for PFAS and other PBT chemicals and require EPA to make one of the five statutory determinations for PMNs/SNUNs/MCANs before manufacture/processing begins. Compliance teams submitting PMNs/SNUNs or relying on exemptions should reassess exemption strategies, timelines, and documentation in light of the updated rules.
EPA Proposes Changes to TSCA PFAS Reporting Exemptions
EPA proposed changes to the scope of TSCA 8(a)(7) PFAS reporting regulations. The proposed exemptions apply to: PFAS manufactured (including imported) in mixtures or products at concentrations 0.1% or lower; imported articles; certain byproducts; impurities; research and development chemicals; and non-isolated intermediates. These changes are intended to reduce unnecessary or duplicative reporting requirements for manufacturers.
EPA Finalizes New Chemicals Procedural Regulations Updates
EPA finalized amendments to the new chemicals procedural regulations under TSCA. These amendments align the regulatory text with the amendments to TSCA's new chemicals review provisions contained in the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, enacted on June 22, 2016. The rule improves the efficiency of EPA's review processes and updates the regulations based on existing policies and experience implementing the New Chemicals Program.
EPA final rule updates TSCA New Chemicals Regulations (40 CFR Parts 720, 721, 723, 725)
EPA finalized amendments to the TSCA New Chemicals Program regulations (including 40 CFR parts 720, 721, 723, and 725). The update includes substantive procedural and eligibility changes affecting PMNs/SNUNs and exemptions—highlighted in the research as making new PFAS categorically ineligible for Low Volume Exemptions (LVE) and Low Release and Exposure Exemptions (LoREX), and requiring EPA approval of LVE/LoREX notices prior to commencing manufacture. Compliance teams should review internal new-chemical submission workflows, exemption screening logic (including PFAS), and timing assumptions for starting manufacture/import after submissions.
EPA final rule updates TSCA New Chemicals regulations (including PFAS/PBT ineligibility for LVE/LoREX and updated determination requirements)
EPA finalized amendments to the TSCA new chemicals regulations governing EPA’s review of Premanufacture Notices (PMNs) and Significant New Use Notices (SNUNs). The research summary highlights changes that (a) make PFAS and other PBT chemicals ineligible for certain exemptions (e.g., Low Volume Exemption (LVE) / LoREX) and (b) require EPA to make one of the statutory determinations before manufacture/processing may begin. Compliance teams should review impacts on new chemical submissions, exemption strategies, and any PFAS/PBT-related R&D/manufacturing plans, and update internal submission workflows accordingly.
EPA Finalizes Updates to TSCA New Chemicals Regulations
EPA issued a final rule updating regulations under TSCA Section 5 for premanufacture review of new chemical substances and significant new use rules. The amendments add details to 40 CFR 720.45 reporting requirements and enhance the CDX reporting form. The rule is intended to increase transparency and reduce rework in the new chemicals program. The final rule is effective January 17, 2025.
EPA final rule updates TSCA New Chemicals regulations (PFAS ineligible for LVE/LoREX; approvals required before manufacture)
EPA finalized updates to TSCA New Chemicals Program regulations (40 CFR parts 720, 721, 723, 725). Key compliance impacts include making PFAS categorically ineligible for Low Volume Exemptions (LVE) and Low Release and Exposure Exemptions (LoREX), and requiring EPA approval of LVE/LoREX before manufacture can commence, along with broader procedural updates aligning with Lautenberg amendments. Companies submitting PMNs/SNUNs/MCANs or relying on exemptions should update internal review timelines, exemption eligibility screening (including PFAS determination), and submission completeness processes.
DOT seeks comment on proposed BABA waiver for Pacific Island Territories
The Department of Transportation is seeking public comments on a proposed general applicability public interest waiver of Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) requirements for federal financial assistance awarded for infrastructure projects located in the Pacific Island territories (Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa) and the Freely Associated States (Republic of Palau, Republic of Marshall Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia). The proposed waiver would relieve recipients from domestic preference requirements under BABA section 70914(a) for infrastructure projects in these jurisdictions.