All regulatory updates
1479 results found
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.
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.
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 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
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 implementation guidance for BABA Buy America Preference (supersedes CPD-2023-12)
HUD CPD published Notice CPD-2025-01 providing updated implementation guidance for BABA’s Buy America Preference for CPD-funded programs and superseding prior CPD guidance. The notice addresses applicability determinations and administrative expectations (e.g., how certain housing/infrastructure activities should be classified for BAP applicability, and related documentation/recordkeeping and waiver processes). Recipients and contractors using CPD funds should apply the updated CPD framework when scoping projects and documenting domestic preference compliance or waiver use.
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.
FRA Seeks Comments on Proposed Buy America Waiver for Locomotive Conversions
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is seeking public comments on whether to grant a general applicability public interest waiver of Buy America requirements for the purchase of used locomotives (Tier 0, Tier 1, and Non-Tiered) that would serve as the underframe or chassis for conversion to all-electric, renewable diesel, battery-powered, or other renewable-energy locomotives. The proposed waiver would support sustainability and emissions reduction goals by enabling the reuse of existing locomotive frames for cleaner energy conversions. Comments are being accepted on the public interest justification and potential impact on domestic manufacturing. Compliance teams in the rail and transportation sectors should review this proposed waiver and consider submitting comments.
HUD Issues CPD Notice 25-01 Updating BABA Implementation Guidance
HUD issued CPD Notice 25-01, superseding CPD Notice 2023-12, to provide clarified implementation guidance for the Buy America Preference (BAP) requirements under the Build America, Buy America Act. The notice describes how Community Planning and Development (CPD) program grantees can use covered funds for public infrastructure projects to bolster America's industrial base, protect national security, and support high-paying jobs. This updated guidance provides essential compliance direction for CPD program recipients implementing BABA requirements.
NY Senate Bill S1493 Proposes PFAS Air Contaminant Classification
NY Senate Bill S1493 proposes to classify PFAS as a high toxicity air contaminant under Section 19-0333 of the Environmental Conservation Law. The bill would require fenceline monitoring programs for PFAS emissions impacting disadvantaged communities, with an effective date set at 180 days post-enactment.
Multi-Agency Issues Tribal Public Interest BABA Waiver Through 2030
The Department of the Interior, in coordination with multiple federal agencies, has issued Waiver Number 2025-12, a Multi-Agency Tribal Public Interest Waiver under the Build America, Buy America Act. The waiver is effective January 10, 2025 and expires January 9, 2030. This waiver provides Tribes with relief from BABA domestic content requirements for infrastructure projects, recognizing the unique circumstances and limited supplier availability for Tribal entities. The waiver follows OMB M-24-02 guidance encouraging agencies to consider public interest justifications for Tribal recipients. Compliance teams working with Tribal partners on federally-funded infrastructure projects should document the applicability of this waiver.
NY Bill S8933A Proposes PFAS Ban in Photovoltaic Modules
Senate Bill S8933A proposes to prohibit the sale, offering for sale, or manufacture of photovoltaic modules containing PFAS as intentionally added chemicals in New York State. If enacted, the prohibition would take effect on January 1, 2028. This proposed legislation extends PFAS product restrictions to the solar energy sector, requiring photovoltaic module manufacturers to eliminate intentionally added PFAS from their products.
DOE Issues Nonavailability Waiver for Domestically Assembled Solar PV
DOE issued Waiver Number 2025-07, a nonavailability waiver for domestically assembled Solar Photovoltaics (PV) panels (Solar Modules) under BABA manufactured product provisions. The waiver applies to recipients of DOE federal financial assistance under the Industrial Emissions Demonstrations and Advanced Industrial Facilities Deployment Programs. Waiver issued January 10, 2025 and expires December 31, 2025.
Commission publishes guidelines on battery removability and replaceability harmonized application
The European Commission published Commission Notice C/2025/214 providing guidelines to facilitate the harmonised application of provisions on the removability and replaceability of portable and LMT (light means of transport) batteries under Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. The guidelines offer technical context and elements to help manufacturers and market surveillance authorities understand how to apply the removability and replaceability requirements, which become applicable from 18 February 2027. The Notice also announced the regular publication of calls for applications for derogations under Article 11(4), with an initial application deadline of 30 April 2025.
Commission publishes guidelines on portable battery removability and replaceability
The European Commission published Commission Notice C/2025/214 providing guidelines to facilitate harmonized application of Article 11 requirements for removability and replaceability of portable batteries and LMT (Light Means of Transport) batteries under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542. The guidelines clarify how manufacturers can ensure portable batteries are readily removable and replaceable by end-users, supporting product longevity and facilitating battery recycling. The underlying removability and replaceability requirements take effect from February 18, 2027.
EPA final rule implements statutory addition of certain PFAS to TRI beginning with Reporting Year 2025 (Federal Register publication)
EPA published a final rule in the Federal Register implementing the statutory addition of certain PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) starting with Reporting Year 2025. Compliance teams subject to EPCRA Section 313 TRI reporting should validate whether any newly added PFAS are manufactured, processed, or otherwise used above TRI thresholds and ensure TRI systems, supplier declarations, and chemical inventories are updated for the new reporting year scope.
WTO TBT notification opened comment period on draft EU delegated directive renewing RoHS Annex III lead alloy exemptions (steel, aluminium, copper)
A WTO TBT notification indicates the EU notified a draft Commission Delegated Directive proposing renewal/continuation of RoHS Annex III exemptions for lead as an alloying element in steel, aluminium, and copper. The notification includes a formal public comment deadline. Compliance teams relying on these lead-alloy exemptions should monitor the final delegated directive publication and confirm any revised scope/conditions/validity dates once adopted.
OEHHA adds vinyl acetate to Proposition 65 list as a carcinogen; warnings required for significant exposures starting Jan 3, 2026
OEHHA has added vinyl acetate to the Proposition 65 list as a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer. For compliance teams, this triggers the one-year lead time before consumer-product/occupational exposure warnings are required for significant exposures. Businesses selling products into California should evaluate potential exposures to vinyl acetate and update Proposition 65 warning determinations and labeling/online warning content by the stated warning-effective date.
Bisphenol S (BPS) Listed Under Proposition 65 for Reproductive Toxicity
OEHHA has added Bisphenol S (BPS) to the Proposition 65 list for reproductive toxicity (male and female endpoints). Products containing BPS that may cause significant exposures require Proposition 65 warnings when sold in California. BPS is commonly used as a BPA replacement in thermal paper, plastics, and other consumer products.
OMB Renews TSCA Section 8(b) Inventory Notification Requirements
EPA submitted an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for renewal of TSCA Section 8(b) reporting requirements for TSCA Inventory Notifications. This renewal continues the existing reporting framework for chemical manufacturers and processors to notify EPA of chemical substances on the TSCA Inventory. The notice requests public comments on the renewal.