All regulatory updates
1372 results found
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 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.
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).
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 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.
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.
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.
Maryland MDE Publishes PFAS Action Plan for General Assembly
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) released a comprehensive PFAS Action Plan in December 2023 prepared for the Maryland General Assembly. The plan outlines the state's strategic approach to addressing PFAS contamination, including monitoring programs, source identification, remediation efforts, drinking water protection, and regulatory development. This action plan was mandated by the George Walter Taylor Act (Chapter 139 of 2022) and provides the framework for Maryland's PFAS management activities. The document represents the state's official strategy for addressing the 'forever chemicals' across environmental media.
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.
EU restricts formaldehyde in articles under REACH Annex XVII Entry 77
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1464 adds Entry 77 to REACH Annex XVII restricting formaldehyde (CAS No 50-00-0, EC No 200-001-8) and formaldehyde-releasing substances in articles. From August 6, 2026, articles cannot be placed on the market if formaldehyde release exceeds 0.062 mg/m³ for furniture and wood-based articles or 0.080 mg/m³ for other articles. Vehicle interior emission limits (0.062 mg/m³) apply from August 6, 2027. Exemptions apply to articles with naturally occurring formaldehyde, outdoor-exclusive articles, biocidal products, medical devices, and PPE.
ECHA Issues 11th Recommendation for Annex XIV Inclusion
ECHA issued its 11th recommendation for inclusion in Annex XIV (Authorisation List), recommending glutaral (EC 203-856-5), ethylenediamine (EC 203-468-6), and diisohexyl phthalate for addition to the authorisation list. Substances recommended for Annex XIV inclusion require companies to apply for authorisation before the sunset date if they wish to continue using them. The European Commission makes the final decision on which substances are added to Annex XIV and their associated dates.
MoEFCC notifies E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 (principal rules text published)
MoEFCC published the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 in the Gazette of India (official PDF). The rules establish the binding EPR-based compliance framework for e-waste in India, including CPCB portal registration for obligated entities (e.g., producers, recyclers, refurbishers), and required returns/reporting mechanisms as set out in the rules. The PDF indicates the rules take effect from 1 April 2023, which is the core go-live date for compliance obligations under this framework.
NY DOH Proposes PFAS Drinking Water Regulations for 23 Emerging Contaminants
The New York State Department of Health announced proposed regulations for PFAS in drinking water systems, establishing Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for 23 additional emerging contaminants. The proposed regulations are amendments to Public Health Law signed by Governor Kathy Hochul and represent the Department's effort to address emerging contaminants including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS break down slowly in the environment and have contaminated drinking water supplies leading to exposure and health concerns.
California enacts AB 1817 banning PFAS in textile articles
California AB 1817 (Safer Clothes and Textiles Act) prohibits manufacturing, distributing, selling, or offering for sale any new textile articles containing regulated PFAS. The regulation establishes a threshold of 100 ppm total organic fluorine starting January 1, 2025, tightening to 50 ppm from January 1, 2027. Manufacturers must provide certificates of compliance and use the least toxic alternatives when replacing PFAS. The law covers apparel, outdoor apparel, and related textile products.
California AB 1817 Requires PFAS Disclosure for Outdoor Apparel for Severe Wet Conditions
AB 1817 requires that, starting January 1, 2025, any outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions (such as offshore fishing, sailing, whitewater kayaking, and mountaineering gear) containing regulated PFAS must be accompanied by a legible disclosure stating 'Made with PFAS chemicals.' This disclosure requirement applies until the full prohibition takes effect on January 1, 2028. The requirement includes online listings of products for sale.