All regulatory updates
718 results found
San Francisco ordinance eliminates various local license/permit fees ($0) for license periods beginning on/after April 1, 2026 (Prop M implementation)
San Francisco’s Treasurer & Tax Collector business tax reform update (Prop M implementation) points to a local ordinance that sets numerous license/permit fee amounts to $0 for license periods beginning on or after April 1, 2026. Examples referenced in the ordinance text include certain theater license fees and multiple permit/license fee categories (including Fire Department-related permits and certain food/special-event/body art and certified tester licensing fees). For vendor business licensing & registration teams, this changes licensing cost assumptions and may affect onboarding/renewal workflows for vendors operating in San Francisco by reducing or eliminating specific local license/permit fees starting with license periods on/after 2026-04-01.
EPA posts/updates TSCA New Chemicals Division Reference Library with new technical guidance memoranda (e.g., MMO CAM hazard assessment, respirator/APF 1000 use; skin irritation/corrosion decision framework)
EPA updated the TSCA New Chemicals Division Reference Library (Section 5 program support) to include additional technical memoranda/guidance used in new chemical risk assessments and decision-making. These materials can affect PMN/SNUN strategy and supporting data expectations (e.g., approaches for assessing environmental hazards of cathode active material new chemical substances and guidance on exposure assumptions/industrial hygiene considerations, plus a decision framework for skin irritation/corrosion hazard identification). Compliance teams submitting or planning TSCA Section 5 notices should review these documents because they may influence EPA’s hazard/exposure assumptions and resulting determinations or required risk management conditions.
Stockholm Convention Compliance Committee launches 2026–2027 information-collection questionnaires (responses due 2 March 2026)
The Stockholm Convention Compliance Committee initiated its 2026–2027 information-collection exercise by issuing questionnaires for Parties and supporting entities. The questionnaires are intended to collect updated information on implementation/compliance to support the Committee’s work programme and recommendations for consideration at a future COP (noted in the research as COP-13). Compliance teams supporting national authorities should ensure questionnaire completion and submission by the stated deadline, and coordinate internal data collection on measures taken to implement Stockholm Convention obligations.
Secretariat calls for comments on revised draft risk profile for PBDD/Fs and mixed PBCDD/Fs & PBCDFs (POPRC process)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat posted an invitation to submit comments on a revised draft risk profile concerning polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, and requested information pursuant to POPRC decision POPRC-21/6. This is part of the POPs Review Committee (POPRC) evaluation pathway that can lead to future recommendations to list substances under the Convention. Compliance teams should track this consultation as it signals potential future listing activity affecting brominated/chlorinated dioxin/furan-related materials and emissions management.
Secretariat opens comment period on revised draft risk profile for PBDD/Fs and mixed PBCDD/Fs & PBCDFs (excluding PCDD/Fs)
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat invited comments on the (revised) draft risk profile evaluated within the POPs Review Committee (POPRC) process for polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) and mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBCDD/Fs and PBCDFs), excluding PCDD/Fs. Draft risk profile consultation is a key step toward potential future POPRC recommendations to list substances under the Convention (Annex A/B/C), which can subsequently drive global restrictions and downstream national/regional implementation.
ECHA plans 60‑day public consultation on SEAC draft opinion for EU-wide PFAS restriction after March 2026 SEAC meeting
ECHA announced an upcoming 60-day consultation on SEAC’s draft opinion for the proposed EU-wide PFAS restriction under REACH, to be launched after SEAC’s March 2026 meeting. ECHA indicates the consultation will be run as a structured survey and respondents will not be able to submit attachments. Compliance teams should prepare to provide use/sector information in the required format during the consultation window, as this consultation is a key procedural step before final RAC/SEAC opinions and a subsequent European Commission decision on any restriction.
ASEAN Secretariat business bulletin summarizes compliance-impacting features of the upgraded ATIGA (digital processes, transparency/notifications, NTMs review, ADR, MSME info platforms, crisis trade framework, remanufactured goods)
The ASEAN Secretariat published the “ASEAN for Business Bulletin – First Edition, 2026,” which provides an official overview of compliance-relevant changes and commitments associated with the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) (upgrade stated as agreed in October 2025). The bulletin highlights operational impacts for companies trading across ASEAN, including: (1) stronger transparency disciplines (advance publication and timely notification of proposed trade-related measures); (2) streamlined notification procedures limited to measures required by upgraded ATIGA to avoid duplicative WTO-style notifications; (3) digital trade process reforms (simplified origin documentation, formal recognition of electronic certificates, and broader ASEAN Single Window exchange of electronic documents—potentially including sanitary/animal health and food safety certificates); (4) enhanced disciplines for non-tariff measures (NTMs) including transparency/notification and regular review; (5) updated dispute settlement options with Alternative Dispute Resolution (good offices/conciliation/mediation) alongside arbitration; (6) MSME chapter expectations for publicly accessible information platforms with practical guidance on use of ATIGA preferences (e.g., rules of origin and facilitation programs); (7) a humanitarian crisis trade framework emphasizing consultation/transparency/restraint on trade restrictions for essential goods; and (8) clarification facilitating trade in remanufactured goods by treating them the same as new goods among participating Member States. Compliance teams should use this bulletin as an authoritative reference for expected process/documentation modernization and transparency-related monitoring needs under the upgraded ATIGA, while tracking each Member State’s implementing steps where applicable.
ASEAN Secretariat business bulletin summarizes upgraded ATIGA (Oct 2025) trade facilitation, digital documentation and NTM transparency reforms
An ASEAN Secretariat ‘ASEAN for Business Bulletin – First Edition, 2026’ (posted under a 2026/03 path) summarizes the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), described as agreed/upgraded in October 2025 (first major overhaul since 2010). The bulletin highlights compliance-relevant operational elements: strengthened disciplines on non-tariff measures (NTM) transparency/notification/review; advance publication and timely notification of proposed trade-related measures; “digital-by-default” trade processes including simplified origin documentation and formal recognition of electronic certificates; expanded electronic document exchange via the ASEAN Single Window (ASW) (with mention of potential expansion to additional certificate types such as animal health/food safety); deeper customs facilitation cooperation through the ASEAN Authorised Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AAMRA); recognition that remanufactured goods may be treated the same as new goods (subject to meeting standards); an MSME chapter requiring publicly accessible MSME-focused guidance platforms; and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options plus a framework for trade in humanitarian crisis situations. Compliance teams should treat this as an official ASEAN-level interpretive summary useful for updating internal trade compliance playbooks, documentation workflows, and origin/clearance procedures across ASEAN Member States, while separately tracking member-state implementation and any entry-into-force instruments not provided in the research set.
ASEAN Secretariat bulletin summarizes upgraded ATIGA compliance changes (digital-by-default processes, e-certificates, origin simplification, NTM transparency, AEO MRA, remanufactured goods)
The ASEAN Secretariat published the “ASEAN for Business Bulletin – First Edition, 2026”, which provides an official compliance-focused summary of the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) (noted in the bulletin as upgraded in October 2025). The bulletin highlights practical compliance impacts for traders operating across ASEAN, including: (1) strengthened transparency/notification and review expectations for non-tariff measures (NTMs), including advance publication/timely notification of proposed trade-related measures; (2) a shift toward ‘digital-by-default’ trade processes, including broader use of the ASEAN Single Window (ASW) and expanded electronic document exchange (e.g., recognition of electronic certificates and broader document types such as certain health/sanitary-related certificates); (3) simplified origin documentation and more flexible rules-of-origin approaches intended to reduce preference rejections/verification friction; (4) facilitation through the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Authorised Economic Operators (AAMRA), supporting reduced duplicative checks and more predictable clearance; (5) clarification that remanufactured goods can be treated similarly to new goods (relevant for product qualification/circularity-linked market access); and (6) an MSME-focused chapter emphasizing publicly accessible guidance platforms. For compliance teams, this bulletin functions as authoritative guidance for aligning internal trade compliance processes (origin management, documentation, e-cert readiness, NTM monitoring, and AEO program strategy) with the upgraded ATIGA direction, though the bulletin does not provide specific entry-into-force dates in the extracted research text.
AICIS finalises Industrial Chemicals Categorisation Guidelines changes effective September 2026 (high-hazard list updates; Part 6.5.2 benzotriazole salts; revised 'chemical identity holder' definition)
AICIS published finalised changes to the Industrial Chemicals Categorisation Guidelines that will apply from September 2026. The update includes (1) major updates to the 'chemicals with high hazards for categorisation' list (293 new entries, 122 updates, CAS correction for bis(pentachlorophenyl) carbonate to 7497-08-7, and removal of 1,1,1-trichloroethane (71-55-6) and fluoro(triphenyl)stannane (379-52-5)); (2) updates to Part 6.5.2 (developmental toxicity) adding five benzotriazole chemicals and clarifying the requirement applies to salts (correcting prior 'salt or ester' wording to salt-only, with an exception criterion for high-MW polymeric salts with MW ≥ 1000 g/mol); and (3) a revised single definition of 'chemical identity holder' tied to Chapter 3 reporting provisions in the Industrial Chemicals (General) Rules 2019. Compliance teams should plan for categorisation impacts (including potential category shifts and evidence requirements) and ensure processes exist to obtain/submit chemical identity information when the introducer does not know the identity.
ASEAN Secretariat bulletin provides AAMRA implementation timeline for remaining ASEAN Member States (Cambodia/Lao PDR from 5 Feb 2026; Myanmar/Viet Nam target 31 Mar 2026)
The ASEAN Secretariat’s “ASEAN for Business Bulletin – First Edition, 2026” summarizes rollout timing for the ASEAN Authorised Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AAMRA), indicating Cambodia and Lao PDR plan to begin implementation on 5 February 2026, and Myanmar and Viet Nam are targeted for implementation by 31 March 2026. For trade compliance teams, these dates are relevant for planning AEO program recognition/use across ASEAN markets (e.g., leveraging AEO benefits, aligning customs facilitation processes, and anticipating when mutual recognition may be available in these jurisdictions). Note: the bulletin is a Secretariat publication summarizing implementation targets rather than the underlying legal instrument; timelines should be validated against national customs authority communications when available.
ASEAN Secretariat business bulletin summarizes compliance-relevant features of the upgraded ATIGA (Second Protocol to Amend ATIGA)
An ASEAN Secretariat 'ASEAN for Business Bulletin' (First Edition, 2026) provides an official summary of the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), described as a major overhaul agreed in October 2025. The bulletin highlights operational/compliance implications including stronger disciplines on non-tariff measures (transparency/notification/review), digital-by-default trade processes (recognition of electronic certificates, simplified origin documentation), expansion of electronic document exchange via the ASEAN Single Window, facilitation measures including the ASEAN AEO mutual recognition arrangement, recognition of remanufactured goods treatment, MSME information-platform commitments, updated dispute resolution including ADR options, and a crisis trade framework for essential goods and electronic documentation. Trade compliance teams should use the bulletin as an official orientation to forthcoming/ongoing process changes and verify implementing schedules/requirements in the underlying ATIGA upgrade instruments and national implementing measures.
ASEAN Secretariat bulletin summarizes compliance-impacting changes under the upgraded ATIGA (digital documentation, NTM transparency, origin reforms, ASW expansion, AEO MRA, remanufactured goods, MSME info platforms, ADR)
ASEAN Secretariat’s “ASEAN for Business Bulletin – First Edition, 2026” summarizes the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and highlights operational/compliance impacts for companies trading across ASEAN. The bulletin describes strengthened non-tariff measure (NTM) disciplines (enhanced transparency, notification, and regular reviews), digital-by-default trade processes (formal recognition/expanded use of electronic documents), and expanded ASEAN Single Window (ASW) use for additional electronic document types (explicitly including animal health and food safety certificates). It also notes rules of origin reforms (simplified origin documentation, recognition of e-certificates, more flexible product-specific rules), customs facilitation emphasis via the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Authorised Economic Operators (AEO MRA/AAMRA), and clarification that remanufactured goods should be treated the same as new goods (supporting circular-economy trade flows). The bulletin further references an MSME chapter requiring member states to maintain publicly accessible MSME-oriented information platforms, an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) option for disputes, and commitments around transparency/consultation/restraint on restrictive measures during humanitarian crises. The document frames these as ATIGA upgrade changes (stated as upgraded in Oct 2025), but does not provide a specific entry-into-force or enforcement start date in the extracted summary.
EPA final rule implements statutory addition of certain PFAS to TRI (40 CFR Part 372)
EPA published a final rule implementing the statutory addition of certain PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) under EPCRA section 313/40 CFR Part 372. This rule codifies TRI listing changes tied to NDAA-driven PFAS additions and triggers compliance actions for TRI-covered facilities, including tracking/managing listed PFAS for the applicable reporting year and ensuring TRI Form R submissions by the annual due date.
CARB Executive Order W-26-047 re-approves SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services Co., Ltd. (SGS-China) as a CARB Third-Party Certifier and supersedes EO W-24-047
CARB issued Executive Order (EO) W-26-047 re-approving SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services Company, Limited (SGS-China) as a CARB-approved Third-Party Certifier under 17 CCR §93120.4 for hardwood plywood, particleboard, and medium density fiberboard, superseding EO W-24-047. The EO maintains/updates the administrative approval and conditions under which SGS-China may perform ATCM third-party certification functions relied upon by regulated composite wood manufacturers.
EPA final rule implements statutory addition of certain PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) beginning Reporting Year 2026
EPA published a final rule implementing the statutory addition of certain PFAS to the TRI (EPCRA §313 / 40 CFR Part 372) for Reporting Year 2026. This affects TRI-covered facilities’ chemical tracking and reporting for PFAS, with reporting based on calendar year 2026 and submissions due in 2027 under normal TRI timelines. Compliance teams should confirm TRI applicability, update chemical inventories and internal tracking for newly added PFAS, and align supplier/customer communications as needed for TRI/SN reporting workflows.
CARB Executive Order W-26-047 re-approves SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services Co., Ltd. (SGS-China) as a CARB Third-Party Certifier under §93120.4
CARB issued Executive Order W-26-047 re-approving SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services Co., Ltd. (SGS-China) as a CARB-approved Third-Party Certifier under 17 CCR §93120.4 for the Composite Wood Products Formaldehyde ATCM (17 CCR §93120–§93120.12). This affects regulated entities’ options for third-party certification needed to demonstrate compliance with formaldehyde emission standards for covered composite wood product panels (hardwood plywood, particleboard, MDF). The EO supersedes EO W-24-047 and includes ongoing administrative conditions for the approval period.
EPA final rule implements statutory addition of certain PFAS to the TRI (effective March 30, 2026)
EPA published a final rule implementing the statutory addition of certain PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) under EPCRA §313. This final rule updates 40 CFR Part 372 and is relevant for facilities that manufacture, process, or otherwise use the newly added PFAS above applicable thresholds, requiring tracking of releases and waste management for TRI reporting. The Federal Register notice specifies the rule is effective March 30, 2026.
EPA final rule published Feb 27, 2026 implements statutory addition of PFAS to TRI (EPCRA §313) (effective Mar 30, 2026)
EPA published a final rule in the Federal Register implementing the statutory addition of certain PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program under EPCRA §313 (40 CFR Part 372). This final rule (FR doc. 2026-03944) sets the regulatory text updates and an effective date of March 30, 2026, impacting TRI reporting obligations for covered facilities for Reporting Year 2026 and beyond (including tracking and potential supplier notification responsibilities tied to TRI-listed PFAS chemicals of special concern).
EPA final rule implements statutory addition of certain PFAS to TRI (Final rule published Feb 27, 2026)
EPA published a final rule updating the list of chemicals subject to Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reporting (EPCRA section 313) by implementing the statutory addition of certain PFAS. This action updates TRI reporting applicability for covered facilities and is relevant for PFAS compliance tracking and TRI reporting readiness.