All regulatory updates
1479 results found
Maryland George Walter Taylor Act PFAS Restrictions Effective January 2024
Maryland's George 'Walter' Taylor Act (SB 273, Chapter 139, 2022) restricts PFAS in consumer products effective January 1, 2024. Prohibited products include: rugs and carpets with intentionally added PFAS (second-hand rugs exempted); food packaging designed for direct food contact; Class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS (with phased exemptions for airports, ports, and refineries through September 30, 2024, and terminals through December 31, 2027); and disposable plastic gloves used in commercial or institutional food service. The Act also requires sellers of PFAS-containing personal protective equipment to provide written notice to purchasers. Manufacturers of rugs and carpets must establish and provide certificates of compliance attesting that products are PFAS-free.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
India Extends RoHS Compliance Deadline to April 2025 for Schedule IIC Equipment
The E-Waste (Management) Second Amendment Rules, 2023 (G.S.R. 534(E)) extend RoHS compliance deadlines for electrical and electronic equipment listed in Schedule IIC. Equipment placed on the market before May 1, 2014 is exempt from hazardous substance restrictions. For Schedule IIC equipment categories, the compliance deadline for restricting hazardous substances (lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB, PBDE) is extended to April 1, 2025. The amendment also modifies EPR certificate generation provisions. Manufacturers and producers of affected EEE categories should update compliance roadmaps to meet the extended deadline. Effective July 24, 2023 upon publication in the Official Gazette.
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.
CPCB Proposes Draft Average Life Values for EEE Categories Under E-Waste Rules
CPCB has published draft average life values for notified Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) items under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. The draft covers multiple categories including: Information Technology and Telecommunication Equipment (tablets - 5 years, electronic data storage devices - 5 years for flash drives), Consumer Electrical and Electronics (display panels - 7 years, Hi-Fi recorders - 5 years), and other product categories. These average life values are critical for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) target calculations, as they determine the baseline year for calculating recycling obligations.