All regulatory updates
1290 results found
European Commission opens feedback on draft revised ESRS and draft voluntary sustainability reporting standard (value chain cap)
On 6 May 2026, the European Commission launched a Have-Your-Say feedback process on draft final versions of (1) revised European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) under CSRD and (2) a sustainability reporting standard for voluntary use, intended in part to operationalize the CSRD “value chain cap” (limiting information requests from value-chain partners with ≤1,000 employees). Compliance teams should monitor and consider submitting feedback because the revised ESRS could materially change future required datapoints and reduce reporting burden, and the voluntary standard may become the reference point for supplier data requests and value-chain information collection expectations once adopted via delegated acts.
USGBC: LEED v5 becomes the only option for new commercial project registrations starting July 1, 2026 (BD+C, ID+C, O+M)
USGBC Help Center guidance states that beginning 2026-07-01, LEED v5 will be the only version available for new registrations for commercial BD+C, ID+C, and O+M (with limited exceptions referenced in the official deadlines table). This affects project registration decisions and contract/scoping language for projects intending to pursue LEED certification around mid-2026.
USGBC publishes LEED v4/v4.1 transition deadlines: registration closes June 30, 2026 (most systems) and certification sunset June 30, 2032; specific exceptions extend registration windows
USGBC’s LEED certification deadlines table specifies transition dates for LEED v4 and v4.1. For most LEED v4/v4.1 commercial rating systems (BD+C, ID+C, O+M), new registrations close on 2026-06-30 and certification submissions sunset on 2032-06-30. The table also documents exceptions (e.g., some O+M recertification/interiors pathways and certain campus/volume scenarios) that allow registration beyond 2026-06-30 while retaining the 2032-06-30 sunset. This impacts project pipeline planning (which rating system a project can register under) and internal controls to ensure teams register before the applicable close date and plan submissions ahead of the sunset.
JTC24 finalising cross-sectoral DPP harmonised standards
The Joint Technical Committee JTC24 of CEN and CENELEC is actively finalising cross-sectoral harmonised standards for the Digital Product Passport (DPP). These standards will establish technical specifications for DPP data exchange, interoperability, and access rights across all product categories subject to DPP requirements. The standards development supports the Commission's timeline for adopting delegated acts under the ESPR framework, with delegated acts for iron and steel expected in 2026 and textiles, tyres, and aluminium in 2027.
European Commission confirms first version of the DPP registry planned to be operational in July 2026; reports progress on cross-sector DPP harmonised standards (CEN/CENELEC JTC24)
In a published parliamentary answer dated 4 May 2026, the European Commission confirms an implementation milestone for the EU-side Digital Product Passport (DPP) infrastructure: a first version of the DPP registry (to comply with the Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 and aligned with ESPR (EU) 2024/1781 concepts) is planned to be operational in July 2026. The same answer also provides an official status update on cross-sector DPP standardisation: CEN/CENELEC JTC24 reported a positive vote (2 April 2026) on a set of requested harmonised standards covering unique identifiers, data carriers/physical-digital link, interoperability, data exchange formats, storage/archiving/persistence, and APIs for passport lifecycle management and searchability, with remaining votes planned in Q2 2026. For compliance teams, this is actionable for DPP program planning because it signals timing for registry connectivity readiness and indicates the technical standardisation deliverables expected to underpin DPP interoperability, identifiers, data carriers, and system interfaces across product groups.
EPA issues project-specific nonavailability waiver for Lexington-Fayette (KY) optical sorter and robotic sorting equipment (SWIFR)
EPA issued a project-specific nonavailability waiver under BABA manufactured product requirements for Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (Kentucky) to allow procurement/use of an optical sorter and robotic sorting equipment because domestic products meeting BABA and the project’s technical specifications were not available. The waiver applies to the identified project and authorizes recipients/contractors to treat the covered items as compliant for the award/project when documenting BABA compliance.
EPA issues project-specific nonavailability waiver for Towanda Municipal Authority (PA) jet motive pumps (CWSRF)
EPA issued a project-specific nonavailability waiver under BABA manufactured product requirements for Towanda Municipal Authority (Pennsylvania) to permit use of jet motive pumps for a CWSRF-funded wastewater project due to lack of BABA-compliant alternatives meeting technical specifications. The waiver affects documentation and procurement decisions for the covered project by allowing the specified noncompliant manufactured products to be used under the waiver’s terms.
CalRecycle producer guidance reiterates May 1, 2026 regulations effective date and June 1, 2026 producer action deadline
CalRecycle updated/maintains producer-facing guidance for California’s SB 54 packaging EPR program stating that SB 54 regulations are effective May 1, 2026, and that producers must take a required compliance action by June 1, 2026 (e.g., apply for participation in a PRO plan, submit an independent producer application, or seek a small-producer exemption, as described on the guidance page). Compliance teams selling covered packaging/single-use food service ware into California should align internal readiness and submissions to the May 1, 2026 effective date and the June 1, 2026 action deadline outlined by CalRecycle.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) has amended its Part 620 Groundwater Quality Regulations to establish state-specific Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. The amendments are designed to protect public health by limiting PFAS exposure through drinking water sources and strengthening groundwater quality protections across the state. Under the regulation, community water supplies must conduct monitoring for regulated PFAS compounds and demonstrate compliance with the established MCLs according to the phased implementation schedule.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) has amended its Part 620 Groundwater Quality Regulations to establish state-specific Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. The amendments are designed to protect public health by limiting PFAS exposure through drinking water sources and strengthening groundwater quality protections across the state. Under the regulation, community water supplies must conduct monitoring for regulated PFAS compounds and demonstrate compliance with the established MCLs according to the phased implementation schedule.
CalRecycle updates SB 54 Producer Guidance with compliance pathway and June 1, 2026 action deadline (following May 1, 2026 regulations effective date)
CalRecycle’s SB 54 Producer Guidance communicates the producer compliance pathway and reiterates near-term timing tied to SB 54 regulations becoming effective May 1, 2026. The guidance indicates producers have until June 1, 2026 to take one of the required compliance actions (e.g., join a PRO plan, submit an independent producer application, or claim a small producer exemption) and references use of CalRecycle’s portal (PEPRS) for submissions (e.g., baseline/annual reporting and related program deliverables). Compliance teams should treat this as regulator guidance for immediate onboarding and submission readiness under SB 54.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has established reporting requirements for products containing intentionally added PFAS under Minnesota’s Amara’s Law. Manufacturers of products sold, offered for sale, or distributed in Minnesota that contain intentionally added PFAS must submit detailed product and chemical information to the state.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has established reporting requirements for products containing intentionally added PFAS under Minnesota’s Amara’s Law. Manufacturers of products sold, offered for sale, or distributed in Minnesota that contain intentionally added PFAS must submit detailed product and chemical information to the state. Initial reports are due by: September 15, 2026
Illinois has enacted new legislation requiring wastewater treatment plants and industrial facilities holding Clean Water Act discharge permits to conduct ongoing monitoring for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater discharges, biosolids, and sewage sludge. The law is intended to identify and control major sources of PFAS contamination entering Illinois waterways and the environment.
Illinois has enacted new legislation requiring wastewater treatment plants and industrial facilities holding Clean Water Act discharge permits to conduct ongoing monitoring for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater discharges, biosolids, and sewage sludge. The law is intended to identify and control major sources of PFAS contamination entering Illinois waterways and the environment.
European Parliament resolution urges the Commission to accelerate DPP secondary legislation (notably for textiles, footwear, children's products, cosmetics, electronics)
The European Parliament adopted a non-binding resolution emphasizing that swift implementation of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) is essential for stronger enforcement and urging the European Commission to adopt the necessary secondary (delegated/implementing) legislation without delay, explicitly calling out several high-risk/high non-compliance sectors (e.g., textiles, footwear, children’s products, cosmetics, electronics). While this does not itself change DPP legal obligations, it is an official policy signal that can foreshadow prioritization and timing of upcoming DPP secondary legislation under the ESPR framework.
Commission proposes implementing regulation for Digital Product Passport registry operation
Draft Commission Implementing Regulation establishes operational rules for the EU Central Digital Product Passport Registry under ESPR Regulation (EU) 2024/1781. The regulation sets registry launch provisions, introduces 'verified economic operator' status requirements, and mandates secure electronic identification aligned with EU eIDAS rules. Once adopted, products cannot be placed on the EU market without valid DPP registration. Non-EU manufacturers must ensure systems align with EU importer obligations.
European Commission opens consultation on delegated act to add additional product exemptions from portable battery removability/replaceability requirements
The European Commission opened a public consultation on draft rules (planned as a delegated act under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542) to add additional product categories to the list of exemptions from the general requirement that portable batteries be removable and replaceable by consumers. The Commission also signaled it intends to update existing removability/replaceability guidelines to reflect the new derogations. Compliance teams should assess whether their product portfolio may qualify for (or be affected by) the proposed exemptions and consider submitting feedback during the consultation period.
CARB proposes amendments to Mandatory Reporting of GHG Emissions
CARB has proposed amendments to the Regulation for the Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The proposed amendments target revisions to clarify how entities report GHG emissions to support the Cap-and-Invest Program, ensure data accuracy, expand program applicability, and incorporate new fuel pathways and technologies.
European Commission opens consultation on draft delegated act to add additional product exemptions from portable battery removability/replaceability requirements
The European Commission (DG ENV) launched a public consultation on a delegated act under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 to expand the list of product categories exempted from the general requirement that portable batteries be removable and replaceable by end-users (instead allowing removal by independent professionals). If adopted, this would affect product design/repairability and compliance documentation for the newly covered product categories, potentially reducing consumer-removability obligations for those products while still requiring professional removability.
Commission opens public consultation on delegated act to expand exemptions from portable battery removability/replaceability requirements
The European Commission launched a public consultation on draft delegated rules that would add additional product categories to the exemption list from the EU Battery Regulation’s general requirement that portable batteries be removable and replaceable by consumers. Where exempted, batteries would generally need to be removable/replaceable by independent professionals instead. The consultation is relevant for product design, repairability, and technical documentation strategies for affected product categories (e.g., wearables, electric toys, ATEX-scope equipment). Stakeholders should review whether their products may fall within the proposed exemptions and consider submitting feedback via the Commission consultation portal before the consultation closes (deadline referenced in the Commission materials: 26 May 2026).
European Commission opens public consultation on draft delegated act to add exemptions from portable battery removability/replaceability requirements
The European Commission launched a public consultation on a draft delegated act under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 to add additional product categories to the list exempted from the general requirement that portable batteries be removable and replaceable by end-users. The consultation references examples such as wearable devices, electric toys, and certain equipment within scope of the ATEX Directive. If adopted, these exemptions would affect product design/engineering choices and repairability obligations for products containing portable batteries, and may influence related end-of-life handling expectations. Consultation closes 26 May 2026.
European Commission opens consultation on delegated act to expand exemptions from portable battery removability/replaceability requirements
The European Commission opened a stakeholder consultation on a draft delegated act under Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 to add additional product categories to the list of exemptions from the general requirement that portable batteries be removable and replaceable by consumers. The draft would allow certain exempted products (e.g., some wearables, electric toys, and certain ATEX-related products) to require removability/replaceability by independent professionals instead. The consultation signals a potential future change to product design/compliance strategy for manufacturers placing covered products on the EU market and may be accompanied by updates to existing Commission guidelines on removability/replaceability.