Regulatory News & Updates - Page 1

A scientist collecting a water sample with a PFAS molecule diagram

UK’s first-ever plan to tackle ‘forever chemicals’

The UK has published its first plan to address PFAS (‘forever chemicals’), outlining a framework for monitoring, evidence-gathering, and potential regulatory action.

3 February 2026

Laboratory testing food packaging materials

EU Issues Correction to BPA Food Contact Regulation (EU) 2026/250

A technical correction updates BPA food contact rules, tightening wording and clarifying transition timelines for packaging and repeat-use items.

3 February 2026

Industrial rotary valve with lockout-tagout controls in a plant setting

Hartlepool Chemical Manufacturer Fined £50,000 After Two Serious Incidents

Two serious injuries in three months led to a £50,000 fine, underscoring the need for robust isolation procedures and safer workplace transport design.

3 February 2026

Laboratory glassware in the foreground with a policy meeting blurred in the background

REACH Revision Uncertainty Grows as Comitology Route Gains Attention

The Dutch government says a full REACH revision remains its preferred route, even if the EU shifts towards comitology-driven annex changes.

3 February 2026

Industrial chemical compliance consultation context

ECHA Opens Consultation on Four Substances for REACH Annex XIV

A new ECHA consultation could pave the way for authorisation requirements for UV stabilisers, a flame retardant and a photoinitiator used across multiple sectors.

2 February 2026

Cosmetics quality control with laboratory equipment

Estee Lauder Fined $750,000 Over PFAS Cosmetics CEPA Violations

Enforcement action under CEPA highlights compliance expectations when PFAS substances trigger significant new activity notification requirements.

2 February 2026

Compliance desk with biocides documentation and controlled storage

Spain Drafts New Royal Decree To Update Biocides Registration And Use Rules

Draft Spanish rules would refresh biocides authorisation and oversight, including public registration, ROESB controls and updated operational requirements for storage and sale.

30 January 2026

Firefighting foam equipment and compliance materials in a controlled setting

Switzerland Proposes ChemRRV Update Tightening PFAS Limits And Restricting PFAS Foams

Draft ChemRRV amendments would broaden PFAS controls in Switzerland, including bans on PFAS foam extinguishers and new limits for food-contact packaging.

30 January 2026

Committee meeting microphones and documents

MEPs Debate Chemicals Omnibus Proposals in Joint IMCO–ENVI Meeting

Parliament committees debated the Commission’s chemicals omnibus, weighing digital labelling savings against concerns over longer CMR transition timelines.

29 January 2026

British warehouse interior with shipping boxes and compliance paperwork

UK Internal Market Regulations Exclude Glue Trap Sales Bans From Market Access Rules

The UK has carved out glue trap sales prohibitions from internal market access principles, enabling devolved and national restrictions to operate as intended.

29 January 2026

Fresh produce and sample vials on a laboratory bench for food safety testing

EFSA Publishes 2026 Chemical Monitoring Reporting Guidance For Data Submissions

New EFSA guidance clarifies how to submit 2026 chemical monitoring data to the EU using SSD2, including validation expectations for ChemMon datasets.

28 January 2026

Industrial steam pipework and valves in a maintenance area

Syngenta Fined £400,000 After Dangerous Steam Release At Huddersfield Site

HSE prosecution over a high-pressure steam release underscores maintenance planning, corrosion management and safer isolation practices.

28 January 2026

Cosmetic containers on a laboratory bench

EU Cosmetics Simplification Proposal Could Prolong Exposure to Carcinogens

Health groups warn an EU “Chemicals Omnibus” draft could delay removal of newly classified carcinogens from cosmetics, extending consumer exposure.

27 January 2026

Industrial water treatment equipment near a river

Netherlands Answers Parliamentary Questions on PFAS Discharges and Permits

A ministerial response explains how the Netherlands assesses PFAS discharge permits, including minimisation obligations, best available techniques and water quality impact testing.

27 January 2026

Warehouse boxes and a compliance checklist on a clipboard

UK CMA Publishes Guidance on Making Green Claims Across Supply Chains

New CMA guidance explains how retailers, brands and suppliers share responsibility for environmental claims, with stronger direct enforcement powers under the DMCC Act.

22 January 2026

Gloved hands handling a generic chemical container in storage

Austria Signals Endocrine Disruptor Proposal for Potassium Chlorate Under EU CLP

ECHA’s CLH intentions registry shows Austria plans a dossier for potassium chlorate, including proposed endocrine disruptor hazard classes for human health and the environment.

22 January 2026

Thermal receipt printer and paper rolls at a retail checkout counter

California AB 1604 Would Ban Intentionally Added Bisphenols in Paper Receipts

AB 1604 proposes a 2027–2028 phase-out of intentionally added bisphenols in paper receipts, with enforcement by DTSC and civil penalties for violators.

22 January 2026

ECHA Publishes Provisional Draft Agenda for RAC 76 Meeting

A new provisional RAC 76 agenda gives an early view of upcoming risk assessment discussions that can shape hazard classification and compliance planning.

22 January 2026

Beekeeper inspecting a honeycomb frame near farmland

Hawaii SB2333 Would Restrict Neonicotinoid Pesticides From 2027

Hawaii’s SB2333 would restrict neonicotinoid pesticides from January 2027 and require phased evaluations of impacts on pollinators, wildlife, aquatic life, and human health.

20 January 2026

Supply chain compliance desk with metal components

US House Bill Would Repeal SEC Conflict Minerals Disclosure Requirements

A new US House bill proposes repealing SEC conflict minerals disclosure rules, potentially reducing mandatory Form SD reporting while shifting expectations to customers and other regimes.

20 January 2026

Regulatory News

Wet gewasbeschermingsmiddelen en biociden ruling triggers €1.6m confiscation order

Antwerp Call to Alden Biesen Urges Emergency Industrial Policy Measures to Restore EU Competitiveness

GB Chemicals Legislative Reform: HSE Confirms EU-Only Recognition and Call-In Overhaul

Japan to Designate Chlorpyrifos, MCCPs and Long-Chain PFCAs as CSCL Class I Specified Chemical Substances

SCCS Prostaglandin Analogues Opinion Finds Lash Growth Ingredients Unsafe

Wet gewasbeschermingsmiddelen en biociden ruling triggers €1.6m confiscation order

Antwerp Call to Alden Biesen Urges Emergency Industrial Policy Measures to Restore EU Competitiveness

UK’s first-ever plan to tackle ‘forever chemicals’

EU Issues Correction to BPA Food Contact Regulation (EU) 2026/250

Hartlepool Chemical Manufacturer Fined £50,000 After Two Serious Incidents

REACH Revision Uncertainty Grows as Comitology Route Gains Attention

ECHA Opens Consultation on Four Substances for REACH Annex XIV

Estee Lauder Fined $750,000 Over PFAS Cosmetics CEPA Violations

Spain Drafts New Royal Decree To Update Biocides Registration And Use Rules

Switzerland Proposes ChemRRV Update Tightening PFAS Limits And Restricting PFAS Foams

MEPs Debate Chemicals Omnibus Proposals in Joint IMCO–ENVI Meeting

UK Internal Market Regulations Exclude Glue Trap Sales Bans From Market Access Rules

EFSA Publishes 2026 Chemical Monitoring Reporting Guidance For Data Submissions

Syngenta Fined £400,000 After Dangerous Steam Release At Huddersfield Site

EU Cosmetics Simplification Proposal Could Prolong Exposure to Carcinogens

Netherlands Answers Parliamentary Questions on PFAS Discharges and Permits

UK CMA Publishes Guidance on Making Green Claims Across Supply Chains

Austria Signals Endocrine Disruptor Proposal for Potassium Chlorate Under EU CLP

California AB 1604 Would Ban Intentionally Added Bisphenols in Paper Receipts

ECHA Publishes Provisional Draft Agenda for RAC 76 Meeting

Hawaii SB2333 Would Restrict Neonicotinoid Pesticides From 2027

US House Bill Would Repeal SEC Conflict Minerals Disclosure Requirements