Dioxins and Furans

Germany Drafts Ordinance Amending 13th, 17th and 31st BImSchV to Implement IED Amendment 2024/1785 and BAT Decision 2022/2427

In April 2026 Germany’s environment ministry circulated a draft ordinance amending the 13th, 17th and 31st BImSchV to transpose the revised Industrial Emissions Directive 2024/1785 and BAT Decision 2022/2427, tightening air emission and monitoring rules for large combustion, waste incineration and solvent-using chemical and pharmaceutical plants by 2026. This signals stricter NOx, SO2, dust and off-normal PCDD/F controls but some streamlined monitoring and reporting, so operators should assess which installations fall under the new sections and prepare permit, measurement and investment adjustments ahead of the 12 December 2026 compliance date for existing plants.

8 May 2026, 18:14table.mediaGermanyEuropean Union

Netherlands RIVM Assesses Impacts of Exported Plastic Waste and Discarded Textiles

The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment has published a literature-based assessment of health and environmental risks from uncontrolled processing of plastic waste and discarded textiles exported outside Europe. The findings on carcinogenic, persistent and endocrine-disrupting emissions provide evidence that Dutch inspectors and policymakers can use to target waste-export supervision and potentially tighten future waste shipment controls.

19 Apr 2026, 16:41rivm.nlNetherlands

Netherlands Clarifies Steel-Slag Restrictions and Emission Reduction Commitments for Tata Steel

The Dutch government has confirmed the continuation of emergency restrictions on steel-slag building materials through July 2026 while transitioning industrial emission targets into binding legal obligations. Companies using secondary construction materials must prepare for stricter permit requirements and enhanced monitoring as voluntary environmental roadmaps shift toward enforceable compliance mandates.

6 Apr 2026, 16:13open.overheid.nlNetherlands

France Advances "Socle Commun" Rules on Fertilising Materials Towards Mid-2026 Publication

France is finalizing the Socle Commun regulatory framework for fertilising materials, with final adoption and publication expected by mid-2026. Manufacturers face significantly stricter contaminant thresholds for heavy metals and organic pollutants alongside expanded monitoring obligations for arsenic and dioxins.

31 Mar 2026, 19:29agriculture.gouv.frFrance

US Department of Veterans Affairs Issues PACT Act Report on Treatment of Toxic-Exposure Conditions

The US Department of Veterans Affairs has released a mandated report analyzing health outcomes linked to military toxic exposures including herbicides and burn pit emissions. This data-driven baseline will inform future federal policy on service-connected medical conditions and long-term liability for environmental health impacts.

28 Mar 2026, 09:34govinfo.govUnited States

US EPA Proposes To Accept Louisiana Negative Declaration for Existing Other Solid Waste Incineration Units

The US EPA proposed in March 2026 to formally recognize Louisianas declaration that no existing Other Solid Waste Incineration units are currently operating within the state. This administrative action confirms that updated federal emission standards for waste incineration will not impose new compliance or monitoring burdens on facilities in this jurisdiction.

24 Mar 2026, 13:34federalregister.govUnited States

Germany BfR Warns Against Heating Sucralose-Containing Foods Above 120 °C Following EFSA Re-evaluation

EFSA and Germany's BfR have identified significant health risks from heating sucralose above 120°C due to the formation of carcinogenic chlorinated compounds. This scientific consensus signals imminent EU regulatory restrictions for bakery applications and requires immediate review of product formulations and consumer cooking instructions.

20 Mar 2026, 13:54bfr.bund.deEuropean UnionGermany

Minnesota SF 4578 Proposes Emissions Limits and Monitoring for Municipal Solid Waste Incinerators

Minnesota SF 4578, introduced in March 2026, proposes stringent emission limits and continuous monitoring requirements for municipal solid waste incinerators. Waste-to-energy operators face significant capital expenditure for advanced monitoring technology and operational risks from new throughput caps and real-time public reporting of PFAS and heavy metal emissions.

19 Mar 2026, 19:25revisor.mn.govUnited States

US EPA Finalizes Updated Emission Standards for Large Municipal Waste Combustors

The US EPA has finalized significantly tighter emission limits and monitoring requirements for large municipal waste combustors, with new standards taking effect in May 2026. Operators must prepare for substantial capital expenditures and operational upgrades to meet stringent heavy metal and dioxin reductions by 2031, signaling continued federal pressure on waste-to-energy infrastructure.

12 Mar 2026, 05:45federalregister.govUnited States

UK Defra Calls for Comments on Revised Draft POPs Risk Profile for Brominated Dioxins and Furans (POP 2026)

The UK has opened a consultation on the revised draft risk profile for brominated and mixed halogenated dioxins and furans under the Stockholm Convention, closing May 1, 2026. Identification as Persistent Organic Pollutants would mandate global production bans and strict waste management, significantly affecting the flame retardant and chemical manufacturing sectors.

12 Mar 2026, 05:43gov.ukUnited Kingdom

US EPA Finalises NSPS and Emission Guidelines for Large Municipal Waste Combustors

The US EPA has finalized significantly stricter emission limits and monitoring requirements for large municipal waste combustors, effective May 11, 2026. Operators must prepare for capital-intensive upgrades to control heavy metals and dioxins while managing increased compliance risk from the removal of startup and shutdown exemptions.

12 Mar 2026, 05:02federalregister.govUnited States

EFSA Scientific Committee Working Group Begins Risk–Benefit Assessment of Fish Consumption

EFSA has launched a multi-year risk-benefit assessment of fish consumption to evaluate the health impacts of contaminants including PFAS and mercury through 2027. This study will likely drive revised EU dietary guidelines and more stringent regulatory limits for chemical substances in seafood products.

10 Mar 2026, 12:52efsa.europa.euEuropean Union

US EPA and Washington State Reach $668M Superfund Settlement for Lower Duwamish Waterway Cleanup

US EPA and Washington State have secured a 668 million dollar settlement with over 100 parties for the long-term remediation of the Lower Duwamish Waterway. This enforcement action underscores the significant financial and operational risks of legacy industrial contamination, requiring multi-decade cleanup commitments and substantial financial assurances.

9 Mar 2026, 18:54epa.govUnited States

Vorarlberg Government Amends Soil Quality Ordinance and Analytical Methods Annex

Vorarlberg has standardized the analytical methods and sampling procedures for contaminants in agricultural soils and soil-applied materials effective March 2026. Operators must ensure that testing for heavy metals and organic pollutants in sludges and compost aligns with specific European standards to maintain regulatory compliance.

4 Mar 2026, 16:59ris.bka.gv.atAustria

Regione Puglia Ordinance 84/2026 – Dioxin (PCB‑DL) Controls and Extended Mussel Seed Movement Deadline in Taranto

Italy's Puglia region has extended the 2026 deadline to March 31 for transferring mussel seed from Taranto's Mar Piccolo to mitigate dioxin and PCB contamination risks. This temporary measure underscores the persistent regulatory focus on chemical contaminants in the food supply chain and the necessity of strict compliance with EU food safety standards for market access.

4 Mar 2026, 15:54burp.regione.puglia.itItaly

Germany (Bavaria) VGH Munich Upholds Sewage Sludge Incineration Permit And Clarifies BVT And Mercury/Water Law Obligations

The Bavarian Higher Administrative Court upheld a sewage sludge incineration permit, confirming that national emission standards and BAT transition periods provide a valid legal basis for industrial operations. This ruling provides regulatory certainty for waste-to-energy operators by establishing that non-measurable pollutant increases do not breach water protection duties and that climate goals do not override specific industrial permitting rights.

2 Mar 2026, 13:55gesetze-bayern.deGermany

Environment Agency Updates England Guidance On Surface Water Pollution Risk Assessment For Bespoke Environmental Permits

The UK Environment Agency has updated its guidance for surface water pollution risk assessments, introducing more comprehensive screening and modelling requirements for hazardous substance discharges in England. Operators must prepare for more rigorous data submission and potential discharge limit tightening as the agency aligns environmental permits with stricter quality standards and climate change resilience.

24 Feb 2026, 19:21gov.ukUnited Kingdom

France: Bill No. 1082 Proposes 10-Year Moratorium on New Waste Incinerators Below 1 400°C

A French legislative proposal introduced in March 2025 seeks a ten-year moratorium on new waste incinerators operating below 1,400°C. This signals a shift toward stricter thermal destruction standards for PFAS, potentially disrupting waste infrastructure planning and forcing a pivot toward higher-temperature technologies.

17 Feb 2026, 16:14assemblee-nationale.frFrance

New York Senate Bill S4030A – Toxic Air Contaminant Standards and Monitoring

New York Senate passed legislation requiring the establishment of ambient air quality standards and fenceline monitoring for high-risk toxic air contaminants by late 2028. Industrial operators face stricter emission limits and enhanced monitoring obligations that will be integrated into major source air permits starting in 2029.

12 Feb 2026, 20:31nysenate.govUnited States

Japan MOE Reports Outcomes of 16th East Asia POPs Monitoring Workshop

East Asian nations are expanding regional monitoring for Persistent Organic Pollutants and PFAS through 2027 to support Stockholm Convention compliance. Enhanced data sharing and harmonized analytical standards across the region will likely accelerate regulatory alignment and enforcement for these high-risk substances.

4 Feb 2026, 13:52env.go.jpJapanIndonesiaSouth KoreaMalaysiaPhilippinesThailandVietnam