Lithium and its Compounds

Germany Publishes Error List 1 to RID Amendments (BGBl. II 2026 Nr. 103)

Germany has issued an official error list correcting NHM commodity codes and several provisions in the RID dangerous goods rail rules following the latest RID amendment. Rail freight operators and chemical shippers should update RID-based classifications, coding and documentation to align with these corrections and avoid mis-declaration and compliance disputes.

20 May 2026, 07:08recht.bund.deGermany

France ANSES Issues Expert Assessments on Lithium Endocrine Disruption and Exposure Risks

In April 2026, France’s ANSES published two expert assessments confirming lithium’s endocrine-disrupting and aquatic toxicity hazards and setting new chronic reference exposure values for human health. These findings signal likely tightening of French and EU controls on lithium use, requiring battery, chemicals and other manufacturers to integrate the new endpoints and reference values into regulatory risk assessments and prepare for potential SVHC identification and stricter exposure-data expectations.

15 May 2026, 09:30anses.frFrance

Spain DGAC Publishes Addendum No. 1 to ICAO Dangerous Goods Technical Instructions on Lithium Batteries and Portable Devices (Doc 9284/AN/905, 2025–2026)

Spain’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation has given legal effect to ICAO Addendum No. 1 to the 2025–2026 Dangerous Goods Technical Instructions, tightening lithium battery, power bank and portable electronic device carriage rules for airlines, passengers and crew from 27 March 2026. Air operators serving Spain must update dangerous goods manuals, cabin baggage policies and staff training to reflect the new capacity limits, packaging requirements and on-board use restrictions for lithium-powered devices and power banks, or risk non-compliance with EU air operations law.

12 May 2026, 14:29boe.esSpain

UN TDG Sub-Committee To Consider Longer Thermal Test T.2 Cycles For Large Lithium Batteries

A French-led informal working group has tabled a 2026 UN working document proposing longer and more clearly defined thermal cycling conditions for large and heavy lithium batteries in Test T.2 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. If adopted at the June–July 2026 UN TDG Sub-Committee session, laboratories and manufacturers performing UN 38.3 testing on large lithium batteries may need to adjust test durations, chamber programming, and documentation before updated requirements are rolled into transport approvals.

3 May 2026, 14:41documents.un.orgGlobal

Netherlands Court Annuls Lithium-Ion Energy Storage Conditions For Using PGS 37-1 Instead Of PGS 37-2

In April 2026 the Dutch district court annulled bespoke permit conditions for lithium-ion energy storage systems at Aggreko’s Moerdijk site after finding the municipality had wrongly based them on PGS 37-1 instead of the storage guideline PGS 37-2. This ruling signals that authorities must apply the correct PGS standard and provide case-specific justification when translating PGS guidance into enforceable permit conditions, giving operators grounds to challenge overreaching lithium-ion storage requirements while still maintaining robust internal safety practices.

3 May 2026, 07:21uitspraken.rechtspraak.nlNetherlands

EU Parliament Questions Commission on Lithium’s Essential Nutrient Status

An MEP has asked the European Commission to clarify EFSA’s work on lithium as a potentially essential nutrient and to indicate the timing of any opinion or decision on its status. While no new legal obligations arise yet, this exchange signals continued political and scientific pressure around lithium in food supplements and novel foods, so companies should monitor for any future EFSA opinion or changes to EU nutrient lists before investing in lithium-containing products.

30 Apr 2026, 10:49europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

UN Working Paper on Revising Watt-Hour Threshold for Lithium-Ion Cells (Special Provision 188)

United Nations experts have circulated working paper ST/SG/AC.10/C.3/2026/23 proposing changes to the watt-hour rating criteria used for lithium-ion cells under Special Provision 188 in the UN dangerous goods system. If taken forward, these changes could alter which small lithium-ion cells and batteries qualify for simplified transport treatment, requiring manufacturers and shippers to reassess packaging, labelling, and logistics strategies for global battery shipments.

29 Apr 2026, 06:48docs.un.orgGlobal

France ANSES Highlights Health and Environmental Risks From Lithium Exposure

In April 2026, France’s ANSES publicly highlighted growing concern over health and environmental risks from increasing lithium use, adding an English-language news item focused on understanding exposure to this critical metal. While no new limits are set yet, this signal suggests French risk assessors may develop deeper exposure assessments and reference values for lithium, with potential future implications for battery, automotive, electronics and related supply chains.

24 Apr 2026, 08:52anses.frFrance

UNECE WP.15 Drafts 2027 ADR Annex Amendments for Dangerous Goods Transport

UNECE has published a consolidated package of ADR annex amendments, adopted by WP.15 and intended to take effect on 1 January 2027, updating dangerous goods classifications (notably for batteries and chlorophenols), packaging and tank rules, vehicle equipment, and training requirements across the ADR system. These changes will drive redesign and requalification work for packagings, tanks and vehicles, require re-checking of battery and other high-risk product classifications, and demand early planning by consignors, carriers and tank operators to meet new technical and transitional conditions up to 2034.

Hawaii HCR25 Seeks Electric Vehicle Fires Working Group on Lithium-Ion Battery Risks

Hawaii lawmakers have introduced HCR25 to create an Electric Vehicle Fires Working Group focused on lithium-ion battery fire risks in parking structures, with a report due ahead of the 2027 legislative session. The group’s recommendations on code updates and firefighter training could drive new requirements for electric vehicle infrastructure, parking facilities, and building owners across the state.

16 Apr 2026, 15:41capitol.hawaii.govUnited States

Maryland General Assembly Enrolls Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Commission Bill SB0553; PFAS Product Ban HB1022 Withdrawn

Maryland’s legislature has now enrolled the lithium-ion battery safety commission bill while the House PFAS product ban bill has been withdrawn. This strengthens the state’s focus on battery fire and end-of-life risks but defers near-term PFAS product restrictions, so teams should track follow-on commission recommendations and alternative PFAS vehicles rather than immediate statutory obligations.

13 Apr 2026, 19:25mgaleg.maryland.govUnited States

ECHA Starts OEL Dossier Preparation For Bisphenols, Copper, Lithium, Naphthalene And Toluene

ECHA has launched the preparation of scientific dossiers to establish or update Occupational Exposure Limits for bisphenols, copper, lithium, naphthalene, and toluene. This signals a move toward stricter workplace exposure controls, requiring manufacturers to audit current monitoring data and assess the feasibility of tighter binding limit values.

6 Apr 2026, 16:10echa.europa.euEuropean Union

EU ECHA Opens OEL Consultation on Lithium Salts and Call for Evidence on Multiple Substances

ECHA has initiated consultations on new occupational exposure limits for lithium salts and is evaluating the inclusion of endocrine disruptors under EU worker protection directives. Businesses should anticipate more stringent workplace exposure controls and a potential expansion of the CMRD scope, necessitating early assessment of operational impacts and substance management strategies.

5 Apr 2026, 06:18echa.europa.euEuropean Union

EU ECHA Launches OEL Consultation For Lithium Carbonate, Lithium Chloride And Lithium Hydroxide

ECHA has launched a public consultation on proposed occupational exposure limits for lithium carbonate, chloride, and hydroxide, closing June 1, 2026. This process signals forthcoming EU-wide workplace safety standards for lithium salts, necessitating a review of current exposure controls and potential operational adjustments.

5 Apr 2026, 06:04echa.europa.euEuropean Union

Zimbabwe Brings Forward Ban on Raw Lithium and Other Mineral Exports

Zimbabwe has implemented an immediate ban on the export of raw lithium and other unprocessed minerals as of February 2026, accelerating its domestic value-addition timeline. Downstream battery and electronics manufacturers must urgently reassess supply chain resilience and pivot procurement toward locally processed concentrates to mitigate immediate sourcing disruptions.

5 Apr 2026, 04:52france24.comZimbabwe

EU Commission Terminates Novel Food Authorisation Procedure for Lithium Orotate Dihydrate (NF/2024/30250)

The European Commission has formally terminated the authorisation procedure for lithium orotate dihydrate as a novel food, effectively blocking its legal entry into the EU market. Businesses must ensure this substance is not included in food or dietary supplement formulations as it remains an unauthorised ingredient with no immediate path to compliance.

31 Mar 2026, 21:29ec.europa.euEuropean Union

Mexico Supreme Court Upholds 2022 Mining Law Reform Reserving Lithium Exploitation to the State

Mexico's Supreme Court has finalized the State's exclusive control over lithium by upholding the 2022 Mining Law reform. This decision cements a state monopoly on lithium extraction, forcing downstream industries to navigate a government-controlled supply chain and ending private concession prospects.

31 Mar 2026, 19:39internet2.scjn.gob.mxMexico

EU Commission and EIB Launch Sustainable Water Advisory Facility for Circular Water Investments

The EU Commission and EIB launched the €10 million Sustainable Water Advisory Facility to fund technical preparation for circular water projects through June 2026. This initiative provides a strategic opportunity for industrial and utility operators to de-risk investments in resource recovery and water resilience infrastructure.

31 Mar 2026, 19:02research-and-innovation.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

US Commerce Extends Deadline for Adequacy Determination on AD/CVD Petitions for Lithium Hexafluorophosphate From China

The US Department of Commerce has extended the deadline to mid-April 2026 to decide on initiating antidumping and countervailing duty investigations into lithium hexafluorophosphate from China. This development signals potential trade-remedy duties on a critical battery electrolyte, necessitating immediate supply chain risk assessments and the exploration of alternative sourcing to mitigate future cost volatility.

31 Mar 2026, 18:52public-inspection.federalregister.govUnited States

Netherlands RIVM Publishes Calculation Method for External Safety of Lithium Battery Storage Systems

The Netherlands has introduced a standardized risk calculation method to evaluate the external safety and third-party risks of lithium-ion battery storage facilities. This methodology will likely become the basis for future permitting and spatial planning, requiring developers to implement more rigorous site assessments and potentially larger safety buffer zones.

28 Mar 2026, 20:33rivm.nlNetherlands