Lithium and its Compounds

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

ECHA has initiated the preparation of scientific dossiers to establish or update Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) for bisphenols, copper, lithium, naphthalene, and toluene. Businesses should prepare for potential new binding limit values by reviewing current workplace monitoring data and assessing the feasibility of stricter exposure controls.

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 launched consultations on new or revised occupational exposure limits (OELs) for lithium salts, bisphenols, and copper, alongside a review of endocrine disruptors under worker protection rules. Impacted industries should prepare for stricter workplace exposure controls and potential shifts in the scope of the CMRD, which may increase operational compliance burdens.

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 (OELs) for lithium carbonate, chloride, and hydroxide, closing June 1, 2026. This process signals future EU-wide workplace safety standards for lithium salts, requiring manufacturers and downstream users to assess current exposure controls and prepare for potential operational compliance shifts.

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

Zimbabwe Brings Forward Ban on Raw Lithium and Other Mineral Exports

Zimbabwe has accelerated its ban on the export of raw lithium and other unprocessed minerals, effective immediately as of February 2026. Downstream manufacturers must prepare for supply chain disruptions and shift procurement strategies toward locally processed concentrates as Zimbabwe enforces domestic value-addition requirements.

5 Apr 2026, 04:52france24.comZimbabwe

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

The European Commission has terminated the authorisation procedure for lithium orotate dihydrate as a novel food, effectively blocking its addition to the Union list. Companies should cease any plans for market entry of this substance in food or supplements, as it remains unauthorised for sale in the EU.

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 upheld the 2022 Mining Law reform, cementing the State's exclusive control over lithium exploration and exploitation. This ruling eliminates legal uncertainty for the state monopoly, effectively barring private mining concessions and requiring downstream industries to navigate a state-led supply chain for Mexican lithium.

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 have launched the Sustainable Water Advisory Facility (SWAF-G), a €10 million pilot offering technical grants for circular water projects through June 2026. This initiative prioritizes resource recovery from wastewater (e.g., nutrients and minerals), offering industrial and utility operators a strategic pathway to de-risk investments in water resilience and circularity.

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

US Commerce has extended the deadline to April 14, 2026, to decide whether to initiate antidumping and countervailing duty investigations into lithium hexafluorophosphate from China. This signals potential trade-remedy duties on a critical battery electrolyte component, requiring US manufacturers to assess supply chain cost risks and alternative sourcing options.

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

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

The Dutch RIVM has introduced a standardized risk calculation method for lithium-ion battery storage systems to assess external safety for nearby residents. This methodology will likely underpin future permitting and land-use regulations, necessitating more rigorous site assessments and potential buffer zones for energy storage infrastructure.

28 Mar 2026, 20:33rivm.nlNetherlands

Hawaii Senate EIG Committee Recommends Resolutions on Lithium-Ion Battery Disposal and Data Centre Impacts

Hawaii Senate committees have advanced resolutions to establish dedicated lithium-ion battery disposal infrastructure and study the environmental and grid impacts of large data centers. While currently non-binding, these measures signal a shift toward stricter end-of-life battery management and potential operational or siting constraints for energy-intensive infrastructure.

28 Mar 2026, 20:28capitol.hawaii.govUnited States

Netherlands (Rechtbank Limburg) Upholds Penalty Orders and €250,000 Collection for Unsafe Hazardous Substances Storage

The District Court of Limburg upheld €250,000 in penalties against a logistics operator in March 2026 for persistent violations of hazardous substance storage and permitting requirements. This judgment reinforces the high financial risk of non-compliance with PGS 15 segregation rules and the necessity of ensuring all warehouse activities are explicitly covered by environmental permits.

28 Mar 2026, 18:22uitspraken.rechtspraak.nlNetherlands

Netherlands Court Upholds Penalty Order for Unpermitted Discharge of Metals to Surface Water (ECLI:NL:RBNHO:2026:2478)

A Dutch District Court has upheld a €20,000 penalty order against a waste recycler for discharging metals not explicitly authorized in its water permit, reinforcing strict compliance with the Water Act. This ruling confirms that operators must proactively identify and permit every individual substance in their effluent; relying on broad permit categories or claiming technical difficulty in characterization will not prevent enforcement.

26 Mar 2026, 19:26uitspraken.rechtspraak.nlNetherlands

China MEE Publishes 2026 Batch 4 New Chemical Substance Simplified Registration Approvals and Certificate Changes

China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment has authorized the fourth batch of 2026 simplified registrations and administrative certificate updates for new chemical substances. These approvals grant specific market access for listed substances and highlight the ongoing administrative maintenance required for compliance under Order 12.

26 Mar 2026, 18:56mee.gov.cnChina

Ateios Systems and Kodak Expand RaiCore™ Platform to Major Battery Chemistries and Earn PFAS-Free Verification

Ateios Systems and Kodak expanded their RaiCore™ battery electrode platform to major chemistries in March 2026, securing independent verification of PFAS-free status. This provides a viable technical route for battery manufacturers to de-risk supply chains and ensure compliance with tightening global PFAS restrictions and reporting thresholds.

26 Mar 2026, 12:25markets.ft.comUnited States

China Issues Joint Notice Optimising Import/Export Controls for Lithium Thionyl Chloride Batteries

China has eased trade restrictions on lithium thionyl chloride batteries containing less than 1kg of thionyl chloride, effective January 1, 2026. This simplification reduces administrative burdens for electronics and industrial equipment manufacturers by removing dual-use licensing requirements for standard-sized battery units.

23 Mar 2026, 16:11hunan.gov.cnChina

US PHMSA Seeks Comment on New Hazardous Materials Special Permit Applications

US PHMSA is soliciting feedback on 11 new special permit applications for hazardous materials transport, including lithium batteries and hydrogen, with comments due by April 17, 2026. These applications highlight evolving transport requirements for emerging technologies and offer businesses a window to influence alternative compliance pathways and operational flexibility.

19 Mar 2026, 19:36federalregister.govUnited States

Japan Adopts Ministerial Ordinance on Collection and Recycling of Used Mobile Batteries

Japan has finalized mandatory criteria for the collection and recycling of mobile lithium batteries, effective April 1, 2026. Producers and importers must implement free take-back schemes, achieve a 30% material recovery target, and comply with new labeling and annual reporting mandates.

19 Mar 2026, 19:33kanpo.go.jpJapan

China Notifies Draft Standard on Safety of Lithium-Ion Cells and Batteries in Electronic and Electrical Equipment (G/TBT/N/CHN/2206)

China has proposed a new mandatory safety standard (GB 31241.1) for lithium-ion cells and batteries in electronic equipment, with a comment deadline of 15 May 2026. Manufacturers should anticipate rigorous new testing and labeling requirements that will likely become a prerequisite for market access 12 months after final approval.

18 Mar 2026, 18:43epingalert.orgChina

China Notifies Draft National Standard GB 31241.3 for Lithium-Ion Batteries in Electric Tools (G/TBT/N/CHN/2207)

China has proposed a new national safety standard (GB 31241.3) for lithium-ion batteries in electric tools, with a WTO comment deadline of 15 May 2026. Manufacturers must prepare for rigorous new testing and marking requirements for cells and battery packs to ensure continued access to the Chinese electric tool market.

18 Mar 2026, 18:42members.wto.orgChina

Maryland Senate Passes Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Commission Bill SB0553

Maryland's Senate passed SB0553 to re-establish a cross-sector commission tasked with developing safety, transport, and recycling standards for lithium-ion batteries by late 2027. While advisory, the commission’s findings will likely drive future legislative mandates on fire suppression, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and battery end-of-life management.

17 Mar 2026, 19:48mgaleg.maryland.govUnited States