Lubricants

France Consults on Draft Order Extending REP Oils Scheme to Oil Containers

France is consulting in May 2026 on a draft ministerial order that integrates containers for lubricating and industrial oils into the extended producer responsibility scheme, aligns obligations with packaging REP frameworks, and fine-tunes financing, R&D and hazardous-chemical-product thresholds. If adopted from mid-2026, the order will tighten collection, recycling and prevention trajectories for oil containers, create cross-scheme compensation rules, and set a series of 2027–2030 milestones that eco-organismes, oil and packaging producers, and waste operators must build into their REP strategy and investment planning.

15 May 2026, 18:34consultations-publiques.developpement-durable.gouv.frFrance

California South Coast AQMD Adopts Amendments to Rule 1144 on Metalworking Fluids and Direct-Contact Lubricants

South Coast AQMD has adopted amendments to Rule 1144 to phase out para-chlorobenzotrifluoride (pCBtF) and tert-butyl acetate (t-BAc) from metalworking fluids and direct-contact lubricants following a CEQA Notice of Exemption in April 2026. Manufacturers, distributors, and industrial users in the South Coast Air Basin will need to transition to compliant formulations before future effective dates and reassess product lines and procurement to avoid these solvents and other newly prohibited toxics.

21 Apr 2026, 13:23ceqanet.lci.ca.govUnited States

California AB 2245 Amended — Lubricant Waste and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act

California has further amended AB 2245, a bill to create the Lubricant Waste and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act and move an EPR regime for lubricant products and primary packaging forward in the Assembly. If enacted, this would force lubricant and packaging producers selling into California to join and fund a producer responsibility organisation, plan for new collection and reporting duties, and prepare for regulation-driven cost and compliance impacts from 2029–2031 onward.

19 Apr 2026, 14:54leginfo.legislature.ca.govUnited States

California Assembly Amends AB 2245 Creating Lubricant Waste and Packaging Producer Responsibility Program

California is advancing legislation to establish a dedicated Extended Producer Responsibility program for lubricants and associated packaging with a 2031 compliance deadline. Impacted producers must prepare for mandatory collective scheme membership and funding obligations while navigating a specific carve-out from general state packaging laws.

6 Apr 2026, 18:31leginfo.legislature.ca.govUnited States

Australia (AICIS) Opens Consultation On 11 Draft Industrial Chemical Evaluation Statements Until 28 May 2026

Australia has opened a public consultation on 11 draft evaluation statements covering 117 industrial chemicals, with a feedback deadline of May 28, 2026. Proposed variations to Inventory listings for substances like Retinol and 2-Pyrrolidinone signal potential new usage restrictions and reporting obligations for personal care and industrial manufacturers.

4 Apr 2026, 10:54industrialchemicals.gov.auAustralia

Italy Temporarily Reduces Petroleum Security Stock Obligations (Decree 26 March 2026)

Italy has implemented a temporary reduction in mandatory petroleum security stock obligations effective through June 30, 2026. This measure provides immediate operational flexibility for energy companies to manage supply volatility by drawing down specific stock volumes held in other EU jurisdictions.

3 Apr 2026, 18:02gazzettaufficiale.itItaly

Germany Updates TRGS 910 Risk-Based Measures Concept For PAH Mixtures And Used Engine Oils

Germany has integrated PAH mixtures and used engine oils into the TRGS 910 risk-based framework for carcinogens, effective March 2026. Employers must now update workplace risk assessments and exposure controls to comply with these mandatory carcinogenic management standards.

2 Apr 2026, 15:29baua.deGermany

Netherlands (North Holland) Amends Tata Steel IJmuiden Permit To Implement BAT 47 at Packaging Unit

The Province of North Holland has formally updated industrial permit requirements to enforce stricter lubrication system standards under the Ferrous Metals Processing Best Available Techniques. This move signals a tightening of operational oversight for heavy industry, requiring operators to accelerate infrastructure upgrades to mitigate emissions and maintain legal compliance.

2 Apr 2026, 09:32zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlNetherlands

New Hampshire Updates Env-Hw 1000 Hazardous Waste Cleanup Fund and DIY Used Oil Grant Rules

New Hampshire has implemented updated administrative requirements for hazardous waste cleanup funding and used-oil collection grants. Entities managing waste collection must align with new reporting and application protocols to secure state financial support and mitigate operational compliance risks.

1 Apr 2026, 14:22des.nh.govUnited States

Netherlands: Rotterdam Court Upholds €2,500 Food Hygiene Fine Against Slaughterhouse

The District Court of Rotterdam recently upheld an administrative fine against a slaughterhouse for lubricant contamination on meat products, confirming a breach of EU food hygiene standards. This ruling reinforces strict operator liability for cross-contamination risks across all processing stages and demonstrates that technical defenses regarding intermediate processing or workforce barriers will not mitigate enforcement penalties.

26 Mar 2026, 19:22uitspraken.rechtspraak.nlNetherlands

California AB 2245 Proposes Producer Responsibility Program For Lubricant Waste And Packaging

California is proposing a specialized Extended Producer Responsibility program for automotive lubricants and their packaging, effectively carving these products out of the general SB 54 framework. Affected companies should anticipate unique collection mandates and fee structures based on product toxicity, with regulatory implementation slated for 2029 and full compliance by 2031.

23 Mar 2026, 14:44leginfo.legislature.ca.govUnited States

ECHA Concludes No EU Risk Management Needed for Bismuth and Its Compounds

ECHA has determined that no additional EU-level regulatory risk management is currently necessary for bismuth and its inorganic compounds. This conclusion provides long-term regulatory certainty for the coatings, cosmetics, and lubricants sectors by signaling that no immediate REACH or CLP restrictions are expected.

23 Mar 2026, 09:57echa.europa.euEuropean Union

US FAA Issues Final Special Conditions for ZeroAvia ZA601 Electric Engines

The FAA has finalized special airworthiness conditions for ZeroAvia ZA601 electric engines, effective March 18, 2026, to address safety gaps in traditional combustion engine standards. This action establishes a critical regulatory framework for high-voltage aviation propulsion, mandating specific safety assessments for electrical faults, fire protection, and component durability that will influence future electric aircraft certification.

18 Mar 2026, 16:43public-inspection.federalregister.govUnited States

European Parliament Questions Planned PCB Limits for Regenerated Mineral Oils Under POPs Regulation

The European Commission is preparing to drastically lower PCB limits for regenerated mineral oils, potentially exceeding current analytical detection capabilities. This shift risks making oil recycling technically unviable and could force a move toward waste combustion, disrupting circular economy strategies for the lubricants and bitumen sectors.

11 Mar 2026, 17:30europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

Germany (Fraunhofer IWM) Develops PFAS-Free Substitution Chain for Lubricants and Seals

German researchers have validated a technical framework for replacing PFAS in high-friction mechanical components ahead of anticipated EU-wide restrictions. This provides machinery manufacturers with a strategic roadmap to mitigate supply chain risks and ensure functional performance as PFAS-based lubricants and seals face regulatory phase-outs.

24 Feb 2026, 19:17analytik.newsEuropean UnionGermany

Australia (AICIS) Adds 1-Pyrrolidinepropanaminium (CAS 3113590-25-0) to Industrial Chemicals Inventory

Australia has transitioned CAS 3113590-25-0 to the public Industrial Chemicals Inventory following the expiration of its five-year assessment certificate. Businesses must verify that current introduction volumes and use patterns remain consistent with the original assessment to avoid mandatory reporting triggers and potential compliance reviews.

13 Feb 2026, 15:58industrialchemicals.gov.auAustralia

VGH München Upholds Soil Remediation Order Under Federal Soil Protection Act for Oil-Contaminated Parking Lot

The Bavarian Higher Administrative Court has affirmed that contractors are strictly liable for immediate soil remediation following mineral oil leaks from machinery, even without proven groundwater damage. This ruling reinforces the risk of direct enforcement and significant cleanup costs for site operators, emphasizing that potential environmental harm is sufficient to trigger mandatory remediation under federal soil protection laws.

13 Feb 2026, 14:57gesetze-bayern.deGermany

ECHA Publishes Assessment of Regulatory Needs for Tert-Alkyl Hindered Phenols

ECHA has identified 26 tert-alkyl hindered phenols for potential harmonized classification and restriction due to endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicity risks. Companies using these antioxidants in lubricants, plastics, and consumer goods should prepare for increased data requirements and future market access restrictions.

11 Feb 2026, 16:05echa.europa.euEuropean Union

Illinois Senate Introduces Lubricant And Related Product Producer Responsibility Act (SB 3157)

Illinois has introduced SB 3157 to establish a mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility program for automotive lubricants, antifreeze, and their packaging. Manufacturers must prepare for mandatory registration and collection plan obligations to maintain market access and avoid significant daily non-compliance penalties.

8 Feb 2026, 10:49ilga.govUnited States

Arizona House Introduces HB2986 on Environmental Quality and Solid Waste Programmes

Arizona is proposing comprehensive updates to lead-acid battery disposal, used oil management, and air quality standards with key implementation milestones through 2029. Businesses should prepare for more stringent waste handling registrations and monitor potential shifts in vehicle emission and fuel requirements dependent on federal approvals.

4 Feb 2026, 14:08azleg.govUnited States