Lubricants

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

California's AB 2245 proposes a new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for lubricants and associated packaging, targeting full implementation by 2031. Impacted businesses must anticipate mandatory PRO membership and funding obligations, while navigating a specific regulatory carve-out from California's general packaging EPR law.

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’s AICIS has released 11 draft evaluation statements for 117 chemicals, initiating a public consultation period through May 28, 2026. Proposed Inventory listing changes for high-profile substances like Retinol and 2-Pyrrolidinone signal a shift toward tighter controls for personal care and industrial sectors.

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

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

Italy has temporarily reduced mandatory petroleum security stock obligations from April 1 to June 30, 2026, following an IEA-coordinated emergency release. Obligated operators can draw down specific stock volumes held in other EU countries to manage short-term supply volatility without breaching long-term compliance frameworks.

3 Apr 2026, 18:02gazzettaufficiale.itItaly

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

Germany has expanded the TRGS 910 risk-based framework to include PAH mixtures and used engine oils, effective March 2026. Operations handling these substances must immediately update risk assessments and exposure controls to meet stricter 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 amended Tata Steel IJmuiden’s environmental permit to enforce stricter lubrication system standards under BAT conclusion 47. This move signals intensifying regulatory pressure on industrial operators to align legacy infrastructure with updated Best Available Techniques (BAT) to mitigate emissions.

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 updated its Hazardous Waste Cleanup Fund rules, introducing new grant application and reporting requirements for hazardous waste and used oil collection. Organizations managing collection sites or seeking cleanup funding must align with updated administrative protocols by February 2026 to maintain eligibility and mitigate financial risk.

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

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

The District Court of Rotterdam upheld a €2,500 fine against a slaughterhouse for food hygiene violations involving lubricant contamination on meat products ready for dispatch. This ruling reinforces strict operator liability for cross-contamination risks at all processing stages, signaling that technical defenses regarding intermediate processing or workforce language 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 AB 2245 proposes a dedicated Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for automotive lubricants and their packaging, with regulations expected to take effect by 2029. This shift would carve lubricant packaging out of the general SB 54 framework, requiring producers to manage specialized collection systems and fee structures tailored to product toxicity and waste management.

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

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

ECHA has concluded that no EU-level regulatory risk management is currently required for bismuth and 11 inorganic bismuth compounds (March 2026). This assessment provides regulatory stability for users in the coatings, cosmetics, and lubricants sectors, as no immediate REACH restrictions or CLP changes are anticipated.

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

US FAA Issues Final Special Conditions for ZeroAvia ZA601 Electric Engines

The FAA issued final special conditions for ZeroAvia ZA601 electric engines, effective March 18, 2026, to bridge gaps in existing airworthiness standards for electric propulsion. This establishes a regulatory precedent for high-voltage aviation systems, mandating rigorous safety assessments for electrical faults, fire protection, and critical component durability.

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 proposing to slash PCB limits for regenerated mineral oils to 2.5 ppm, triggering concerns over technical feasibility and analytical detection limits. Such stringent thresholds risk making oil regeneration unviable, potentially forcing a shift toward waste combustion and undermining circular economy objectives for the lubricants sector.

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 structured substitution framework for replacing PFAS in high-friction mechanical components ahead of anticipated EU-wide restrictions. This provides a technical roadmap for machinery OEMs 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 added CAS 3113590-25-0 to the public Industrial Chemicals Inventory (AIIC) following the expiration of its five-year assessment certificate. Introducers must ensure operations align with the original assessment conditions and report any deviations to AICIS within 28 days.

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 upheld a soil remediation order for mineral oil leaks from construction machinery, affirming strict liability under the Federal Soil Protection Act. This decision reinforces that contractors face direct enforcement and immediate remediation costs for site contamination, even where groundwater damage is only potential rather than proven.

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 restriction and harmonized classification, citing endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicity risks. Impacted industries, including lubricants and plastics, should prepare for increased data requirements and potential market access restrictions for these common antioxidants.

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, proposing a mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for lubricants, antifreeze, and related automotive fluids and their packaging. If enacted, manufacturers must join a producer responsibility organization and secure state-approved collection plans to maintain market access, with non-compliance risking significant daily penalties and sales prohibitions.

8 Feb 2026, 10:49ilga.govUnited States

Arizona House Introduces HB2986 on Environmental Quality and Solid Waste Programmes

Arizona has introduced HB 2986 to tighten regulations on lead-acid battery disposal, used oil management, and air quality standards through 2029. Companies must prepare for enhanced waste handling compliance and monitor conditional triggers for vehicle emissions and fuel formulation that depend on federal approval.

4 Feb 2026, 14:08azleg.govUnited States

US EPA Region 6 Issues RCRA Compliance Order to Smitty’s Supply for Alleged Hazardous Waste Violations

The US EPA has issued a RCRA compliance order to Smitty’s Supply following significant hazardous waste management failures and a major industrial fire. This enforcement action underscores the critical need for robust hazardous waste characterization and contingency planning to mitigate operational risks and avoid costly federal intervention.

15 Jan 2026, 06:08epa.govUnited States

Utah Legislature Proposes Used Oil Management Act Amendments on Lubricating Oil Recycling Fees and Collection Programmes

Utah HB 37 proposes doubling the lubricating oil recycling fee in 2026 and granting regulators authority to set future rates via rulemaking. Businesses must anticipate higher operational costs and monitor upcoming agency rules as the state moves toward a more flexible, revenue-focused waste management model.

22 Dec 2025, 19:51le.utah.govUnited States

HSE Launches New Guidance Videos on Metalworking Fluids Mist Control

The UK Health and Safety Executive has issued new technical guidance and resources for controlling metalworking fluid mist exposure under COSHH regulations. Businesses using CNC machining should review their LEV commissioning and monitoring protocols to align with these updated enforcement expectations and mitigate occupational health risks.

11 Dec 2025, 08:59content.govdelivery.comUnited Kingdom