Nanomaterials

Researchers Call for Stronger Regulation of Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Agricultural Soils and Crops

An international scientific review highlights the ubiquitous presence of PFAS and microplastics in agricultural soils, identifying significant regulatory gaps in the global food supply chain. Companies should prepare for increased scrutiny of agricultural inputs and potential new standards for soil-to-crop contaminant transfer as part of emerging "One Health" policy frameworks.

3 Apr 2026, 17:56doi.orgGlobal

United Kingdom: BSI Revises BS 10175:2026 Code of Practice for Investigating Potentially Contaminated Sites

The UK's primary standard for investigating contaminated land, BS 10175:2026, has been fully revised to include emerging pollutants and sustainability considerations. Site developers and operators must ensure investigation protocols now address PFAS, microplastics, and climate resilience to maintain compliance with UK planning and risk assessment frameworks.

29 Mar 2026, 19:19knowledge.bsigroup.comUnited Kingdom

Galicia Issga 2026 Plan Expands Workplace Safety Campaigns and Highlights Nanomaterials Risk Portal

Galicia’s Issga has launched its 2026 Activity Plan, significantly expanding workplace safety campaigns and inspections across high-risk industrial sectors. Operators should anticipate heightened enforcement and utilize new technical resources for managing risks from nanomaterials, asbestos, and respirable crystalline silica.

28 Mar 2026, 20:26xunta.galSpain

EU Parliament Plans April 2026 Vote On Omnibus VI Changes To Cosmetics And Chemicals Law

The European Parliament is scheduled to vote in April 2026 on the "Omnibus VI" proposal to simplify and digitalize requirements for chemicals, cosmetics, and fertilizing products. This initiative will streamline labeling rules and revise derogation procedures for hazardous substances, requiring manufacturers to update compliance timelines and digital documentation strategies.

28 Mar 2026, 18:47europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

US FDA Publishes FY 2024 GDUFA Science and Research Report

The US FDA has released its FY 2024 GDUFA report, detailing scientific advancements that will shape future regulatory standards for generic drugs and complex formulations. Firms should integrate these updated methodologies—particularly regarding nitrosamine impurities and AI-driven bioequivalence—into their R&D and compliance pipelines to mitigate approval risks.

28 Mar 2026, 18:45fda.govUnited States

EU SCCS Publishes Minutes of Nanomaterials Working Group Meeting on TiO2 and Synthetic Amorphous Silica

The EU SCCS is finalizing safety assessments for titanium dioxide and synthetic amorphous silica (nano) while updating nanomaterial guidance. Manufacturers face potential exclusion of specific TiO2 clusters from future approvals and stricter default safety assumptions for silica if data gaps are not addressed.

28 Mar 2026, 18:30health.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

European Commission Clarifies Scientific Basis Of EU Microplastics Policies In Parliamentary Answer

The European Commission has reaffirmed the scientific justification for EU microplastics restrictions, citing robust data from ECHA and the JRC to defend current REACH and plastic pellet regulations. Continued high-level investment in health impact research and pending EFSA opinions indicate that the regulatory scope for micro- and nanoplastics is likely to expand as analytical methods mature.

28 Mar 2026, 15:55europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

United Kingdom Researchers Demonstrate Bio-Based Membrane for PFOA Removal

Researchers in the UK have demonstrated a high-efficiency, bio-based membrane for removing PFOA from water with a closed-loop thermal regeneration capability. While currently at the research stage, this development offers a potential sustainable alternative to traditional filtration media as industrial PFAS discharge limits tighten globally.

27 Mar 2026, 18:42pubs.acs.orgUnited Kingdom

EU SCCS Publishes Minutes of Nanomaterials in Cosmetic Products Working Group (11 February 2026)

The EU SCCS is tightening data requirements for titanium dioxide and synthetic amorphous silica in cosmetics, warning that grades with insufficient safety data will be excluded from future favorable opinions. Businesses must validate the scientific justification for material clustering and prepare for potential market access restrictions as the SCCS updates its nanomaterial safety guidance.

26 Mar 2026, 19:29health.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

European Commission Publishes 2026 Union Work Programme for European Standardisation

The European Commission has released its 2026 Work Programme for European Standardisation, outlining upcoming priorities for harmonised standards across the green and digital transitions. Businesses should anticipate new technical requirements and testing methods for PFAS, microplastics, and industrial emissions, as these standards will underpin future compliance and market access under EU environmental and product legislation.

21 Mar 2026, 09:44eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Australia Senate Committee Holds Public Hearing on Impact of Microplastics and Other Toxics on Human Health

The Australian Senate has commenced public hearings into the human health impacts of microplastics and toxic substances, signaling a formal move toward national policy development. Businesses should monitor these proceedings as a regulatory precursor that may lead to future restrictions on substance use, product composition, and labeling requirements in the Australian market.

19 Mar 2026, 19:28aph.gov.auAustralia

EU SCCS Methodologies Working Group Minutes Highlight Aggregate Exposure and Notes of Guidance Revision

The SCCS is progressing on a harmonised aggregate exposure framework and the 13th revision of its Notes of Guidance for cosmetic safety. Manufacturers should anticipate more complex exposure modeling requirements and updated toxicological assessment protocols for future product dossiers.

17 Mar 2026, 20:30health.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

EU SCCS Publishes Draft Agenda for 26 March 2026 Plenary on Cosmetic Ingredients and Nanomaterials

The EU SCCS will review final and preliminary opinions on key cosmetic ingredients, including Microsilver, BHA, and CBD, at its March 2026 plenary. These scientific assessments are the primary precursors to EU-wide regulatory restrictions, signaling potential reformulation requirements for impacted consumer products.

14 Mar 2026, 14:14health.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

EUON Highlights NanoPharos FAIR Nanomaterials Database to Support Evidence-Based Regulation

The EU has launched NanoPharos, a standardized database providing "ready-for-modelling" data on nanomaterials and advanced materials to support regulatory and industry analysis. This infrastructure accelerates the transition toward Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) frameworks, signaling a move toward more data-intensive and transparent risk assessment requirements.

13 Mar 2026, 07:03euon.echa.europa.euEuropean Union

EU SCCS Publishes Working Group Minutes On Cosmetic Ingredients (25–26 February 2026)

The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has progressed safety assessments for several key cosmetic ingredients, including CBD, BHA, and titanium dioxide, following its February 2026 meeting. Manufacturers should prepare for potential regulatory restrictions or data requests as the SCCS finalizes opinions and maintains an intensive review schedule throughout 2026.

12 Mar 2026, 11:17health.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

Switzerland Updates Iran Measures Ordinance Annex 3 on UAV and Missile-Related Goods

Switzerland updated its Iran sanctions regime on March 10, 2026, expanding the list of prohibited goods and technologies related to UAVs and missiles. Businesses must immediately audit supply chains for listed chemicals, nanomaterials, and aerospace components to ensure compliance with new export restrictions and authorization mandates.

12 Mar 2026, 09:27fedlex.admin.chSwitzerland

Canada Issues Significant New Activity Notice No. 22294 for Stannate Nanomaterial (CAS 12027-96-2)

Canada has implemented Significant New Activity (SNAc) Notice No. 22294 for Stannate (CAS 12027-96-2), effective March 7, 2026. Manufacturers must now submit detailed notifications before using the substance as a nanomaterial or in aerosolized consumer products, signaling heightened regulatory scrutiny of inhalation and nano-scale risks.

11 Mar 2026, 14:03gazette.gc.caCanada

Galicia Launches First Regional Portal in Spain on Occupational Nanomaterials Risk Prevention

Galicia has launched Spain's first regional portal for nanomaterial risk prevention, centralizing guidance on workplace exposure for sectors like construction. This initiative signals a shift toward more granular oversight of advanced materials, requiring firms to update risk assessments and safety protocols for nanomaterial-containing products.

10 Mar 2026, 14:44xunta.galSpain

Canada Publishes Framework for Risk Assessment of Manufactured Nanomaterials Under CEPA

Canada published a formal risk assessment framework for manufactured nanomaterials under CEPA in March 2026. This defines the methodology for future substance evaluations, requiring manufacturers to align data characterization and exposure scenarios with new regulatory expectations.

10 Mar 2026, 10:57canada.caCanada

Germany (BMFTR) Launches Europe–Southeast Asia Funding Call on New Materials and Green Transition

Germany has opened a funding call for international R&D projects on advanced, bio-based, and nanomaterials for the green transition, with project sketches due by 31 March 2026. This initiative offers strategic opportunities for companies to de-risk the development of sustainable material technologies and circular economy solutions through cross-regional collaboration.

10 Mar 2026, 06:06bmftr.bund.deGermanyBelgiumBruneiIndonesiaPhilippinesSwitzerlandCzechiaTürkiye