Phthalates

Croatia’s Institute for Water Reports Monitoring Results for Plastic Additives in Waters

Croatia’s Institute for Water has published monitoring data confirming the widespread presence of DEHP and other plastic additives in national surface waters. Although current concentrations generally remain within legal limits, the high detection rate of phthalates signals ongoing environmental pressure that may drive future restrictions on plastic-derived substances.

5 Apr 2026, 19:37institutjjs.hrCroatia

South Korea MFDS Adopts Stricter PVC Phthalate Limits and Recycled PP Criteria for Food-Contact Materials

South Korea has tightened migration limits for DEHP and DEHA in PVC food-contact materials and established criteria for using mechanically recycled polypropylene in packaging, effective March 2026. Manufacturers must phase out specific phthalates in PVC applications by March 2027 while evaluating new circular economy opportunities for recycled PP under strict closed-loop safety protocols.

1 Apr 2026, 18:48mfds.go.krSouth Korea

US CPSC Direct Final Rule Updates Portable Hook-On Chair Standard To ASTM F1235-25

The US CPSC has updated the mandatory safety standard for portable hook-on chairs to incorporate ASTM F1235-25, effective July 19, 2026. Manufacturers must ensure compliance with new battery-specific performance, testing, and labeling requirements for products with electronic features to maintain market access.

1 Apr 2026, 14:19govinfo.govUnited States

US CPSC Updates Portable Hook-On Chairs Safety Standard to ASTM F1235-25

The US CPSC is mandating the updated ASTM F1235-25 safety standard for portable hook-on chairs, effective July 19, 2026. Manufacturers must update product designs and third-party testing protocols to meet new safety requirements for integrated batteries, compartments, and AC adapters.

31 Mar 2026, 21:29federalregister.govUnited States

EU Council Prepares TBPH Submission For Listing Under Stockholm Convention Annex A

The EU has approved a formal submission to list the flame retardant TBPH for global elimination under the Stockholm Convention. This move signals a definitive regulatory trajectory toward a worldwide phase-out, requiring manufacturers to prioritize substitution in plastic and textile applications.

29 Mar 2026, 17:35data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

HEAL Supports French Proposal to Classify Medium-Chain Ortho-Phthalates as Reproductive Toxicants and Endocrine Disruptors

HEAL has supported a French proposal to classify 48 medium-chain ortho-phthalates as reproductive toxicants and endocrine disruptors under EU CLP. This signals a shift toward group-based regulatory action and additive toxicity assessments, likely leading to broader REACH restrictions and stricter safety requirements for plastic-containing products.

29 Mar 2026, 05:45env-health.orgEuropean UnionFrance

Canada Amends Domestic Substances List SNAc Requirements for 223 Substances Under CEPA 1999 (SOR/2026-43)

Canada has standardized Significant New Activity (SNAc) requirements for 223 substances on the Domestic Substances List, effective March 9, 2026. Manufacturers and importers must now provide 90-day advance notification for new activities, including specific concentration thresholds for consumer products and cosmetics.

27 Mar 2026, 18:31gazette.gc.caCanada

EU COREPER I Agenda Sets Adoption of EU TBPH Listing Submission Under Stockholm POPs Convention

The EU is formalizing its position to support a global ban on the flame retardant TBPH under the Stockholm Convention. This signals an impending global phase-out, necessitating early supply chain screening and substitution planning for affected plastic and textile applications.

26 Mar 2026, 12:21data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

Brazil Moves RoHS-Style Draft Resolution for Electrical and Electronic Equipment Into Final CONAMA Deliberations

Brazil is advancing a draft RoHS resolution to restrict 10 hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, with final deliberations underway as of March 2026. Companies must prepare for EU-aligned substance limits, mandatory technical dossiers, and a new national registry, signaling a significant shift toward harmonized global electronics compliance.

21 Mar 2026, 19:26gov.brBrazil

China Adopts Updated Mandatory Toy Safety Standard GB 6675.1-2025

China has updated its mandatory toy safety standard (GB 6675.1-2025), introducing stricter chemical limits and new safety requirements effective November 1, 2026. Companies must review product compositions and CCC certifications to address expanded restrictions on substances like SCCPs, PAHs, and VOCs before the enforcement deadline.

18 Mar 2026, 16:13openstd.samr.gov.cnChina

EU ECHA Invites Comments On Seven REACH Authorisation Applications Closing 08 April 2026

ECHA has launched public consultations on seven REACH authorisation applications for SVHCs including chromium trioxide and phthalates, closing April 8, 2026. Impacted firms in the aerospace, electronics, and medical sectors should evaluate these applications to ensure continued market access or accelerate transition to safer alternatives.

16 Mar 2026, 16:29echa.europa.euEuropean Union

Australia: NSW Plastics Plan 2.0 Sets 2026–2030 Phase-Out of Problematic Single-Use Plastics and Packaging

NSW will introduce legislation in 2026 to phase out diverse single-use plastics and microplastics through a staged implementation ending in 2030. Impacted sectors must prepare for mandatory product redesigns, new recyclability labelling, and potential restrictions on PFAS and phthalates in food packaging.

13 Mar 2026, 16:39epa.nsw.gov.auAustralia

Uzbekistan Extends Lead-In For Hazardous Substances Technical Regulation For Electrotechnical And Radio-Electronic Products To 18 Months

Uzbekistan has extended the implementation timeline for its RoHS-style technical regulation for electrical and electronic products to 18 months. This delay provides manufacturers and importers until February 2027 to align product designs and conformity assessment processes with new hazardous substance restrictions.

12 Mar 2026, 13:45lex.uzUzbekistan

ECHA Orders Amphibian Endocrine Disruption Study for Bis(2-Propylheptyl) Phthalate Under REACH

ECHA has mandated an extended amphibian study for Bis(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP) by November 2028 to investigate potential environmental endocrine-disrupting properties. This decision signals increased regulatory scrutiny for high-volume phthalates used in PVC and coatings, with results likely determining future SVHC identification or restriction measures.

12 Mar 2026, 13:41echa.europa.euEuropean Union

Minnesota SF4208 Would Ban Ortho-Phthalates in Food Packaging

Minnesota has introduced legislation (SF 4208) to ban the intentional use of ortho-phthalates in all food packaging and related components. If enacted, businesses must eliminate these substances from inks, coatings, and food-service gloves within one year, necessitating immediate supply chain verification.

11 Mar 2026, 17:14revisor.mn.govUnited States

ANSES Highlights Expansion of CLP Classification of Phthalates

ANSES is advocating for expanded harmonized CLP classifications for phthalates as reproductive toxicants and endocrine disruptors (March 2026). This signals a sustained regulatory drive to restrict plasticizers, necessitating proactive supply chain reviews and preparation for stricter labeling and packaging mandates.

11 Mar 2026, 16:35anses.frFranceEuropean Union

European Parliament Research Service Reviews EU Food Contact Materials Rules

The European Parliament has published a strategic review of the EU Food Contact Materials framework, signaling an imminent push for broader harmonisation and stricter chemical migration limits. Companies should anticipate a shift toward comprehensive regulation of non-plastic materials and more rigorous assessment of cumulative chemical exposures.

4 Mar 2026, 16:15europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

Greenpeace Report Warns of Microplastics and Toxic Chemicals in Plastic-Packaged Ready Meals

Greenpeace has released a major report highlighting significant microplastic and chemical migration from plastic-packaged ready meals during heating. This increases pressure on UN plastics treaty negotiators and regulators to restrict hazardous additives and rethink "microwave-safe" labeling standards for food-contact materials.

27 Feb 2026, 16:15greenpeace.orgGlobalNetherlands

US Study Finds Toxic Chemicals in Hair Extensions, Exposing Gaps in Cosmetics Regulation

A new study identifying hazardous chemicals in hair extensions is intensifying pressure for expanded US federal cosmetics regulation and stricter state-level enforcement. Companies should anticipate broader oversight of cosmetic accessories and ensure compliance with California’s 2025 chemical bans to manage emerging product liability and market access risks.

27 Feb 2026, 15:38healthpolicy-watch.newsUnited States

Germany (UBA) Reports Widespread MnHexP Exposure in Children and Adolescents

The EU has codified a strict 1 mg/kg contamination limit for the banned plasticiser DnHexP in sunscreens, effective 1 January 2027, following widespread detection in biomonitoring studies. Manufacturers using the UV filter DHHB must urgently audit supply chains and production processes to ensure compliance with this technical feasibility threshold and mitigate reprotoxic exposure risks.

24 Feb 2026, 19:21umweltbundesamt.deGermanyEuropean Union