Polymers

EU Commission Implementing Decision Authorising Mechanical PET Recycling Process 'Vogtland PET' Under Regulation (EU) 2022/1616

Implementing Decision C(2026)2278 authorises the 'Vogtland PET' mechanical PET recycling process under Regulation (EU) 2022/1616, adding another approved route for recycled plastic food-contact materials in the EU. This broadens compliant recycled PET supply options for food and beverage packaging while maintaining strict process-approval and traceability requirements for recyclers and brand owners.

15 Apr 2026, 13:37ec.europa.euEuropean Union

US Commerce Finalises 2023–2024 Antidumping Duty Administrative Review of PET Film From Taiwan

In April 2026 the US Department of Commerce finalized its 2023–2024 antidumping duty administrative review on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film from Taiwan, setting a 1.06% dumping margin for Nan Ya Plastics and rescinding the review for Shinkong due to no qualifying entries. Importers of Taiwanese PET film must apply the updated cash deposit and assessment arrangements from the Federal Register publication date while recognizing that the underlying PET film antidumping order and the 2.40% all-others rate remain in force.

14 Apr 2026, 18:54public-inspection.federalregister.govUnited StatesTaiwan

Australia (AICIS) Varies Inventory Listing and Notification Obligations for CAS 2097886-94-5

AICIS has revoked confidential status and updated mandatory reporting requirements for a specific polymer (CAS 2097886-94-5), effective March 2026. Introducers must implement robust monitoring for changes in use, volume, or safety data to comply with strict 28-day notification windows for secondary-notification triggers.

4 Apr 2026, 10:31industrialchemicals.gov.auAustralia

EU/DK REACH Microplastics Restriction: First Plastics Granulate Reporting Deadline And Danish Webinar

The first mandatory reporting deadline for plastic granulate under the EU REACH microplastics restriction is May 31, 2026, covering 2025 operational data. Impacted manufacturers and processors must establish robust tracking for polymer identification and environmental loss estimates to comply with new transparency and reporting obligations.

2 Apr 2026, 08:35eur-lex.europa.euDenmarkEuropean Union

Nevada NDEP Proposes NPDES Permit Renewal for Swan Products LLC (NV0021091)

Nevada regulators proposed a five-year renewal of the industrial wastewater discharge permit for a PVC manufacturing facility in March 2026. This renewal underscores the ongoing operational compliance obligations and sustained regulatory scrutiny of water quality within the plastics manufacturing sector.

31 Mar 2026, 21:28ndep.nv.govUnited States

Canada: Waivers Granted for Certain New-Substance Information Requirements Under CEPA 1999

Canada has issued case-by-case waivers for specific new-substance data requirements, exempting notified substances from certain toxicity and physical-chemical testing. This demonstrates continued regulatory flexibility for market entrants, allowing for reduced compliance costs when specific data is deemed unnecessary for risk assessment.

29 Mar 2026, 17:37gazette.gc.caCanada

India BIS Consults On Draft Standards For Benzoic Acid, Ion-Exchange Resins And Ethyl Acetate

India has released updated draft technical standards and testing protocols for benzoic acid, ion-exchange resins, and ethyl acetate for public consultation. These revisions typically serve as the basis for future mandatory Quality Control Orders, requiring manufacturers to align technical specifications to maintain Indian market access.

28 Mar 2026, 16:36standards.bis.gov.inIndia

EU Commission Imposes Provisional Anti-Dumping Duty on Polyamide Yarn Imports From China

The EU has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties ranging from 57.7% to 90.1% on Chinese polyamide yarn imports effective March 28, 2026. Importers must prepare for significant cost increases in synthetic filament supply chains and evaluate the impact on downstream product pricing and sourcing strategies.

28 Mar 2026, 16:24eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Japan CAA Updates Annex 1–21 Monomer Reference For Food-Contact Positive List

Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency updated the Annex 1–21 monomer reference list for food-contact materials on March 26, 2026. Manufacturers should audit internal substance databases against this revised reference file to ensure accurate compliance reporting and alignment with the positive list for polymer base materials.

28 Mar 2026, 09:36caa.go.jpJapan

US House Introduces Preventing Future Vintage Plastic Pipeline Tragedies Act (H.R. 8050)

Proposed US legislation would mandate gas distribution operators to identify and report all legacy Aldyl-A polyethylene piping within three years of enactment. This signals a shift toward mandatory oversight of vintage plastic infrastructure, requiring operators to accelerate risk assessments and prioritize capital for long-term material replacement.

27 Mar 2026, 08:37govinfo.govUnited States

Germany REACH‑CLP‑Biocides Helpdesk Publishes Webinar Slides on REACH Microplastics Reporting Obligations

The German REACH Helpdesk has issued technical guidance for the first mandatory microplastics reporting deadline under REACH Annex XVII, set for May 31, 2026. Companies must immediately align data collection with IUCLID templates, as the absence of a minimum threshold requires formal reporting even for zero-emission uses.

27 Mar 2026, 08:18reach-clp-biozid-helpdesk.deEuropean UnionGermany

China MEE Opens Consultation On Draft Water Pollutant Discharge Standards For Petroleum Refining And Synthetic Resin Industries

China is tightening water pollutant discharge standards for the petroleum refining and synthetic resin industries through new draft regulations. Impacted manufacturers must evaluate wastewater treatment capacity and prepare for increased compliance costs to align with stricter environmental discharge limits.

27 Mar 2026, 07:49mee.gov.cnChina

US EPA Finalises Tolerance Exemption for Dimethylpolysiloxane (CAS 63148-62-9) in Pesticide Formulations

The US EPA has expanded the tolerance exemption for dimethylpolysiloxane in pesticide formulations by lowering the minimum molecular weight threshold, effective March 2026. This regulatory easing provides greater formulation flexibility for manufacturers while streamlining compliance for residues on food and feed commodities.

26 Mar 2026, 19:33federalregister.govUnited States

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

US ITC Determines Revoking PET Film AD/CVD Orders on Imports From China, India, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates Would Cause Injury

The US International Trade Commission has finalized sunset reviews, extending antidumping and countervailing duties on PET film imports from China, India, Taiwan, and the UAE. Importers and downstream users should maintain current cost projections and procurement strategies as trade protections for the domestic industry remain in place.

26 Mar 2026, 11:52federalregister.govUnited StatesChinaIndiaTaiwanUnited Arab Emirates

EU Corrects Application Date and Annex Reference in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2770 on Polymer Biodegradability Criteria

The European Union has finalized the compliance timeline and technical references for polymer biodegradability requirements in fertilizing products, establishing a firm application date of October 2028. Companies must ensure that product development cycles and labeling for coating agents and water retention polymers align with these clarified standards to maintain market access.

26 Mar 2026, 11:47data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Commission Adopts Decision on Refund of Anti‑Dumping Duties on Superabsorbent Polymers From the Republic of Korea

The European Commission recently adopted a decision concerning the refund of anti-dumping duties on superabsorbent polymers imported from South Korea. Affected businesses should evaluate this enforcement action for potential duty recovery and anticipate sustained trade defense activity impacting polymer procurement costs.

26 Mar 2026, 11:37ec.europa.euEuropean UnionSouth Korea

Australia (AICIS) Adds CAS 133222-51-2 to Industrial Chemicals Inventory

Australia has formally transitioned a calcium zinc polymer to the national industrial chemicals inventory following the expiration of its initial assessment certificate. This shift broadens market access while placing the onus on businesses to ensure their specific introduction circumstances remain within the scope of the original regulatory evaluation.

26 Mar 2026, 11:31industrialchemicals.gov.auAustralia

Pennsylvania DEP Announces Meeting and Hearing on Shell Polymers Monaca Air Plan Approval

Pennsylvania regulators have proposed updated air quality and wastewater control requirements for the Shell Polymers Monaca facility, with a final comment deadline of April 17, 2026. This development signals tightening oversight of polymer production emissions and highlights the need for operators to align facility infrastructure with evolving federal air quality standards.

25 Mar 2026, 21:44pa.govUnited States

EFSA Ongoing Risk Assessment of Xanthan Gum Feed Additive for Cats (EFSA-Q-2024-00509)

EFSA has resumed its safety assessment for xanthan gum as a cat feed additive following a data submission, with a final opinion due by July 2026. Approval would expand formulation options for the EU pet food market and require manufacturers to update product compliance and labeling.

25 Mar 2026, 21:36open.efsa.europa.euEuropean Union