Printing Inks

ISO Publishes China-Led Pigment Oil Absorption Standard ISO 787-5:2026

ISO has published ISO 787-5:2026, a China-led global test standard updating the method for determining pigment and extender oil absorption, with SAMR highlighting its industrial impact in April 2026. The new method is expected to become the reference for quality control and specifications in pigment, coatings, and printing-ink supply chains, reducing inter-laboratory variation and waste but requiring labs and manufacturers to update test procedures and acceptance criteria.

28 Apr 2026, 19:47iso.orgGlobal

US FDA Announces Color Additive Petition To Remove Methylene Chloride, Trichloroethylene, and Ethylene Dichloride From Color Additive Regulations

The US FDA is considering a petition to formalize the removal of three chlorinated solvents from permitted use in food, drug, and cosmetic color additives. Businesses should verify that extraction processes for natural extracts like annatto and paprika have transitioned to compliant alternatives ahead of the anticipated regulatory phase-out.

4 Apr 2026, 10:31govinfo.govUnited States

Great Britain Issues Agency Opinion Proposing Repr. 1B GB MCL for 2‑Pyrrolidone

The UK Health and Safety Executive has proposed a mandatory classification for 2-pyrrolidone as a Category 1B reproductive toxicant to align Great Britain with EU standards. Impacted businesses must prepare for mandatory relabeling and safety data sheet updates while anticipating potential future restrictions on consumer use under UK REACH.

3 Apr 2026, 17:59hse.gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Basque Country (ES) Opens Consultation on Integrated Environmental Authorisation Revision for Sun Chemical S.A. (AAI00149)

The Basque Government has initiated a 20-day public consultation on updating the environmental permit for Sun Chemical S.A. to align with EU industrial emission standards. This process signals stricter operational requirements and emission limits for chemical manufacturers to meet updated Best Available Techniques for waste gas management.

26 Mar 2026, 11:34euskadi.eusSpain

US EPA Finalizes RACT Approval for Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Serious Ozone Nonattainment Area

The US EPA has finalized federal approval for volatile organic compound and nitrogen oxide emission controls in the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria region. Facilities should confirm that current state-level abatement measures align with these now federally enforceable standards to ensure long-term compliance and mitigate Clean Air Act enforcement risks.

24 Mar 2026, 13:42govinfo.govUnited States

US EPA Approves Texas RACT Revisions for VOC and NOₓ in Final SIP Action

The US EPA has finalized air plan revisions for the Dallas-Fort Worth area, mandating stricter VOC and NOx emission controls effective April 22, 2026. Impacted industrial facilities must ensure immediate alignment with updated RACT standards to mitigate compliance risks as state requirements become federally enforceable.

24 Mar 2026, 13:36govinfo.govUnited States

EU Initiates Anti-Dumping Investigation On Certain Acrylic Esters From China, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, And The United States

The EU has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of key acrylic esters from China, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United States. Downstream users in the coatings and adhesives sectors should assess supply chain exposure to potential provisional duties and the risk of retroactive tariff application.

12 Mar 2026, 21:43eur-lex.europa.euEuropean UnionChinaSaudi ArabiaUnited States

EuPIA Issues Voluntary Charter on Raw Material Selection and Exclusion for Printing Inks

The European Printing Ink Association has launched a new voluntary Charter establishing hazard-based exclusion criteria and phase-out deadlines for key substances in printing inks by 2027. This industry-led initiative will drive immediate supply chain substitution requirements and likely signals the direction of future EU regulatory restrictions under REACH and CLP.

12 Mar 2026, 14:53eupia.orgEuropean Union

Great Britain: HSE Consults on Identifying Omnirad (CAS 119344-86-4) as an SVHC Under UK REACH

The UK HSE has proposed identifying the photoinitiator Omnirad as a Substance of Very High Concern under UK REACH, with a consultation closing in April 2026. Inclusion on the Candidate List will trigger immediate supply chain notification duties and signal future regulatory pressure for manufacturers of coatings, inks, and treated articles.

12 Mar 2026, 13:40consultations.hse.gov.ukUnited Kingdom

United States Issues AD and CVD Orders on Certain Monomers and Oligomers From Taiwan

The United States has finalized massive antidumping and countervailing duty orders on specific acrylate monomers and oligomers from Taiwan, effective March 11, 2026. With combined duties exceeding 230 percent, businesses must immediately reassess Taiwanese supply chains and implement strict compliance controls for chemical blends containing these substances.

12 Mar 2026, 09:53federalregister.govUnited StatesTaiwan

Minnesota SF4208 Would Ban Ortho-Phthalates in Food Packaging

Minnesota has introduced legislation to ban intentionally added ortho-phthalates across all food packaging and food-service gloves. If enacted, businesses would have one year to eliminate these substances from supply chains, requiring rapid material substitutions for inks, coatings, and adhesives.

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

USITC Issues Final Injury Determinations on Multifunctional Acrylate and Methacrylate Monomers and Oligomers (MAMMOs) From Taiwan

The US International Trade Commission finalized injury determinations for MAMMOs from Taiwan in March 2026, cementing the application of antidumping and countervailing duties. Importers must now account for permanent cost increases for these essential chemical building blocks and evaluate the viability of alternative supply chains.

11 Mar 2026, 14:02federalregister.govUnited States

China Industry Standards Platform Adds New JC/T and QB/T Standards for Building Materials and Light-Industry Products

China has introduced updated 2025 industry standards for building materials and light-industry products, establishing new testing protocols for emissions, purification efficiency, and material performance. Companies should audit technical specifications for inks, coatings, and indoor materials to ensure compliance with updated Chinese market access and certification benchmarks.

10 Mar 2026, 17:09hbba.sacinfo.org.cnChina

Austria Amends VOC Installations Ordinance (VAV) to Implement Industrial Emissions Directive VOC Requirements

Austria has updated its VOC Installations Ordinance to align with the EU Industrial Emissions Directive and clarify the regulatory status of integrated coating and printing processes. Facilities must now integrate site-specific Best Available Techniques into their environmental compliance strategies to manage the combined impact of solvent-intensive industrial activities.

6 Mar 2026, 12:49ris.bka.gv.atAustria

EU Registers Imports of Benzyl Alcohol From China for Possible Anti-Dumping Duties Under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/362

The EU has mandated the registration of benzyl alcohol imports from China as of February 19, 2026, under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/362. This measure enables the retroactive application of anti-dumping duties, creating significant financial and supply chain risks for manufacturers in the fragrance, pharmaceutical, and coatings sectors.

20 Feb 2026, 16:32eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

US Commerce Amends Preliminary LTFV Determination for Certain Monomers and Oligomers From South Korea

The US Department of Commerce has increased preliminary antidumping duties on South Korean monomers and oligomers to between 25.07% and 28.52% effective February 2026. Importers of these specialty chemicals for coatings and resins must account for significantly higher procurement costs and immediate cash deposit requirements during the ongoing trade investigation.

11 Feb 2026, 11:14govinfo.govUnited StatesSouth Korea

US Commerce Department Issues Final Antidumping Determination on Certain Monomers and Oligomers from Taiwan

The US Department of Commerce has finalized a 130.23 percent antidumping margin on specific monomers and oligomers from Taiwan following a determination of sales at less than fair value. Importers and downstream users of UV-curable resins must prepare for significant retroactive duties and long-term cost increases pending the final injury determination by the International Trade Commission.

4 Feb 2026, 13:55public-inspection.federalregister.govUnited States

China Adopts Mandatory Standard GB 46997-2025 on Heavy Metal Limits in Printing Inks

China has finalized mandatory safety standard GB 46997-2025, imposing strict limits on total and soluble heavy metals in all printing inks with a 2027 compliance deadline. Businesses must audit ink formulations and secure supply chain compliance immediately to maintain market access and mitigate enforcement risks under these new safety requirements.

3 Feb 2026, 13:34std.samr.gov.cnChina

Switzerland FSVO Updates Packaging Printing Inks Guidance on Declaration of Compliance and Non-Listed Substances

Switzerland has updated its food contact material guidance to clarify Declaration of Compliance and risk assessment requirements for printing inks. Companies must strengthen supply chain data sharing and safety assessments for non-listed substances to ensure compliance during the two-year transition period.

29 Jan 2026, 19:35blv.admin.chSwitzerland

Global Ink Additives Market Responds To PFAS Regulatory Pressure

Global ink additive suppliers are accelerating the phase-out of PFAS and PTFE chemistries through 2025 in response to tightening food-contact and environmental regulations. Companies should prioritize the qualification of bio-based and microplastic-free alternatives to ensure supply chain resilience and alignment with evolving global packaging standards.

22 Jan 2026, 10:54inkworldmagazine.comGlobal