Standardisation

China NMPA Issues Five Recommended Cosmetics Industry Standards (Announcement No. 34, 2026)

In April 2026, China’s NMPA issued Announcement No. 34 (2026) publishing five **recommended** cosmetics industry standards: two horizontal standards for biotechnology‑derived and plant‑origin raw materials plus three ingredient‑specific monographs for *Centella asiatica* extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide‑8 and Copper Tripeptide‑1, all applying from **01 May 2027**. These standards set a de facto quality and safety benchmark for cosmetic ingredients in China, so raw‑material suppliers and brands should compare current specifications and test methods against the new norms and plan any adjustments well before 2027.

10 Apr 2026, 15:39nmpa.gov.cnChina

US NHTSA Seeks Comment on Replaceable Light Source Dimensional Information Collection

NHTSA is seeking public comment by 8 June 2026 on reinstating its OMB‑approved information collection (2127‑0563) requiring manufacturers to submit dimensional and performance data for replaceable headlamp light sources under 49 CFR part 564.[^1^](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/08/2026-06736/agency-information-collection-activities-proposals-submissions-and-approvals-replaceable-light#:~:text=NHTSA%20invites%20public%20comments%20about%20our%20intention%20to%20request%20approval%20from%20the%20Office%20of%20Management%20and%20Budget)[^2^](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/08/2026-06736/agency-information-collection-activities-proposals-submissions-and-approvals-replaceable-light#:~:text=Comments%20must%20be%20submitted%20on%20or%20before%20June%208%2C%202026.) For automotive lighting and vehicle manufacturers, this PRA process underpins the data NHTSA uses to ensure replacement headlamp light sources remain interchangeable and compliant with FMVSS 108, so engagement now can shape future reporting expectations and documentation practices.[^3^](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/08/2026-06736/agency-information-collection-activities-proposals-submissions-and-approvals-replaceable-light#:~:text=Title%3A-,49%20CFR%20part%20564,-%2C%20Replaceable%20Light%20Source)[^5^](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/08/2026-06736/agency-information-collection-activities-proposals-submissions-and-approvals-replaceable-light#:~:text=In%20Federal%20motor%20vehicle%20safety%20standard%20(FMVSS)%20No.%20108)

10 Apr 2026, 13:16federalregister.govUnited States

EU Commission Updates MDR Harmonised Standards for Sterilizers and Hearing Aids

The European Commission has updated the list of harmonised standards under the Medical Devices Regulation (MDR), introducing new technical specifications for small steam sterilizers, steam boilers, and hearing aids as of April 2026. Manufacturers should adopt these updated standards to maintain the presumption of conformity with MDR essential requirements and ensure continued market access for these specific device categories.

9 Apr 2026, 14:26eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

South Africa Opens 60-Day Review Of Draft African Standards DARS 2177–2181 For Paints

South Africa has initiated a 60-day consultation on five draft standards (DARS 2177–2181) aimed at harmonizing technical specifications and testing methods for various paint types. Manufacturers should evaluate these drafts against existing product formulations and performance data to ensure regional compliance and maintain market access as standards move toward adoption.

9 Apr 2026, 09:55docs.wto.orgSouth Africa

China Adds New XB/T and YS/T Industry Standards for Rare Earths, Non‑Ferrous Metals and Semiconductor Materials

China has formalized new XB/T and YS/T industry standards for rare earths, battery electrolytes, and semiconductor materials as of April 2026. Manufacturers and laboratories must update quality control protocols and analytical methods to ensure compliance with these standardized specifications for critical minerals and electronic components.

6 Apr 2026, 18:44hbba.sacinfo.org.cnChina

EU Commission Amends Harmonised Standards for Sterilisers and Hearing Aids Under Decision 2021/1182

The European Commission has updated the list of harmonised standards for medical devices, specifically targeting sterilisers and electroacoustic hearing aids. Manufacturers must prepare to align technical documentation with these revised standards to maintain the presumption of conformity under the Medical Devices Regulation (EU) 2017/745.

5 Apr 2026, 05:50ec.europa.euEuropean Union

UK Department for Business and Trade Publishes Guidance on Using Harmonised Standards for CE‑Marked Products in Great Britain

The UK has issued technical guidance on using EU harmonised standards for CE-marked products in Great Britain, confirming continued recognition across 21 major product regimes. Manufacturers must identify where EU and GB standards diverge, as mismatches void the presumption of conformity and necessitate enhanced technical documentation or stricter assessment modules.

5 Apr 2026, 05:22gov.ukUnited Kingdom

EDQM Announces European Pharmacopoeia Issue 13.1 Applicable In 39 Countries From 1 January 2027

The European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) Issue 13.1 is now available and will become legally binding across 39 European countries on January 1, 2027. Quality and regulatory teams must assess updated monographs and testing requirements to ensure continued market access and product compliance.

EDQM Publishes Pharmeuropa 38.2 Draft Ph. Eur. Texts For Consultation

The EDQM has opened consultations on 46 new or revised European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) standards, covering key active substances and general testing chapters. Businesses should assess these drafts before the June 30, 2026 deadline, as adopted monographs become mandatory quality and safety requirements for pharmaceutical market access in Europe.

EU Consolidated Version of Decision (EU) 2023/941 on PPE Harmonised Standards (08 April 2026)

The EU has published a consolidated reference of harmonised standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), clarifying which technical specifications currently grant a presumption of conformity. Manufacturers must verify that their product certifications and technical documentation align with these updated standards as older versions are phased out.

4 Apr 2026, 10:31eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Amends Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU With Emergency Procedures (Consolidated Text Applying From 30 May 2026)

The EU has updated the Low Voltage Directive to include emergency procedures for crisis-relevant electrical equipment, effective May 30, 2026. This framework enables rapid shifts in technical specifications and labeling requirements during market emergencies, necessitating more agile compliance and supply chain planning for critical electronics.

4 Apr 2026, 10:30eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

Thailand Extends Implementation Timeline for Food-Contact Paper Regulation to June 2027

Thailand has proposed a one-year delay for the mandatory enforcement of food-contact paper standards (TIS 2948-2562), moving the implementation date to June 22, 2027. This extension offers a critical window for manufacturers to finalize TISI certification and ensure product compliance without disrupting market access in the immediate term.

3 Apr 2026, 18:55docs.wto.orgThailand

NEN Publishes NEN‑EN‑ISO 17507‑1:2026 and 17507‑2:2026 for Methane Number Calculation of Gaseous Fuels

The Netherlands has adopted new international standards (ISO 17507) harmonizing methane number calculations for natural gas, biomethane, and hydrogen blends. These standards provide a unified technical basis for fuel specifications and engine performance, reducing compliance risk and contractual uncertainty in the transition to low-carbon fuels.

3 Apr 2026, 18:27nen.nlNetherlands

EU Council Sets Position on RID Appendix C Amendments for 59th OTIF Dangerous Goods Committee

The EU Council has formalized its support for technical amendments to the RID regulations governing the international carriage of dangerous goods by rail. Companies should anticipate updated tank-container load standards, new wagon marking requirements, and alignment with rail interoperability specifications.

3 Apr 2026, 18:26data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

Michigan LARA Opens Consultation on Part 8 Electrical Code Update Adopting 2026 NEC

Michigan is consulting on the adoption of the 2026 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) to update state-wide electrical installation standards. Businesses should evaluate technical shifts from the 2023 edition to ensure future construction projects and facility upgrades meet updated safety and administrative requirements.

3 Apr 2026, 09:55michigan.govUnited States

Switzerland Recognises European Pharmacopoeia 12.3 in Pharmacopoeia Ordinance

Switzerland will formally recognize the European Pharmacopoeia 12.3 supplement starting July 1, 2026. Pharmaceutical manufacturers must ensure products comply with these updated quality standards to maintain regulatory alignment and Swiss market access.

2 Apr 2026, 09:36fedlex.data.admin.chSwitzerland

Ukraine Consults On Draft Amendments Extending Agricultural And Forestry Vehicle Type-Approval Transition Period To 2027

Ukraine is consulting on extending the transition period for agricultural and forestry vehicle type-approval requirements until December 31, 2027. This extension provides manufacturers with additional time to align production and certification processes with updated technical standards without disrupting market access.

2 Apr 2026, 09:35me.gov.uaUkraine

Netherlands CBb Annuls Minister's Disapproval of 'Circus' Inflatable Play Equipment

The Dutch CBb has annulled a ministerial ban on inflatable play equipment, ruling that valid safety certifications cannot be dismissed without robust, verifiable evidence of non-compliance. This judgment reinforces the legal weight of third-party certifications and limits the ability of market surveillance authorities to enforce product bans based on theoretical risk models rather than practical testing.

2 Apr 2026, 09:35uitspraken.rechtspraak.nlNetherlands

UK Department For Business And Trade Publishes Guidance On CE‑Marked Products For EU Market

The UK government has published consolidated guidance for exporters on navigating EU CE marking and conformity requirements for manufactured goods. Manufacturers must verify compliance across multiple overlapping EU regulations to ensure uninterrupted market access and avoid enforcement risks under the New Legislative Framework.

1 Apr 2026, 19:36gov.ukEuropean Union

Great Britain Guidance on Placing UKCA or CE Marked Products on the Market

The UK government has issued consolidated guidance confirming the indefinite recognition of CE marking alongside UKCA for most manufactured goods in Great Britain. Manufacturers should utilize "Fast-Track UKCA" options to streamline market access while planning for the December 2027 transition when temporary labeling and importer information flexibilities end.

1 Apr 2026, 19:36gov.ukUnited Kingdom