Substitution

ECHA Marks Formaldehyde-Releasing Paraformaldehyde/Benzyl Alcohol Reaction Products as Candidate for Substitution Under BPR

ECHA has updated its EU Biocidal Active Substances database to show that the active substance “formaldehyde released from the reaction products of paraformaldehyde and benzyl alcohol” is now classified as a candidate for substitution under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). This raises the regulatory bar for biocidal products using this formaldehyde‑releasing system, signalling stronger substitution pressure in future authorisations and renewals and prompting companies to evaluate safer alternatives and longer‑term reformulation options.

10 Apr 2026, 12:48echa.europa.euEuropean Union

New York Senate Proposes Healthy and Green Procurement Act (S09743)

New York has introduced Senate bill S09743, the **"New York state healthy and green procurement act"**, to hard‑wire life‑cycle environmental and health criteria into state purchasing decisions and steer demand away from priority toxic substances and high‑impact products.[^1^](https://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=S09743&term=2025&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Text=Y#jump_to_Summary) If enacted, suppliers to New York state agencies will increasingly need to demonstrate recycled content, energy efficiency, green‑building compatibility and reduced use of substances such as PFAS, brominated flame retardants, bisphenol A, mercury, lead, dioxins and PVC in order to remain eligible for state contracts.[^3^](https://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=S09743&term=2025&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Text=Y#jump_to_Text)

10 Apr 2026, 10:44assembly.state.ny.usUnited States

South Coast AQMD Adopts Amendments to Rule 1124 for Aerospace Coatings and Solvents

South Coast AQMD has finalized amendments to Rule 1124, phasing out toxic solvents pCBtF and t-BAc from aerospace manufacturing operations. Impacted businesses must transition to a two-tier compliance framework, necessitating material reformulations or the installation of high-efficiency emission control systems.

9 Apr 2026, 09:52ceqanet.lci.ca.govUnited States

ECHA Launches Consultation on Hexaflumuron as Candidate for Substitution Under BPR

ECHA has launched a public consultation (closing June 8, 2026) on hexaflumuron as a candidate for substitution under the Biocidal Products Regulation. This designation signals a likely phase-out or restricted approval for PT 18 insecticides, requiring industry to provide evidence for derogations or transition to alternative substances.

8 Apr 2026, 16:01echa.europa.euEuropean Union

France / INERIS Publishes PFAS Essential-Use Case Study Report

France’s Ineris has released a framework for applying the "essential-use" concept to PFAS, testing substitution feasibility across medical, automotive, and transport sectors. This methodology signals a shift toward more structured regulatory scrutiny, where market access will increasingly depend on proving a substance's functional necessity and the lack of viable alternatives.

5 Apr 2026, 19:20ineris.frFranceEuropean Union

Italy (INAIL) Publishes Guidance on Formaldehyde Exposure in Pathology Laboratories

Italy’s INAIL has issued new guidance on managing formaldehyde exposure in pathology laboratories, reinforcing strict occupational exposure limits and the mandatory hierarchy of prevention. Businesses using formaldehyde must prioritize substitution with safer alternatives and ensure rigorous technical controls to meet the now-fully-effective 0.37 mg/m³ 8-hour limit.

4 Apr 2026, 10:28inail.itItaly

UK Government Consults On Reforms To Fire Safety Of Domestic Upholstered Furniture

The UK government has launched a final consultation on reforming furniture fire safety regulations, proposing a shift from open-flame testing to smoulder-based requirements. This transition aims to significantly reduce industry reliance on chemical flame retardants, necessitating product redesign and supply chain adjustments to meet new safety and circularity standards.

1 Apr 2026, 19:34gov.ukUnited Kingdom

EU Extends Approval of Glutaraldehyde for Biocidal Product Types 2, 3, 4, 6, 11 and 12 Until 2029

The EU has extended the approval of glutaraldehyde for several biocidal product types until March 2029 to allow for a comprehensive renewal assessment. While this grants manufacturers additional time for compliance, the substance remains a candidate for substitution, necessitating long-term planning for potential alternatives.

31 Mar 2026, 21:30regjeringen.noEuropean UnionNorway

Quincy, Massachusetts Approves $2.65 Million for PFAS-Free Firefighter Gear

Quincy, Massachusetts, has approved $2.65 million to replace all firefighter turnout gear with PFAS-free alternatives to mitigate occupational health risks. This move signals accelerating municipal-level procurement shifts and stricter enforcement of state-level PFAS phase-outs, increasing pressure on PPE manufacturers to eliminate "forever chemicals".

28 Mar 2026, 20:26bostonglobe.comUnited States

UK House Of Lords Debate Confirms No Immediate PFAS Ban For Consumer Products

The UK government confirmed in March 2026 that it currently has no plans for a blanket ban on PFAS in consumer products, opting for a phased approach. While immediate bans are off the table, businesses should accelerate supply chain mapping as the UK signals a long-term shift toward stricter transparency and targeted restrictions.

28 Mar 2026, 20:26hansard.parliament.ukUnited Kingdom

EU/France: HEAL Supports REACH Proposal To Restrict Octocrilene In Cosmetic Products

HEAL has formally supported the proposed EU REACH restriction on octocrilene in cosmetics, advocating for a shortened two-year transition period. This development signals strong NGO pressure for a rapid phase-out, requiring manufacturers to accelerate reformulation efforts and assess the environmental profile of potential alternatives.

27 Mar 2026, 18:41env-health.orgEuropean UnionFrance

European Parliament Questions Commission on Adding Lead to REACH Annex XIV and Craft Sectors

A European Parliament inquiry has challenged the European Commission on the potential inclusion of lead in the REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV), following ECHA's 2023 recommendation. This signals mounting political pressure to balance strict chemical restrictions with exemptions for specialized sectors, potentially complicating the timeline and scope of future lead authorizations.

27 Mar 2026, 18:37europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

Minnesota Legislature Proposes Statewide Ban on Lead Ammunition (HF 4743)

Minnesota HF 4743 proposes a phased statewide ban on the manufacture, sale, and possession of lead ammunition between 2027 and 2028. This mandate forces a total market transition to nontoxic alternatives, requiring immediate supply chain adjustments and inventory management to avoid disposal liabilities.

27 Mar 2026, 07:57revisor.mn.govUnited States

California Assembly Proposes PFAS Pesticide Phase-Out by 2035 (AB 1603)

California is advancing legislation to phase out all pesticides containing intentionally added PFAS by 2035, with mandatory labeling and restricted-material controls beginning in 2028. This proposal forces a strategic shift toward PFAS-free formulations and introduces significant new compliance burdens for manufacturers and distributors operating in the California market.

27 Mar 2026, 07:56leginfo.legislature.ca.govUnited States

South Korea Establishes Task Force To Respond To EU PFAS Restriction Plan

South Korea has established a joint government-industry task force to coordinate a strategic response to the EU’s proposed PFAS phase-out. This move signals a shift toward state-backed PFAS substitution and proactive trade diplomacy to safeguard critical semiconductor, battery, and automotive supply chains.

27 Mar 2026, 07:54en.yna.co.krSouth KoreaEuropean Union

Constantia Flexibles To Phase Out PFAS-Containing Packaging Ahead of EU PPWR Deadline

A major global packaging manufacturer is phasing out all PFAS-containing products ahead of the EU PPWR August 2026 compliance deadline. This supply chain shift accelerates the transition toward PFAS-free flexible packaging as the market standard, necessitating rapid substitution for downstream brands.

27 Mar 2026, 07:51spnews.comEuropean Union

EU Draft Implementing Decision Not to Approve poly(dimethyloctadecyl[3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyl]ammonium Chloride) for Biocidal Product-Types 2, 7 and 9

The EU has proposed the non-approval of poly(dimethyloctadecyl[3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride) for use in disinfectants and material preservatives (PT 2, 7, and 9). Impacted businesses must initiate substitution strategies and phase-out plans for affected biocidal products and treated articles following the substance's failure to meet safety and efficacy standards.

27 Mar 2026, 07:50members.wto.orgEuropean UnionEuropean Economic Area

EU CA Meeting Reviews Progress of BPR Active Substance Review and Renewal Programme (March 2026)

The EU has signaled a critical need to accelerate the BPR active substance review programme to clear a significant backlog before the 2030 deadline. Manufacturers face increased risk of sudden market exits for substances failing renewal, alongside stricter scrutiny of endocrine-disrupting impurities that could trigger mandatory substitution.

26 Mar 2026, 19:31circabc.europa.euEuropean Union

Minnesota MPCA Reminder: Feedback On PFAS Currently Unavoidable Use Rule Concepts Closes 29 March 2026

Minnesota is finalizing the "Currently Unavoidable Use" (CUU) framework for PFAS, with the public comment period on core rule concepts closing March 29, 2026. This process defines the "essentiality" criteria that will determine market access for PFAS-containing products ahead of the state's 2032 broad prohibition.

26 Mar 2026, 19:24pca.state.mn.usUnited States

Netherlands Parliament Proposes Extra 2026–2028 Funding for Ctgb Plant Protection and Biocides Authorisations

The Dutch Parliament is considering a budget amendment to provide EUR 3 million in additional funding to the Ctgb between 2026 and 2028. This investment aims to accelerate the authorization of sustainable plant protection products and biocides, signaling a shift toward faster market entry for "green" alternatives.

26 Mar 2026, 19:24zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlNetherlands