Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

California Air Resources Board Webinar on Draft 2023 Consumer Products Survey Data

California Air Resources Board will hold a 2 June 2026 webinar to present draft 2023 consumer and commercial product survey data, explain how the dataset will support its consumer products air quality programme, and invite stakeholder feedback. This offers manufacturers and importers an opportunity to validate how their product categories are represented in the data before CARB uses it for inventories, risk assessments, and future rulemakings.

24 May 2026, 21:22content.govdelivery.comUnited States

US EPA Approves Arizona Gila County RACT SIP for 2015 Ozone NAAQS

In May 2026, the US EPA approved Arizona’s 2025 state implementation plan revision demonstrating reasonably available control technology for ozone precursors in the Gila County portion of the Phoenix–Mesa nonattainment area, with the rule taking effect on 22 June 2026. This makes ADEQ’s RACT analysis and extensive negative declarations for VOC and NOx source categories federally enforceable, giving operators greater certainty on current control expectations while shaping how future sources and permits will be evaluated under the Clean Air Act.

23 May 2026, 11:16federalregister.govUnited States

UNECE Publishes Revision 1 of Mutual Resolution No. 3 on Vehicle Interior Air Quality

UNECE’s vehicle regulations forum has published Revision 1 of its global Mutual Resolution No. 3 on vehicle interior air quality under the 1958 and 1998 agreements, consolidating updated technical guidance and test procedures in document ECE/TRANS/WP.29/1143/REV.1. While non-binding, this revised standard will shape how regulators and OEMs approach interior materials, emissions testing and future VIAQ rules worldwide, so automotive compliance teams should track its content as a forward indicator of emerging requirements.

21 May 2026, 08:57docs.un.orgGlobal

Lombardy Region Updates Groundwater Remediation Rules for Nord Milanese Area

In April 2026 Lombardy’s regional government updated its framework for managing diffuse groundwater contamination in the Nord Milanese area, introducing territory-wide reference concentrations for remediation of PCE, TCM and hexavalent chromium that replace national contamination thresholds under Italy’s environmental code. This shift tightens and clarifies clean-up expectations for the 23 affected municipalities and their water utilities, signalling a more data-driven, integrated approach to groundwater risk management and future remediation planning.

New Jersey DEP Issues Environmental Justice Decision for Merck Rahway Facility

New Jersey DEP has issued a final Environmental Justice decision for Merck’s Rahway facility, allowing a Title V air permit renewal and expansion to proceed while imposing stricter VOC and hazardous air pollutant controls and integrating them as enforceable permit conditions. This decision tightens expectations for industrial projects in overburdened communities and will require Merck to invest in new tank controls, remove a boiler, and manage cumulative air-toxics risk as it plans future operations at the site.

20 May 2026, 07:04dep.nj.govUnited States

Canada Launches Consultation on Risk Management Approach for MEK and MIBK

Canada has finalised its Ketones Group assessment and launched a 60-day consultation on a proposed risk management approach that would add MEK and MIBK to CEPA Schedule 1 and tighten controls on their use in consumer and DIY products. Producers and users of MEK/MIBK-containing paints, coatings and solvents, and those handling 2,4-pentanedione, should anticipate future limits and tracking obligations and use this window to provide data, assess exposure and plan substitution or reformulation.

18 May 2026, 17:24canada.caCanada

US EPA Approves Illinois 2015 Ozone Moderate Attainment SIP Elements for Chicago and Metro East Areas

In May 2026, the US Environmental Protection Agency finalised approval of key Illinois State Implementation Plan elements for the Chicago and Metro East areas under the 2015 ozone standard, effective 15 June 2026. This makes the state's updated emissions inventory, 2023 motor vehicle emissions budgets, inspection and maintenance program, and nonattainment new source review requirements federally enforceable, tightening air quality planning and transportation conformity expectations for sources and planners in these regions.

14 May 2026, 19:09federalregister.govUnited States

Montana DEQ Invites Comment on 2027 WPCSRF Emerging Contaminants Intended Use Plan and Project List

In May 2026, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality opened consultation on a draft 2027 Emerging Contaminants Intended Use Plan under its Water Pollution Control State Revolving Fund, outlining how more than two million dollars in federal infrastructure funding will be allocated to priority wastewater and stormwater projects. The plan signals increased investment in PFAS, microplastics, pesticide and other contaminant monitoring and treatment in Montana’s water infrastructure, so utilities and technology providers should track project selections and potential opportunities linked to this funding round.

13 May 2026, 09:21deq.mt.govUnited States

DNREC Advises on Delaware City Refining Repairs and Elevated Sulfur Dioxide Emissions

DNREC has warned that planned repair work at Delaware City Refining will temporarily shift pollution controls, driving significantly higher sulphur dioxide emissions for about four weeks while expanded air and fenceline monitoring tracks community exposure. This points to an expected period of permit exceedances and continued enforcement focus on air quality around the refinery, heightening operational and reputational risk for refinery operators and nearby industrial emitters.

11 May 2026, 11:56news.delaware.govUnited States

China Issues Revised Mandatory Standard GB 18586—2026 For Harmful Substances In Carpets And PVC Flooring

China’s market regulator has issued revised mandatory standard GB 18586—2026 tightening limits on harmful substances and TVOC emissions in carpets, carpet underlays and PVC flooring. Stricter emission and content thresholds for VOCs, formaldehyde, heavy metals, phthalates and brominated flame retardants will force flooring suppliers to review formulations, testing and certification plans ahead of implementation.

11 May 2026, 11:34samr.gov.cnChina

Germany Drafts Ordinance Amending 13th, 17th and 31st BImSchV to Implement IED Amendment 2024/1785 and BAT Decision 2022/2427

In April 2026 Germany’s environment ministry circulated a draft ordinance amending the 13th, 17th and 31st BImSchV to transpose the revised Industrial Emissions Directive 2024/1785 and BAT Decision 2022/2427, tightening air emission and monitoring rules for large combustion, waste incineration and solvent-using chemical and pharmaceutical plants by 2026. This signals stricter NOx, SO2, dust and off-normal PCDD/F controls but some streamlined monitoring and reporting, so operators should assess which installations fall under the new sections and prepare permit, measurement and investment adjustments ahead of the 12 December 2026 compliance date for existing plants.

8 May 2026, 18:14table.mediaGermanyEuropean Union

California Air Resources Board Releases Draft 2023 Consumer Products Survey Data for Stakeholder Feedback

In late April 2026 the California Air Resources Board released draft 2023 Consumer and Commercial Products Survey data and chemical-speciation summaries for public review, with stakeholder feedback requested by early June 2026. These detailed VOC and emissions datasets across 37 consumer product categories will feed California’s consumer product inventory, air-quality modelling, and forthcoming rulemakings on additional emission reductions from chemically formulated products.

8 May 2026, 07:26ww2.arb.ca.govUnited States

Mexico Proposes Emission Limits and OBD Requirements for New Gasoline Motorcycles (PROY-NOM-175-SEMARNAT-2026)

Mexico has published draft standard PROY-NOM-175-SEMARNAT-2026 to impose Euro-style exhaust and evaporative emission limits, durability requirements, and onboard diagnostics for new gasoline motorcycles, with public consultation open until 29 June 2026. If adopted, the rule will materially tighten compliance obligations for motorcycle manufacturers and importers in Mexico, requiring upgraded emission-control technologies, new certification testing strategies, and preparation for a 180-day transition period after final publication.

5 May 2026, 13:52sidofqa.segob.gob.mxMexico

Gelderland District Court Annuls VOC Paint Fine Under Dutch Working Conditions Rules (ECLI:NL:RBGEL:2026:3174)

A Dutch district court has annulled a €4,500 fine for using higher-VOC line-marking paint in a distribution centre, finding that strict application of the Working Conditions substitution duty was disproportionate in this specific case. The ruling signals that enforcement of VOC substitution obligations under Dutch Working Conditions rules may be constrained where no economically viable low-VOC alternatives exist and robust protective measures are used, and it could prompt future adjustments for painting work in large warehouses and parking garages.

4 May 2026, 18:23deeplink.rechtspraak.nlNetherlands

Informative Inventory Report 2026: Emissions of Transboundary Air Pollutants in the Netherlands (1990–2024)

The Netherlands has published its 2026 Informative Inventory Report confirming that 2023 emissions of key transboundary air pollutants remain comfortably below the reduction commitments set by the EU National Emission Reduction Commitments Directive and the CLRTAP framework. For compliance and strategy teams this is a signalling, not binding, development: it confirms current headroom under existing emission caps and may shape future Dutch and EU air-quality policy, but it does not itself create new obligations for individual companies.

4 May 2026, 09:15rivm.nlNetherlandsEuropean Union

Consumer Reports Finds Heavy Metals and VOCs in Braiding Hair Products

Consumer Reports has released new lab results showing widespread contamination with lead, other heavy metals and multiple VOCs in 30 popular braiding hair products, with human hair products in particular far exceeding its level of concern for lead. These findings intensify pressure on beauty brands and regulators to tighten testing, labeling, and chemical restrictions on textured hair products used largely by Black women and girls, and are likely to feed into state-level initiatives such as New York’s Beauty Justice Act and stricter warning regimes like California Proposition 65.

30 Apr 2026, 10:49consumerreports.comUnited States

Oklahoma DEQ Opens Public Comment On Draft Title V Renewal For Spirit AeroSystems Tulsa Facility (2025-0637-TVR4)

On 29 April 2026, Oklahoma DEQ opened a 30-day public comment period on the draft renewal of Spirit AeroSystems’ Tulsa Title V air operating permit 2025-0637-TVR4, setting updated emission limits for VOCs, NOx, CO, PM10, SO2 and HAPs. This keeps the facility operating as a major air source, so affected businesses should review the draft conditions now to understand future emissions constraints, investment needs, and any implications for local permitting or community expectations.

30 Apr 2026, 06:54applications.deq.ok.govUnited States

China Adopts GB 30981.2-2025 Limits Of Harmful Substances In Industrial Coatings

China has finalised national standard GB 30981.2-2025 on limits for harmful substances in industrial coatings, issued in May 2025 and coming into force in June 2026. This consolidates multiple existing coating-related standards and tightens VOC and hazardous constituent controls, so coating makers and downstream users must review formulations, labelling, and testing programmes before the 2026 implementation date.

30 Apr 2026, 06:47chinesestandard.netChina

Canada Opens Consultation on Proposed Restrictions for 1-Bromopropane in Consumer Products

In April 2026, Canada issued its final assessment for the Alkyl Halides Group and opened a consultation on a proposed risk management approach to restrict 1‑bromopropane in certain consumer products, with comments due by 24 June 2026. Companies using 1‑bromopropane in cleaning or automotive products should prepare for tighter Canadian controls, assess alternatives, and consider submitting data during the consultation to shape future CEPA regulations.

30 Apr 2026, 05:45canada.caCanada

Texas TCEQ To Consider Petition To Raise Reportable Quantities For Heptane And Nonane

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will on 13 May 2026 consider an industry petition to raise the air-release reportable quantity for heptane and nonane from 100 pounds to 5,000 pounds. If the commission agrees to initiate rulemaking, future changes could materially reduce incident reporting obligations for Texas oil and gas and other facilities using these solvents, so EHS and compliance teams should monitor the outcome and any subsequent proposal closely.

29 Apr 2026, 18:26tceq.texas.govUnited States