Chemicals | Monthly bulletin | June 2026

Europe

EU takes next step toward restricting bisphenols under REACH

On 23 April 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced a new restriction intention under the EU REACH Regulation targeting several bisphenols with endocrine-disrupting properties for the environment—potentially impacting a wide range of industries, including plastics, textiles, leather, and paper.

The proposal covers BPA, BPS, BPF, BPB, BPAF and their related salts, with the possibility of extending the scope to additional bisphenols identified at EU level.

Its main objective is to reduce environmental emissions and prevent “regrettable substitution” between structurally similar bisphenols.

The restriction intention was submitted by Germany, with the Annex XV restriction dossier expected by 12 March 2027.

For more information, please visit the ECHA website.

EU proposes REACH restriction on hydrogenated terphenyl (PHT) 

On 8 May 2026, the European Union submitted a formal notification (G/TBT/N/EU/1205) to the World Trade Organization (WTO), proposing an amendment to Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation to restrict hydrogenated terphenyls (PHT).

The proposed measure is driven by concerns that emissions of PHT may result in long-lasting and potentially irreversible environmental contamination.

PHT is widely used, primarily as a heat transfer fluid (HTF) in industrial systems (accounting for around 90% of its use), as well as a plasticiser in articles and mixtures and as a processing solvent in various industrial applications.

Under the draft regulation, the use and placing on the market of PHT would be prohibited both as a substance on its own and when present in other substances, mixtures or articles, at concentrations of ≥ 0.1% w/w.

The proposal is currently open for comments from WTO members, with the deadline set for 7 July 2026.

Final adoption is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, with full compliance likely required around 2028 following the transition period.

For more information about the substance and the proposal, please consult the ECHA website here.

EU microplastics reporting deadline approaching

On 29 April 2026, the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) issued detailed guidance to support compliance of the first EU microplastics reporting according to REACH. Companies are required to submit their data by 31 May 2026.

The reporting obligation stems from the restriction on synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM). Companies must report annual emissions of microplastics per legal entity, use, and year, including releases to air, water, and soil. The first phase applies to:

 

• SPM manufacturers
• Industrial downstream users (e.g. plastics producers using pellets, flakes, or powders)

Other actors, including suppliers placing products on the market, will face reporting duties from 2027 onwards.

With the deadline imminent, companies are urged to initiate data collection and dossier preparation without delay to ensure timely compliance.

EU consultation launched on 1,4‑Dioxane emissions in PET value chain

On 28 April 2026, a new EU industry survey was launched to collect detailed data on 1,4‑dioxane emissions generated during the production, processing, and recycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET).

This consultation supports an assessment led by the German authorities to determine whether a REACH Annex XV restriction dossier on 1,4‑dioxane emissions should be prepared.

Although not intentionally added, 1,4‑dioxane is formed as a by‑product during PET manufacturing and thermal processing, particularly at elevated temperatures. It has been identified as a key volatile organic compound (VOC) released during PET production.

The results of this consultation will help assess the need for EU‑wide restrictions under REACH, which could significantly impact PET manufacturing and recycling activities.

Overall, the initiative reflects increasing EU focus on by‑products within the plastics value chain, potentially paving the way for future regulatory controls on 1,4‑dioxane emissions in PET applications.

For more information, consult the EU Survey website here (in German here).

Recent publications on REACH Regulation

The following table provides a non-exhaustive summary of some recent updates regarding REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006:

 

 

Interesting resources on REACH Regulation on the ECHA’s website

• Registry of restriction intentions until outcome - ECHA (europa.eu)
• Registry of SVHC intentions until outcome - ECHA (europa.eu)
• Substance evaluation - CoRAP - ECHA (europa.eu)
• Adopted opinions and previous consultations on applications for authorisation - ECHA (europa.eu)
• Applications for authorisation - current consultations - ECHA (europa.eu)
• Current calls for comments and evidence - ECHA (europa.eu)
• Authorisation List - ECHA (europa.eu)
• ECHA's completed activities on restriction
• Submitted restrictions under consideration
• Assessment of regulatory needs list.
   

Interesting resources on the CLP Regulation on the ECHA’s website

• Registry of CLH intentions until outcome - ECHA (europa.eu)
• Harmonised classification and labelling consultations - ECHA (europa.eu):
   

EU moves to list TBPH as a persistent organic pollutant (POP)

On 30 April 2026, the European Union published Council Decision (EU) 2026/878, marking a significant step toward stricter global control of hazardous chemicals.

The Decision mandates the EU to submit a proposal to list bis(2‑ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (TBPH) in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

TBPH is a brominated flame retardant widely used in materials such as plastics, electronics, and automotive components. The proposal will now be evaluated by the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC), with a final decision expected in the next year.

This initiative reinforces the EU’s commitment to eliminating hazardous persistent chemicals at a global level and highlights the growing regulatory pressure on substances with PBT (Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic) and vPvB (very Persistent and very Bioaccumulative) properties.

UK

UK notifies new POPs restrictions

On 29 April 2026, the United Kingdom submitted a new notification to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement, referenced as G/TBT/N/GBR/119, proposing amendments to its Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation.

The notification concerns the Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) Regulations 2026, which aim to introduce new restrictions on a group of hazardous chemicals. In this case, the proposal covers the following substances:

• UV-328 – a UV stabiliser used in plastics, coatings, and rubber
• Dechlorane Plus (including syn- and anti-isomers) – a flame retardant
• Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) – used as plasticisers and flame retardants
• Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs) and related compounds – part of the PFAS group
• Chlorpyrifos – an organophosphate insecticide

The UK’s action aligns with global efforts to regulate POPs under international frameworks such as the Stockholm Convention, which aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of hazardous persistent chemicals.

UK adopts Chemicals (Health and Safety) Regulations 2026

On 30 April 2026, the United Kingdom officially adopted the Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/484), marking a major update to its domestic chemicals regulatory framework.

The new statutory instrument has been adopted under the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023, enabling the UK to revise and modernise previously retained EU regulations.

It introduces amendments across three core regulatory regimes:

• GB CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging)

One of the most significant updates concerns the mandatory classification and labelling (MCL) process:

• Introduction of a structured evaluation procedure for classification proposals.
• Creation of “fast-track proposals” for substances already assessed in other jurisdictions aligned with GHS.
• Requirement for the UK Agency to publish work plans, technical reports and opinions.
• Final decisions on classifications made by the Secretary of State.

The regulations also remove the GB notification database from the CLP framework, simplifying administrative requirements and shifting toward alternative mechanisms for managing classification data.

• GB BPR (Biocidal Products Regulation)

The regulation introduces measures to ensure continuity and flexibility for biocidal products:

• Automatic extension of approval deadlines for certain active substances until 31 July 2031 under defined conditions.
• Revised provisions for emergency authorisations, including extended time limits where necessary.
• Updated rules for data protection periods related to active substances

These changes aim to address delays in evaluation processes while maintaining market availability where justified.

• GB PIC (Prior Informed Consent for hazardous chemicals)

Amendments to the GB PIC framework include:

• Alignment with updated EU POPs Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 terminology.
• Transfer of certain responsibilities from the Secretary of State to the Designated National Authority.
• Simplification of export-related obligations for hazardous chemicals

The regulation applies across England, Scotland and Wales, aiming to ensure continued protection of health and the environment while improving regulatory efficiency.

The regulations entered into force on 21 May 2026, forming part of the UK’s ongoing reform of retained EU chemical legislation following Brexit.

Northern Ireland updates controls on explosives precursors

On the 12th of May 2026, the UK has introduced new legislation for Northern Ireland with the adoption of The Control of Explosives Precursors etc. (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026 (SR 2026 No. 89), strengthening regulatory controls over certain high-risk chemical substances.

These amendments update the Control of Explosives Precursors Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014, reinforcing measures to prevent the misuse of chemicals that could be used in the illicit manufacture of explosives.

The primary objective of the 2026 amendments is to:

• Enhance control measures for key explosives precursor chemicals
• Ensure continued implementation of EU Regulation (EU) 2019/1148 on explosives precursors in Northern Ireland
• Improve regulatory oversight and enforcement mechanisms

The amended regulations introduce stricter controls on specific chemicals classified as explosives precursors, including:

• Hydrochloric acid
• Phosphoric acid
• Hexamine
• Sulfur

The regulation is part of the UK’s efforts to maintain high levels of public safety and security, while aligning Northern Ireland’s framework with international standards.

US

New Mexico finalises comprehensive PFAS rule for consumer products: Labelling, reporting, and phased sales prohibitions effective July 1st, 2026

In April 2025, New Mexico enacted House Bill 212, the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Protection Act (Chapter 102, Sections 74-15-4 NMSA 1978 et seq.), establishing a framework to phase out intentionally added PFAS in consumer products sold within the state and delegating rulemaking authority to the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and the Environmental Improvement Board (EIB). The final implementing rule, codified as 20.13.2 NMAC, was published in the New Mexico Register on May 5, 2026, and takes effect July 1, 2026.

What has changed?

Rule 20.13.2 NMAC establishes four interlocking compliance mechanisms applicable to products containing intentionally added PFAS sold, offered for sale, or distributed for sale in New Mexico:

Phased Product Prohibitions

Beginning January 1, 2027, manufacturers may not sell or distribute the following product categories containing intentionally added PFAS:

• cookware
• food packaging
• dental floss
• juvenile products
• firefighting foam.

Beginning January 1, 2028, the prohibition expands to:

• carpets and rugs
• cleaning products
• cosmetics
• fabric treatments
• feminine hygiene products
• textiles
• textile furnishing
• ski wax
• upholstered furniture.

Beginning January 1, 2032, all products containing intentionally added PFAS that are not explicitly exempt or designated as a currently unavoidable use (CUU) will be prohibited from sale.

Labelling Requirement

Beginning January 1, 2027, manufacturers may not sell or distribute any product containing intentionally added PFAS unless it bears a universal PFAS label, a black Erlenmeyer flask symbol with the word "PFAS" written inside, that is visible and legible prior to sale. The label must appear on product packaging; for complex durable goods (defined as manufactured items with at least 100 components and an intended useful life of at least five years), the label may instead appear in a consumer-facing product specification sheet and the operation and maintenance manual. The font for the symbol may not be smaller than the largest font used for other consumer information on the product.

Manufacturers may apply for a label waiver by October 31, 2026, if the PFAS in the product never comes into direct contact with consumers during normal use over the product's useful life; such requests will be considered approved pending review, with NMED issuing final determinations by June 1, 2027.

Manufacturer Reporting

On or before January 1, 2027, manufacturers must submit detailed information to NMED for all products containing intentionally added PFAS sold in New Mexico, with annual updates thereafter. Required data includes product descriptions with UPC/SKU codes, the purpose and function of each PFAS in the product, the amount of each PFAS substance expressed as a percentage concentration by CAS number (supported by analytical method documentation), and the name and address of the manufacturer and a contact person.

Currently Unavoidable Use (CUU) Process

Manufacturers that cannot reformulate a product prior to an applicable sales ban may apply for CUU designation. For the January 1, 2027 prohibitions, complete CUU proposals must be submitted by October 31, 2026; proposals received by that date will be considered approved pending review, with final determinations issued by March 1, 2027. For all other prohibition dates, proposals must be submitted no later than 12 months before the applicable effective date, and NMED will not accept initial proposals more than 60 months in advance.

Penalties

Civil penalties for noncompliance with the PFAS Protection Act or 20.13.2 NMAC are up to $15,000 per day of violation. Failure to comply with an administrative order issued under the Act may result in penalties of up to $25,000 per day.

Korea

South Korea adds three POPs to Prohibited Substances List

South Korea's framework for controlling persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is established under the Persistent Organic Pollutants Control Act, supported by its implementing Regulations on Types of POPs and Specific Exemptions. Article 13, Paragraph 6 of the Act grants the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE) authority to designate substances for prohibition or restriction, including the power to define specific exemptions covering their manufacture, import, export, and use. This regulatory framework implements South Korea's obligations under the Stockholm Convention, a global treaty targeting chemicals that are toxic, persistent in the environment, and capable of long-range transport.

In April 2026, the MCEE issued Notification No. 2026-107, partially amending the Regulations by adding three substances to Annex 1 ("Types of Persistent Pollutants"): methoxychlor (unique number 2023-32, covering eight substances), Dechlorane Plus (DP, unique number 2023-33, covering three substances including its syn- and anti-isomers), and UV-328 (unique number 2023-34). These three chemicals were added to Annex A (elimination) of the Stockholm Convention at its 11th Conference of the Parties (SC COP-11) in May 2023.

Methoxychlor is prohibited without exemption. DP and UV-328 are subject to specific, time-limited exemptions expiring July 27, 2031, for defined uses in aerospace, defense, medical imaging and radiation therapy for DP, and automotive parts, industrial coatings, mechanical separators for blood collection tubes, photographic paper, polarizing plates, and triacetyl cellulose (TAC) films for UV-328.

Separately, the Notification extends a specific exemption for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in fire suppression foams pre-installed in mobile and fixed systems, valid until June 2, 2030. Notification No. 2026-107 entered into force on April 29, 2026; however, the prohibitions on methoxychlor, DP, and UV-328 will take effect on the date Annex A from Stockholm Convention COP-11 formally enters into force in South Korea.

Japan

Japan designates Chlorpyrifos, MCCPs, and LC-PFCAs as Class I Specified Chemical Substances under Cabinet Order No. 171

On May 22, 2026, Japan issued Cabinet Order No. 171, amending the Enforcement Order of the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL) to add four substance groups as Class I Specified Chemical Substances under Article 1, items 41–44 of the Order. The newly designated substances are:

• Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs, C9–C21) and their salts;
• LC-PFCA-related substances (compounds containing a perfluoroalkyl group with C8–C20 chain length that can degrade through natural processes into LC-PFCAs);
• Chlorpyrifos (O,O-diethyl O-(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl) phosphorothioate, CAS 2921-88-2); and
• Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs), defined as straight-chain chlorinated alkanes with 14–17 carbon atoms and a chlorine content of 45% or more by weight.

The import prohibitions by substance are as follows:

• LC-PFCAs, their salts, and LC-PFCA-related substances: adhesives and sealants; clothing with water or oil repellent properties; fire extinguishers, fire extinguishing agents, and firefighting foams; floor coverings with water or oil repellent properties; lubricants; paints; photographic films for commercial purposes; textiles with water or oil repellent properties; water and oil repellents; waxes
• Chlorpyrifos: wood insecticides
• MCCPs: additives imparting flame-retardant properties to textiles, resins, or rubber; adhesives and sealants; lubricating, metalworking, and hydraulic fluids; paints; plasticizers for resins; water repellent and textile protective agents

Cabinet Order No. 171 takes effect on November 22, 2026.

China

Mandatory Standard GB 26396-2026 for Cleaning Products Safety released

On April 30, 2026, together with the Chinese SAC’s public announcement #20 of 2026 standard, a brand-new standard GB 26396-2026 Safety technical specification for cleaning products was officially released.

This standard replaces the previous voluntary standard GB/T 26396-2011 and will become enforceable on 1 May 2027. Products manufactured or imported before the date (April 30, 2026) of issuance of this document, and meeting the requirements of GB/T 26396-2011, may be sold until the end of their shelf life and/or validity period.

The new mandatory safety standard released significantly elevates compliance expectations for detergent and cleaning product manufacturers, importers, and supply chain stakeholders operating in China.

1. Key Regulatory Changes
   The standard introduces extensive technical revisions compared with GB/T 26396-2011, including:
   Expanded definitions for surfactants, manufacturers, and hazardous substances
   
   • New phosphate limits
   • Mandatory risk control measures
   • Enhanced toxicology requirements
   • Added restricted substances list
   • Updated biodegradability testing pathways
   • New labelling obligations
   • Explicit implementation transition rules
2. Scope of the Standard
   The regulation applies to cleaning products containing soap and/or surfactants in forms such as liquids, powders, bars, tablets, and pastes.
   The following products are exceptions from this standard:
   
   • Cosmetics
   • Disinfectants
   • Food-contact detergents
   • Medical and industrial cleaners
   • Organic solvent dry-cleaning agents
3. Major Compliance Requirements
   
   1. Basic Requirements
      Under normal and reasonably foreseeable usage conditions, cleaning products should not pose a danger to human health or the safety of animals and plants. The impact of cleaning products and their post-use emissions on the environment should be within an acceptable range.
   2. Ingredient Safety & Risk Assessment
      Manufacturers must ensure substances used in formulations:
      • Are not listed as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
      • Shall meet one of the following conditions:
        
        1. Substances permitted under GB 14930.1, or;
        2. Are approved under relevant Chinese regulations or;
        3. Have undergone safety assessment per GB/T 41828 by manufacturers, raw material suppliers, professional organisations, for more details please see the section 4.2.1 b) 3) of the standard;
      • The use of flavorings shall comply with the restrictions specified for the relevant categories in GB/T 22731.
      • The use of prohibited and restricted substances in detergents shall comply with the provisions of Appendix A.
   3. Surfactant Biodegradability Requirements
      The surfactants used in detergents should be biodegradable, and their effects, both in their original form and as degradation products, on animals, plants, and the environment should remain within acceptable limits. Products must demonstrate:
      • ≥90% primary biodegradation, or
      • ≥60% ultimate biodegradation
   4. Hazardous Substances
      Residual hazardous substances in raw materials used in detergents shall comply with the provisions of relevant national or industry standards.
      In the absence of relevant standards, they shall be assessed and confirmed to be below acceptable safety levels in accordance with 4.2.1(b)(3).
   5. Product (Cleaning Supplies) Requirements
      Prior to market release, the product’s safety under normal use, as described in the instructions for use or labelling provided with the product, must meet the following requirements:
      1. For products that come into contact with human skin, safety data or information must be provided regarding the product’s potential for skin irritation, corrosion, or sensitization at the concentration at which it is used;
      2. For products that come into contact with the eyes, safety data or information must be provided confirming that the product does not cause serious eye damage at the concentration at which it is used.
         Must possess safety evidence demonstrating acceptable irritation/corrosion/sensitisation profiles, accepted evidence includes:
         • Product safety assessment reports;
         • Formulation ingredients safety assessment reports or safety data;
         • Toxicological test data relevant to the product's application scenarios;
         • Existing safety history for products with formulations similar to the target formulation and ingredients
           
           In regions where domestic regulations prohibit or restrict the use of phosphate-containing detergents, the total mass fraction of phosphorus pentoxide in the product shall not exceed 0.5%.
   6. New Restricted Substance Controls
      Appendix A introduces explicit restrictions on several substances including:
      • Alkylphenols and APEOs
      • Tetrapropylene alkylbenzene sulfonates
      • Sodium perborate
      • Glycols
      • Chlorinated hydrocarbons
      • Certain fluorescent whitening agents
      • Polymer microplastics:
        
        • Synthetic polymer microplastics are limited to ≤0.01% mass fraction
        • Particle size range: 5 mm～100 nm
        • With temporary exemptions for fragrance microcapsules until December 31, 2028.
   7. Risk Control Measures
      Manufacturers are now required to provide clear risk control instructions and emergency handling procedures for foreseeable accidents. They must clearly explain the product’s conditions of use, methods of use, precautions, situations to avoid, and emergency procedures in the event of foreseeable accidents, and communicate this information to users in an easily understandable manner. For example, laundry detergent pods pose a risk of accidental ingestion by infants and young children; QB/T 5658-2021 sets forth specific requirements for packaging and labelling.
      Where necessary, appropriate preventive measures should be taken.
   8. Labelling Requirements
      If Nitrilotriacetic acid and its salts, enzyme preparations, preservatives, biocides, or fragrances are intentionally added to the product, this must be stated on the label; the specific labelling requirements shall comply with GB/T 36970.
      
      When the product involves safety or environmental requirements, product usage guidelines and warning statements shall be provided in accordance with GB/T 36970.

Taiwan

Draft Amendment to the “Restrictions on the Importing of Mercury-Added Products”

On March 20, 2026, Taiwan notified the WTO of (G/TBT/N/TPKM/588) Draft Amendment to the "Restrictions on the Importing of Mercury-Added Products”. This amendment to the Announcement prohibits the import of mercury-added products and electronic measuring instruments to strengthen domestic mercury management, and aligns with the United Nations Minamata Convention on Mercury.

The key points of the amendment are as follows:

1. The newly added mercury-added products that are prohibited from being imported include:
   
   • Self-ballasted fluorescent lamps of 30 watts;
   • Lamps used for general lighting;
   • Cold cathode fluorescent lamps and external electrode fluorescent lamps for electronic displays;
   • Strain gauges used in plethysmographs; mercury vacuum pumps;
   • Tyre balancers and wheel balance weights;
   • Photographic film and photographic paper;
   • Propellants for satellites, spacecraft, or space vehicles;
   • Electrical and electronic measuring instruments, such as melt pressure transducers, transmitters, and sensors.
2. The import of compact fluorescent lamps for general lighting, as well as linear and non-linear fluorescent lamps, will be prohibited starting from January 1, 2027.
3. The import of linear and non-linear fluorescent lamps for general lighting that use tri-band phosphors will be prohibited starting from January 1, 2028.
4. The import of mercury-added products for specific purposes is allowed according to Annex A of the United Nations Minamata Convention on Mercury.

The exemption amendment is as follows (Italics and bold text):

For mercury-added products whose import is prohibited under the preceding three paragraphs, if one of the following conditions is met, they may be imported after supporting documents have been submitted for review and approved by the central competent authority:

1. Products for research, experiments, education, calibration of instrumentation, or use as a reference standard
2. Where no feasible mercury-free alternative for replacement is available, for the following products:
   
   • Very high accuracy capacitance and loss measuring bridges, high-frequency radio frequency switches, and relays in monitoring and control instruments.
   • Cold cathode fluorescent lamps and external electrode fluorescent lamps for electronic displays.
   • Electrical and electronic measuring devices or non-electronic measuring devices installed in large-scale equipment, or those used for high precision measurement.
      

Peru

Peru strengthens chemical safety framework with new GHS requirements

On 5 April 2026, Peru’s Ministry of Environment (MINAM) adopted the Implementing Regulations for the Comprehensive Chemicals Management Law (Supreme Decree No. 005-2026-MINAM).

The new regulation aligns Peru with the 6th revised edition of the United Nations GHS (2015), establishing a harmonised framework for the classification, labelling and communication of chemical hazards.

It also sets out clear responsibilities for all actors across the supply chain. In addition, companies will be required to submit hazard information and report data through the newly created National Chemicals Registry (RENASQ) under a phased implementation approach.

Peru’s GHS framework introduces detailed labelling requirements, including the obligation for all labels to be provided in Spanish, while allowing additional languages as supplementary information.

The regulation further mandates Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in line with GHS requirements, reinforcing the need for local language compliance and regular updates.

Although the regulation will enter into force six months after publication (around October 2026), its main obligations will be rolled out gradually between 2028 and 2031. This transitional period is intended to give companies sufficient time to adapt their classification systems, SDS, and labelling practices.