GPC's Regulatory Newsletter | June 2025

North America

Canada Applies SNAc Provisions to Trixylyl Phosphate to Limit New Uses 

On March 26, 2025, Canada amended the Domestic Substances List to apply Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions to trixylyl phosphate. This measure requires prior notification before any new use that could significantly increase human or environmental exposure. The amendment seeks to proactively manage risks associated with this substance, which is used in flame retardants and lubricants. Companies must submit a notification at least 90 days before any new activity Read more.

EPA Delays PFAS Reporting Deadline for Manufacturers 

On May 12, 2025, the EPA delayed the start of PFAS reporting under TSCA Section 8(a)(7) from July 2025 to April 2026. General manufacturers now have until October 13, 2026, to comply, with small manufacturers having until April 13, 2027. The extension allows more time to finalize and test the data collection system. Public comments on this delay are open for 30 days Read more.

Latin America

Brazil: Public Consultation Opens on Decree Regulating Brazil’s Law No. 15.022/2024 on Chemicals Inventory and Risk Management 

On May 13, 2025, Brazil’s MMA launched a consultation on a draft decree to regulate chemical inventories and risk management. It requires registration of chemicals exceeding one tonne/year and includes mechanisms for risk assessment and management. Stakeholders can provide comments until June 13, 2025. The decree also includes measures for confidentiality and alternative testing Read more.

Europe

ECHA Proposes EU-Wide Restrictions on Chromium(VI) Substances to Protect Health 

On April 29, 2025, ECHA proposed an EU-wide restriction on certain hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) substances due to their carcinogenic risks. The restriction targets Cr(VI) substances in entries 16 to 22 and 28 to 31 of the REACH Authorisation List. If adopted, it could prevent 17 tonnes of emissions annually and avoid 195 cancer cases each year. Public consultation starts June 18, 2025 Read more.

Europe: EU Drafts REACH Fee Regulation Update with New SME Verification Rules 

The European Commission has proposed a 19.5% fee increase under REACH to account for inflation from 2021–2023. This increase will not apply to SMEs, who will need to verify their SME status in advance. ECHA may introduce an administrative fee for this verification process. The updated rules will apply 15 months after entry into force Read more.

ECHA Publishes Formaldehyde Emissions Guideline Ahead of August 2026 EU Restriction 

On May 14, 2025, ECHA published formaldehyde emissions guidelines for furniture, wood articles, and vehicle interiors. Limits of 0.062–0.080 mg/m³ will apply from August 2026 for articles and August 2027 for vehicle interiors. The guidelines help companies ensure accurate emissions testing. Exemptions apply to second-hand and outdoor-use articles Read more.

ECHA Launches Revamped C&L Inventory via ECHA CHEM Platform 

On May 20, 2025, ECHA launched the updated Classification and Labelling (C&L) Inventory within the ECHA CHEM platform. The new interface improves access to harmonized and notified classification data for over 350,000 substances. The update also includes visual tools and transparent data on regulatory updates. Future enhancements may include APIs for data access Read more.

UK Releases 2022 Report on Pesticide Controls: Key Non-Compliance Trends and Residue Issues Identified 

The UK HSE 2022 report highlights compliance issues in plant protection products (PPPs), including unauthorized co-formulants and improper labeling. 1,631 inspections were conducted, with 28 of 65 product samples failing legal requirements. Food chain residue monitoring also identified issues with tri-allate in kale and broccoli. Future monitoring will target high-risk products and digital sales Read more.

Ukraine REACH Update: Official Pre-Registration Template Released by MEPR 

Ukraine’s MEPR has released the official pre-registration template for Ukraine REACH. Pre-registration for substances ≥1 tonne/year began January 26, 2025, and ends January 26, 2026. Registration deadlines for different volume bands run through 2030. Companies must complete the template in Ukrainian and submit with electronic signatures to maintain market access Read more.

India

India: India Extends Enforcement Date for Quality Control Orders for Six Chemicals 

On April 25, 2025, India extended enforcement dates for six chemicals’ Quality Control Orders to October 24, 2025. The chemicals include lauric acid, rice bran fatty acids, and hydrogenated rice bran fatty acids. These products must carry BIS certification to remain on the market. This move aligns with BIS efforts to ensure quality and safety Read more.

India: Mandatory BIS Certification for Exporters of Key Non-Ferrous Metals to India

India’s Ministry of Mines will require BIS certification for refined nickel, tin ingots, primary lead, and refined zinc imports starting October 17, 2025. Exporters must meet Indian standards and complete factory inspections. The certification process can take months, so early planning is advised. This aims to improve safety and market standardization Read more.

East Asia

Stricter Oversight for Cosmetics: China’s Updated Safety Measures Take Effect from August 2025 

China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) will enforce new cosmetic safety measures starting August 1, 2025. Cosmetic companies must monitor safety risks, track consumer complaints, and ensure compliance. High-risk products may face recalls or bans. The regulation aims to improve consumer safety and market integrity Read more.

Taiwan to Add PFOS, PFOA, NP/NPEO, and Cycloterpenes to Toxic Chemical List in June 2025 

Taiwan will classify PFOS, PFOA, NP/NPEO, and cycloterpenes as toxic or of concern starting June 1, 2025. These substances will face new concentration limits and usage restrictions, aligning with global conventions. NP and NPEO have been banned in household cleaners since 2007, with stricter limits now extending to other products. Cycloterpenes will be banned in antifouling applications Read more.  

South Korea Discloses Hazards and Risks of 72 New Substances Under KOSHA 

On March 27, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) released a list of 72 new chemical substances imported or manufactured in Q1 2025. Thirty-two of these were identified as hazardous, with risks like acute toxicity and reproductive toxicity. Manufacturers and importers must submit hazard assessments and implement safety measures. MOEL has also provided multilingual training materials for foreign workers Read more.

South Korea Begins Construction of National Animal-Free Testing Facility 

On May 16, 2025, South Korea launched the construction of a national animal-free testing facility in Incheon. The ₩33.4 billion facility will use 3D models, human cells, and AI simulations for toxicity testing. Scheduled to open in October 2026, it aims to replace over 60% of animal testing by 2030. It also includes a training center and technical guidance for labs Read more.

South Korea Notifies WTO of Proposed Revision to the “Special Act on Imported Food Safety Control” 

On May 19, 2025, South Korea notified the WTO of proposed amendments to ensure imported food-contact articles using recycled materials meet Korean safety standards. Importers must obtain MFDS certification, and non-certified materials will be banned. The goal is to close regulatory gaps and strengthen consumer safety. Violators face penalties under the revised Article 42 Read more.

Taiwan Fully Implements GHS Revision 8 Through CNS Standards 

On April 25, 2025, Taiwan finalized its implementation of GHS Revision 8 via CNS standards. The updates include new hazard classes like desensitized explosives and new subcategories for flammable gases and aerosols. This aligns Taiwan’s chemical classification and labelling with the UN GHS 8 framework. These changes replace the GHS 4 system in use since 2014 Read more.

Japan: MHLW Updates List of Substances Subject to Labelling and SDS Delivery Requirements Under ISHA 

On May 16, 2025, Japan’s MHLW updated the list of 2,316 chemicals requiring labelling and SDS delivery under the ISHA. Of these, 1,530 chemicals must comply by April 2025, with the rest by April 2026. This aims to protect workers’ health and the environment. Employers must also provide clear hazard warnings in the workplace Read more.

South East Asia

Vietnam Issues Draft Decree on Cosmetic Safety and Management Aligned with ASEAN Standards 

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has issued a draft decree on cosmetics management, aligning with ASEAN standards. The draft covers safety, quality, GMP compliance, and labeling requirements. Products must meet safety standards, and facilities must maintain proper certifications. The decree takes effect July 1, 2026 Read more.

Malaysia’s DOE Outlines Certification Protocol for Chemical Exports to Non-Party Countries 

On April 23, 2025, Malaysia’s DOE issued guidelines for exporting POPs to non-party countries under the Stockholm Convention. Importers must submit thorough documentation to DOE for certification, confirming safe use and handling. Exporters must forward certifications to national authorities at least 60 days in advance. This strengthens Malaysia’s compliance with global hazardous chemical handling practices Read more.

Singapore to Regulate Chlorpyrifos and Paraquat: Stricter Controls Signal Global Chemical Trade Implications 

On April 28, 2025, Singapore notified the WTO of plans to regulate chlorpyrifos and paraquat as hazardous substances by October 2025. Businesses involved with these chemicals must obtain a Hazardous Substances License from NEA. The move aligns with Rotterdam and Stockholm Convention obligations. Stakeholders should prepare by reviewing supply chains and submitting comments by June 27, 2025 Read more.

Oceania

New Zealand to End Transition Period for Fluorotelomer Firefighting Foams on 3 December 2025 

New Zealand’s EPA has confirmed the transition period for fluorotelomer-based firefighting foams ends December 3, 2025. After this, legacy PFAS foams can no longer be used, and C6 foams require explicit EPA approval. These changes align with New Zealand’s broader efforts to phase out PFAS-based products. Compliance with group standards and purity requirements is essential for ongoing use Read more.

Australia Advances Packaging Reform Amid Strong Public Support for EPR and Tougher National Standards 

Australia’s DCCEEW is moving ahead with national packaging reforms following strong public support for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Over 80% of respondents favoured Commonwealth oversight, and 65% supported mandatory EPR requirements. Respondents also backed bans on problematic materials and clearer recyclability labeling. The next phase will refine the framework and strengthen Australia’s circular economy Read more.

Africa

Kenya Notifies WTO of Newly Adopted East African Standards for Fertilizers 

Kenya has adopted East African standards for 12 types of fertilizers to harmonize quality benchmarks across the EAC. These standards cover inorganic foliar fertilizers, organic fertilizers, and phosphate-based fertilizers, among others. Adoption was formalized in December 2024 and notified to WTO in April 2025. The harmonized standards aim to support environmental safety and agricultural development Read more.

United Nations

COP-12 Expands Stockholm Convention Annex A to Include Chlorpyrifos, MCCPs, and LC-PFCAs; UV-328 Exemptions Revised 

At COP-12 in Geneva, the Stockholm Convention expanded Annex A to ban chlorpyrifos, MCCPs, and LC-PFCAs with some exemptions. UV-328 exemptions were also revised to include aviation and industrial uses. The Basel and Rotterdam Conventions also advanced waste and trade regulations for hazardous substances. These decisions mark major steps in global chemical safety Read more.

Our events:

Webinars:

1. June 5, 2025, 12:30-12:30 CET / 16 - 17:30 IST: Turkey Cosmetics Regulations Register Here.

2. June 12, 2025, 12:30-12:30 CET / 16 - 17:30 IST: Cosmetic Regulations in the USA and Canada Register Here.

3. June 20, 2025, 12:30-12:30 CET / 16 - 17:30 IST: Newly Introduced Regulations Globally - LatAm Ukraine and South East Asia Register Here.