The U.S. state of Minnesota has again postponed the deadline for initial reporting of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced that the new due date for the first PFAS product disclosure is now September 15, 2026. This extension provides affected businesses additional time to comply with the state’s emerging chemical reporting requirements under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 116.

The New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board (NMEIB) has finalized a rule, codified as 20.13.2 NMAC, regulating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products. Signed on April 17, 2026, the rule implements the state's PFAS Protection Act and establishes a robust framework for prohibition, reporting, labeling, and testing of products containing intentionally added PFAS. It will take effect from July 1, 2026.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule, effective April 13, 2026, modifying the start date of the data submission period for the Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Reporting and Recordkeeping Rule under TSCA section 8(a)(7).

On March 19, 2026, Representative Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) reintroduced the Forever Chemical Regulation and Accountability Act (H.R. 8016, S. 4153). This legislation aims to address the production, use, and environmental release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” due to their persistence in the environment. The Act outlines a comprehensive framework to phase out non-essential PFAS uses, mitigate contamination, and ensure accountability for PFAS-related harms.

Starting on March 26, 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) will open a 60‑day consultation on the draft opinion of its Committee for Socio‑Economic Analysis (SEAC) concerning the proposed EU/EEA‑wide restriction of per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under REACH.

On 23 March 2026, Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) opened a public consultation on the proposed IChEMS scheduling decisions for 14 classes of industrial chemicals and a proposed variation to an existing standard for UV-328. The consultation will close on April 24, 2026.

On March 3, 2026, the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) formally adopted its opinion on the proposal to restrict all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) within the European Union.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule amending the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) regulations to add sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate to the list of toxic chemicals subject to Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting.

China is soliciting public comments until 1 March 2026 on major revisions to mandatory national standards for prohibited/restricted substances in artificial leather and harmful substances in adhesives, which will tighten limits, expand chemical control scope (including PFAS and VOC), and unify compliance requirements for related industries.

On January 27, 2026, Switzerland’s Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) notified the WTO of a draft amendment to the Ordinance on the Reduction of Risks relating to the Use of Certain Particularly Dangerous Substances, Preparations and Articles (Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance, ORRChem). Under notification G/TBT/N/CHE/301, the Swiss authorities have proposed a prohibition on the placing on the market of food packaging and single-use consumer goods that contain Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) exceeding specific threshold limits. The proposed amendments are scheduled to enter into force on December 1, 2026.

On February 3, 2026, the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) published a comprehensive PFAS plan, outlining a strategic framework to manage risks associated with per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The plan details a three-pillar approach—understanding sources, tackling pathways, and reducing exposure—and signals imminent regulatory actions under UK REACH and the Stockholm Convention to restrict specific PFAS uses and tighten industrial emission controls.

On January 26, 2026, the United Kingdom’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) notified the WTO of a proposal to amend the Great Britain (GB) Mandatory Classification and Labelling (MCL) List.

From December 16, 2026, the manufacture, import, and export of Chlorpyrifos, MCCPs (chlorination levels ≥ 45% chlorine by weight), LC-PFCAs, as well as products containing these chemicals, will not be allowed in Singapore.

On January 12, 2026, New Jersey enacted the “Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act” (Senate Bill 1221), establishing a state-level frameworks for regulating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products. Pre-filed for the 2026 legislative session and sponsored by Senators Linda R. Greenstein and Bob Smith, the legislation addresses the growing concern over PFAS contamination by implementing product prohibitions, labeling requirements.

France’s Ministry of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, and International Climate and Nature Negotiations has issued Decree No. 2025-1376 on December 28, 2025, establishing comprehensive implementation rules for restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products.

While the federal government has pivoted toward a more cautious, risk-based "recalibration" to protect industrial stability, businesses must still navigate a looming 2026 compliance cliff as states accelerate their own aggressive bans and mandatory reporting requirements.

On December 1, 2025, the UK government released its Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) 2025, outlining significant systemic reforms to the UK REACH regulatory framework and POPs control. The plan establishes a timeline for closer regulatory alignment with major trading partners, including the EU, by December 2028, aiming to accelerate the control of high-risk substances while minimizing compliance burdens for the industry.

The updated regulation introduces new prohibitions on the manufacture, sale, and distribution of three specific categories of consumer products containing intentionally added PFAS, effective January 1, 2027. Additionally, the amendment establishes mandatory reporting requirements for manufacturers regarding the use of PFAS in nine other consumer product categories.

On December 8, 2025, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) published Adopted Permanent Rules Relating to PFAS in Products; Reporting and Fees; Order Adopting Rules in the Minnesota State Register.

On November 10, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a proposed rule to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulation for reporting and recordkeeping requirments for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Comments must be received on or before December 29, 2025.

On May 2, 2025, Danish Ministry of Environment and Gender Equality released the Executive Order on the prohibition of import and sale to consumers of clothing, footwear and certain impregnating agents containing PFAS.

Recently, Canada released the Consultation Document on Phase I of the Risk Management of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), Excluding Fluoropolymers, aiming to prohibit the manufacture, import, use and sale of currently unregulated PFAS in firefighting foams.

Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released draft amendments to Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, which proposes to ban PFAS and BPA in food contact materials.

Registrants are required to provide certain information if they have imported and/or manufactured any of 522 PFAS chemicals during the 2023–24 and 2024–25 AICIS registration years.

The European Chemicals Agency recently published an update to the EU-wide PFAS restriction proposal, which included some pretty eye-catching changes. Unfortunately, not for the better. Here are 5 key takeaways from the 3,500+ page document.

The European Chemicals Agency just announced that it will split the EU-wide PFAS restriction, leaving out eight categories of PFAS uses from its assessment of the ban. This has never happened before — and it’s a dangerous precedent. Here’s why it’s unacceptable.

The European Chemicals Agency plans to launch a consultation on the draft opinion of its Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) on the proposed EU-wide restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) following the Committee’s meeting in March 2026.

The UK HSE considers that PFAS restriction under UK REACH is warranted.

A recent Kyoto University study found PFAS contamination in sewage sludge across Japan. Despite Japan's efforts to regulate PFAS, widespread contamination highlights an ongoing environmental and public health challenge requiring continued vigilance and policy action.

On August 20, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) released the updated proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The proposal, jointly prepared by five member states—Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden—aims to comprehensively reduce the risks posed by these "forever chemicals" to human health and the environment under the EU's REACH regulation.

On August 5, 2025, Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment announced a draft regulation, the List of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Management Measures, to introduce a tiered management approach for PFAS in Taiwan.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has announced​ an extension to the initial reporting due date for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in products, moving it from January 1, 2026, to July 1, 2026.

On June 27, 2025, European Commission published the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/718 of 14 April 2025 amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and its derivatives on the Official Journal of the European Union.

On May 28, 2025, Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) notified to WTO the Draft Revision of the Ordinance of the Federal Council concerning amendments of the Ordinance on the Reduction of Risks relating to the Use of Certain Particularly Dangerous Substances, Preparations and Articles (Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance, ORRChem). The Revision is proposed to be adopted in November 2025 and enter into force on December 1, 2025.

On May 14, 2025, New Hampshire's Governor Ayotte signed the House Bill 167 on Prohibiting the sale of ski, boat, and board waxes that contain intentionally added per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances. This new act shall takes effect on July 13, 2025.

On June 4, 2025, the UK Defra introduced a policy paper to support PFAS risk management by the interim approach to the PMT or vPvM concept.

In April 2025, Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has adopted the final rule Chapter 90 - Products Containing Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, which provide details on implementing the State’s PFAS Act.

Taiwan enhanced regulations on toxic and concerned chemicals, including PFOS, its salts and PFOS-related compounds, PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related compounds, NP, NPEO, and cybutryne.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a PFAS Action Plan, spearheaded by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, to address the growing concerns over per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) released the legal notice​ to adopt new rules for reporting and fee program regarding PFAS in products. The new rules seek to clarify the existing PFAS Bill (Minn. Stat. § 116.943) which requires a manufacturer or a group of manufacturers to report to MPCA information about intentionally added PFAS in products.

Banning “forever chemicals” only from everyday products risks providing cover for industry to continue using these poisons on a grand scale.

On April 14, 2025, the European Commission adopted delegated regulation amending the EU Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2019/1021). The amendment mainly includes the changes of PFOS substance identification, as well as introducing stricter concentration limits for PFOS present as an unintentional trace contaminant (UTC).

This investigation into PFAS further reflects the UK's proactive stance and determination in protecting human health and the environment.

On April 8, 2025, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed House Bill 212, the Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Protection Act (HB 212), into law. The legislation, which prohibits the intentional addition of PFAS in consumer products by 2031, follows similar laws in Maine and Minnesota, making New Mexico the third U.S. state to adopt sweeping restrictions on these persistent pollutants.

On April 1, 2025, Brazil's draft PFAS bill has received critical amendments in the Committes on Environment and Sustainable Development (CMADS), aiming to further align with the newly established Brazil REACH.

These regulatory updates to POPs control in Great Britain took effect on April 1, 2025.

UK HSE recently published the Work Program (2024/25), outlining the activities planned for the implementation of UK REACH.

During their first meetings of 2025, the Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) progressed their evaluation of the proposed restriction on PFAS.

On February 20, 2025, the State of California introduced the Assembly Bill No. 1148 "Safer Food Packing Act of 2025" . This bill would prohibit a person from distributing, selling, or offering for sale in the state any food packaging that contains ortho-phthalates, bisphenol A, B, S, F, or AF, or related compounds and antimony trioxide.

On March 5, 2025, the Government of Canada released the State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report and the proposed Risk Management Approach for PFAS, excluding fluoropolymers.

China is revising mandatory national standards on the limit of harmful substances in industrial coating and architectural coating. The draft for approval has been released on March 4, 2025 by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

On February 27, 2025, European Parliament released the legislative resolution on the proposal for a new EU toys safety regulation (TSR) repealing Directive 2009/48/EC (C/2025/1032) , adopted at first reading on March 13, 2024. This regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the OJ. A transitional period of 30 months is provided after EIF of the TSR, except for a few provisions that will apply from EIF date.

On February 20, 2025, France has passed a Law to ban PFAS used in several consumer products including textile clothing and cosmetics.

On February 25, 2025, China MEE-FECO opened a public consultation on the indicative lists for 'PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related compounds', ‘PFHxS, its salts and PFHxS-related compounds' and ‘long-chain PFCAs, their salts and related compounds’.

On October 1, 2025, AICIS published a notice in response to the feedback solicited from industry stakeholders on the information requirements for designated fluorinated chemicals.

On January 31, 2025, Singapore’s Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment published the Environment Protection and Management Act 1999 (Amendment of Second Schedule) Order 2025 (S 85 of 2025) and the Environment Protection and Management (Hazardous Substances) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (S 86 of 2025). Both of them will take effect on August 1, 2025.

On January 22, 2025, EU's long-waited Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) was finally published on the Official Journal of the European Union. This Regulation aims to enhance the sustainability of all packaging and packaging waste, including waste reduction measures and targets and ambitious essential requirements to reduce excessive packaging, improve recyclability and minimise the complexity of packaging, etc. The PPWR shall enter into force on February 11, 2025 and apply from August 12, 2026.

European Union is adding 40 chemicals in the Annex I of Regulation (EU) No 649/2012 (PIC Regulation), including 35 pesticides and 5 used as industrial chemicals, such as abamectin, difenacoum, fenpropimorph, dimethomorph, triadimenol and penflufen.

On January 6, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the automatic addition of nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the list of chemicals covered by the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI).

On December 3, 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the amendment of the new chemical procedural regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). These amednment will improve the efficiency of EPA's reviewing process and align with the 2016 bipartisan TSCA Amendment under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, and update the regulations based on existing policies and experience implementing the New Chemicals Program.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and authorities from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have released a progress update on the process to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Europe.

The national enforcement authorities in 13 European Economic Area (EEA) countries checked nearly 4 500 cosmetic products, mainly looking at the ingredients list, for the presence of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), long chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and related substances, and cyclic siloxanes D4 and D5. The authorities found that 285 of the inspected cosmetics included hazardous chemicals whose use is banned in these products.

On October 8, 2024, The USA’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a rule to add 16 individually listed per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 15 PFAS categories representing over 100 individual PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) list of toxic chemicals subject to reporting under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) and the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA).

The import, export, manufacture, or use of HCB, PCBs, and PCTs within Australia will be strictly restricted or prohibited from July 1, 2025.

On September 20, 2024, European Commission announced to add Undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), its salts and PFHxA-related substances to the Restriction List under REACH (Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006). This amendment was published in the Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 on the Official Journal of the European Union. It will come into force on October 10, 2024.

On November 15, 2024, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and Ministry of the Environment (MOE) jointly issued the Ministerial Order No. 4 of 2024, designating 138 PFOA-related compounds as Class I Specified Chemical Substances under the Chemical Substances Control Law (CSCL). These compounds are listed as Item No. 35 on the Class I Specified Chemical Substances List and will come into effect on January 10, 2025.

The Korean MoE further clarifies the chemical information and specific exemption criteria for controlled POPs.

Speaking at the 16th Chemical Regulations Annual Conference (CRAC) held on September 5, 2024, Mr. Xuezhi Xiao, Deputy Chief Scientist from the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), shared major progress in China's compliance with the POPs Convention.

In May 2023, the federal government proposed listing the entire class of PFAS as ‘toxic’ under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).

PFAS is a category of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) that have received widespread attention in European and American countries for over a decade. This category includes thousands of compounds such as PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and PFBA, which are difficult to decompose and can easily accumulate in the environment. Japan has relatively lenient PFAS regulations, but is still studying the risks they pose to human health. There will be expected to be more detailed regulatory requirements in the future.

On July 27, 2024, the Government of Canada published a notice in the Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 158, Number 30. This notice requires relevant companies to provide information on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) listed in Schedule 1 of the notice (hereinafter referred to as “Schedule 1”) before January 29, 2025. The information shall be submitted to the Minister of the Environment using the online reporting system Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Single Window.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently granted a petition submitted by a coalition of environmental organizations dated April 11, 2024 regarding the prohibition of PFOA, PFNA, PFDA during the fluorination of plastic containers.

According to the Gazette on July 10, 2024, Japan will implement a phased-in ban on PFOA isomers, their salts and PFOA-related compounds via a partial revision to the Enforcement Ordinance of the Chemical Substance Control Law (CSCL).

Recently, the State of Rhode Island General Assembly passed the House Bill 7356Aaa/ Senate Bill 2152Aaa, which enacts An Act Relating to Health and Safety -- Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2004, prohibiting the intentional addition of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in covered products offered for sale or manufactured in the state as of January 1, 2027.

On June 5, 2024, the Governor of Connecticut signed into Senate Bill 292 (Public Act No.24-59), which is titled "An Act Concerning The Use Of PFAS In Certain Products", to regulate PFAS in a wide array of consumer products through notification, self-declaration labeling and eventually phase out all uses.

On May 30, 2024, the Governor of Vermont signed into Senate Bill 25 (Act 131) which amends An act relating to restrictions on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and other chemicals of concern in consumer products (S.20). It shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

On April 18, 2024, the House of Representative introduced a Congressional Bill H.R.8074(IH) - Forever Chemical Regulation and Accountability Act of 2024 which aims to phase out all non-essential uses of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) in 10-year period.

This initiative aims to help the HSE, in collaboration with the Environment Agency, prepare an Annex 15 restriction dossier under UK REACH assessing the risk to the environment and human health from PFAS in firefighting foams.

On April 16, 2024, the State of Maine signed into An Act to Amend the Laws Relating to the Prevention of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Pollution. Initially enacted in 2021, Maine's PFAS Act prohibits the sale of any product containing intentionally added PFAS in the State from January 1, 2030, unless determined as a currently unavoidable use (CUUs).

On May 8, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the final rule to designate perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), including their salts and structural isomers, as hazardous substances under section 102(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

Despite opposition from the government and industries, French National Assembly nodded through a proposed bill aimed at protecting the population from the risks linked to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on April 4, 2024. The bill will proceed to the Senate for deliberation.

Starting from January 1, 2026, Singapore will phase out the import and use of firefighting foams containing PFOA and PFOS, including their salts and related compounds. After January 1, 2026, companies can continue using fire-fighting foams containing PFAS if trace contaminant concentrations are below their respective threshold limits, and disposal must be done through licensed Toxic Industrial Waste Collectors by the NEA.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) outlines how its two scientific committees will progress in evaluating the proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Europe

China MEE is currently soliciting public feedback on the draft framework for the standard system concerning new pollutants monitoring.

On February 1, 2024, Japan issued a joint consultation​ regarding the designation of PFOA isomers, their salts and PFOA-related compounds as Class I Specified Chemical Substances controlled under the Chemical Substance Control Law (CSCL).

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is requesting for comments on planned new rules for the determination of Currently Unavoidable Uses (CUUs) of PFAS in products. Public comments or information are welcome until 4:30 p.m. (CST) on March 1, 2024.

To bring CUU proposals to the legislature in 2025, Maine Department of Environmental Protection is soliciting public opinions​ from those seeking CUU determinations. A separate proposal must be submitted for each individual product category. The proposals may be submitted by manufacturers individually or collectively by March 1, 2024.

On January 9, 2024, the MEE issued a notice, announcing that China has comprehensively phased out eight types of chemicals included in the List of New Pollutants for Priority Management (2023). Their import, export, manufacture, process and use have been prohibited in China from January 1, 2024.

The Australian Government recently announced the new scheduling decisions for nine chemicals under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS).

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MoC), the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) jointly issued the Catalogue of Goods Prohibited from Import (9th Batch) and the Catalogue of Goods Prohibited from Export (8th Batch), which took effect on January 1, 2024.

On December 4, 2023, European Commission released a Draft regulation to revise several provisions concerning perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and its derivatives under the Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants(also known as the POPs Regulation). The draft is open for feedback until January 1, 2024.

Recently, the Forum for Exchange of Information on Enforcement (Forum) published the Advice on enforceability of the Annex XV restriction proposal regarding Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)’s website.

This list serves as a reference for enterprises ensure compliance with the List of New Pollutants for Priority Management (2023) and the Inventory of Severely Restricted Toxic Chemicals (2023).

Speaking at the 15th Chemical Regulatory Annual Conference (CRAC) held on November 16, 2023 in Shanghai, Catherine Cornu, the Senior Scientific Officer of European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), introduced the trends in European chemicals management originating from the Commission’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.

Thailand’s DIW proposed to regulate PFHxS, its salts and PFHxS-related compounds as Type 3 hazardous substances. Registration and licensing requirements will apply.

As notified on its official website, Vietnam's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) is consulting on the revision on Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP Detailing a Number of Articles of the Law on Environmental Protection. The Decree stipulate provisions on the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and raw materials, fuels, materials, products, goods and equipment containing POPs. Comments are welcome until November 4, 2023.

Speaking at ChemCon Europe held in Vienna on October 26, 2023, Ms. Thanatorn Yoadsomsuay from Thailand’s Department of Industrial Works (DIW) introduced recent developments, challenges, and future trends of Thailand’s chemical management under the HSA.

The USA’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing a rule to add per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) included on the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) to the list of Chemicals of Special Concern. This final rule shall apply for the reporting year beginning January 1, 2024. (reports due July 1, 2025).

On October 11, 2023, the USA’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a finalized rule to require reporting and recordkeeping for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This rule builds on over two years of progress on the Biden-Harris Administration’s action plan to combat PFAS pollution, safeguarding public health and advancing environmental justice, and is a key action in EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap. It shall be effective on November 13, 2023.

Australian Government proposed to list PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS and PeCB in IChEMS Register Schedule 7. If adopted, they will be prohibited from import, export, manufacture or use within Australia.

On September 13, 2023, California lawmakers advanced a bill to ban the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS from household and institutional cleaners sold in the state. The bill cleared the Legislature and now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his signature.

Japan will prohibit the manufacture, import and use of PFHxS, its isomers, and their salts, and prohibit the import of certain products in which PFHxS, its isomers, or their salts are used.

EU officially lists perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts and PFHxS-related compounds in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021(POPs Regulation). The announcement came in the publication of Regulation (EU) 2023/1068 in the Official Journal of European Union on August 8, 2023. It shall enter into force 20 days after the publication.

Earlier in February 2023, an ambitious plan to restrict or even ban all PFASs was unveiled by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This universal restriction proposal calls for the phase-out of around 10,000 PFASs used in a wide array of applications.

Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts and PFHxS-related compounds will be designated as Class I toxic chemicals in Taiwan. This move is in response to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, which listed them to its Annex A (Elimination) in 2022.

SEAC has adopted its final opinion supporting a gradual ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams. The restriction could reduce PFAS emissions into the environment by around 13 200 tonnes over 30 years.

The expanded lists of chemicals regulated under the Hazardous Chemicals Control Ordinance (Cap. 595) and the Pesticides Ordinance (Cap. 133) will take effect from October 20, 2023.

Import or export of decaBDE and PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related compounds will require for prior AICIS authorization.

On October 18, 2023, the MEE released the updated Inventory of Severely Restricted Toxic Chemicals, adopting the amendments proposed in June.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed into law the ban in the U.S. on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in certain products as part of the broadest PFAS policy package in the country.

In a webinar held by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) on April 5, 2023, five authorities from Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden formed a live panel to discuss the restriction proposal for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The proposal was co-drafted by the five countries to address the risks to the environment and human health from PFAS.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) published a Draft State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report and a Risk Management Scope for PFAS in the Canada Gazette​ on May 20, 2023. Both documents are open for a 60-day public comment period ending on July 19, 2023.

On March 22, 2023, the discussions on the upcoming ban of PFAS chemicals in the European Union started. Through an advocacy campaign from environmental NGO ChemSec, over a hundred consumer brands worth more than €130 billion strongly support a comprehensive ban on these harmful chemicals.

On February 2, 2023, Vietnam's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) issued an official letter 424/BTNMT-KSONMT 2023 to supplement the legal provisions on exemption registration for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP.

To provide new guidance on the environmental management of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) around Australia and New Zealand, the Heads of EPAs of Australia and New Zealand (HEPA) released the draft per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances National Environmental Management Plan (PFAS NEMP) version 3.0​ for public consultation in September 2022. The period for comments ended on February 28, 2023.