China Overhauls New Chemical Registration Measures

On June 11, 2026, the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) issued a draft revision to MEE Order No. 12, namely the Measures for the Environmental Management Registration of New Chemical Substances (Draft for comments). The consultation will be closed by July 12, 2026. This draft revision is not merely a technical update to certain provisions of MEE Order No. 12. Rather, it constitutes a comprehensive, system-wide restructuring covering key aspects such as the registration applicant, registration type, exemption scope, the management of polymers, subsequent supervision of highly hazardous chemicals, post-registration management provisions, and the allocation of legal liabilities.