The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) has launched a nationwide evaluation of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Companies registered with AICIS from 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2025 must now report whether they imported or manufactured any of the 522 PFAS listed by the agency during 1 September 2023 and 31 August 2025.

China proposes expanding RoHS coverage under GB 26572-2025, adding new EEE categories, updating product and part exemptions. Comment submissions are due by 2 Dec 2025.

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has proposed allowing the use of alternative chemical names in Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) to protect confidential business information (CBI).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to narrow PFAS reporting obligations under TSCA, offering long-anticipated exemptions for imported articles, impurities, byproducts, and PFAS below 0.1%. The agency is also considering raising the de minimis threshold to 1% and possibly shifting from a structural PFAS definition to a discrete list of named substances.

BPOM has completed consultation on a new regulation updating substance limits in food-contact materials — set to replace Regulation 20/2019. The draft regulation sets to limit the use of Bisphenol A, S and PFAS in food packaging.

ECHA adds DBDPE (CAS 84852-53-9) to the REACH Candidate List, expanding SVHCs to 251. Companies face new EU disclosure, ECHA & SCIP notification, and labeling duties under REACH and the Waste Framework Directive. Affective sectors include automotive, electrical & electronics, chemical and consumer products, medical device, textile, and toys.

Vietnam is finalizing a comprehensive reform of its chemical control system. On 30 October 2025, the Vietnam Chemicals Agency (Vinachemia) issued a draft Circular implementing the Law on Chemicals (No. 69/2025/QH15), following consultations on decree on implementation and administrative penalties.

Singapore will introduce mandatory reporting requirements for hazardous chemicals starting January 2026. At the same time, paint products intended for indoor use must contain less than 0.01% formaldehyde.

The new law requires mandatory disclosure of hazardous substances in products, notification of new chemicals but provide little details on implementation.

California’s Assembly passed bill AB-1148, seeking to restrict the use of bisphenols and ortho-phthalates in all packaging. Known as Safer Food Packing Act of 2025, the bill authorises the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to set the restrictive limits but exempts tetramethyl bisphenol F (TMBPF, CAS 5384-21-4) from the restrictions unless DTSC deems the substance to also poses a significant risk to human health. 

The New York Senate passed S1464 on 28 May 2025, which seeks to implement extended producer responsibilities (EPR) for packaging and packaging materials.  The the bill would require companies to register with the state, create collection systems and take back programs as well as eliminate hazardous chemicals from packaging and packaging materials.

The Ministry of Environment launched a public consultation, on 30 May 2025, to amend a number of labelling requirements for biocidal products in South Korea. The agency also launched a separate consultation in early May that affects the labelling of household chemicals.

Taiwan’s restrictions for the 397 PFAS substances, which it consulted with the public in October 2024, and Nonylphenols will take effect starting on 1 June 2025.  Industries have a short transition period to comply with the new restrictions.

India requires companies to include the name and registration of the entity responsible for the packaging materials. The move seeks to strengthen the country’s EPR scheme but poses challenges for industries due to the short compliance date.

Vietnam’s proposed overhaul of its 2007 Chemical Law aims to cut down on some regulatory burden, introduces green technology but also presents challenges for industry, especially on the ingredient disclosure requirements.

Phillippines EMB adds new chemicals to the PICCS and consults on prohibits and restrictions on agro-chemicals and other chemicals under the Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions.

Sunscreen products in the UK would soon be required to use lesser amount of oxybenzone.