SafeGuardS – Regulatory Updates

Georgia has issued a technical regulation on volatile organic compounds (VOC) in certain paints, varnishes and vehicle refinishing products. This technical regulation will become effective on July 1, 2025.

The EU is planning to add two substances to its legislation on persistent organic pollutants (POP).

The Canada published SOR/2024-109 Regulations Amending the Products Containing Mercury Regulations, which intends to reduce the potential risks of mercury to the environment and human health through measures such as banning the manufacturing and import of mercury containing products, setting mercury content limits for specific products, providing transitional period arrangements, and strengthening labeling and information requirements.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has added one substance on the Candidate List. There are legal obligations placed on industry once a substance has been placed on this list.

EPA publishes proposal to regulate N-methylpyrrolidone under TSCA, which would prescribe requirements for consumer and commercial uses, prohibit certain commercial applications and impose workplace protection requirements.

Ecuador has informed the WTO of its plan to amend its toy safety requirements. If approved, the new law will enter into force six months after its publication.

The OEHHA has modified its proposed amendment to the Prop 65 warning methods in response to received comments. Comments on the new proposal will be accepted until June 28, 2024.

The US state of Rhode Island has further postponed its prohibition of PFAS in food packaging. The ban will now become effective in January 2025.

The US state of Connecticut has regulated intentionally added PFAS in several categories of consumer good. The new law contains provisions for labeling, notification and eventual prohibition of these goods from January 1, 2028.

Multiple settlements have been reached for a variety of products containing Prop 65 chemicals. Many of these agreements allow a Prop 65 warning as an alternative.