Europe
ECHA seeks public comments on seven substance testing proposals
On November 4, 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) introduced seven new substance testing proposals and requested public comments until December 19, 2024. ECHA's call for comments on substance testing proposals is a public evaluation process aimed at determining whether registered chemicals require additional testing. According to the REACH regulations, before proceeding with Annex IX and X (corresponding to registered tonnage of 100-1000 tonnes per year (t/y) and more than 1000t/y), registrants must submit a test proposal (TP). After the comment period ends, ECHA will finalize the testing requirements based on the feedback and the characteristics of the substances.
Asia
China advances safety law against hazardous chemicals
On November 4, 2024, the Social Construction Committee of the National People's Congress issued the "Report on the Review Results of Proposals Submitted by Delegates for Review by the Presidium of the Second Session of the Fourteenth National People's Congress", examining the operational opinions of 41 delegate proposals including the drafting of the "Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law".
Israel asks companies using PFAS to submit safety data sheets within three months
On November 10, 2024, Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection issued new regulations aimed at strengthening controls on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The new policy mandates that all companies using PFAS submit safety data sheets within three months, assess alternatives within one year, and develop detailed emissions management plans within eighteen months.
Singapore announces new regulations: Decloran Plus and UV-328 to be banned from import and export
On November 12, 2024, Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) said that Singapore will officially ban the production, import and export of products containing Dechlorine Plus and UV-328 from February 26, 2025. The decision is based on international management requirements for persistent organic pollutants under the Stockholm Convention. While some critical uses will be temporarily exempted to allow industry adjustments, the Singapore government urges all relevant industry stakeholders to comply with the new regulations and work together to reduce environmental pollution and protect ecological security. In the meantime, the NEA will cooperate with the international community to promote the advancement of environmental protection technologies to achieve comprehensive environmental protection goals.
China seeks public suggestions on eight mandatory national standards
On November 19, 2024, the Department of Science and Technology of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in China issued a public request for opinions on drafts of eight mandatory national standards, including "Safety Technical Requirements for Building Decoration Stone Materials". The public is invited to provide feedback on these standards, which cover areas such as limit values for harmful metal elements seeping into wall materials, harmful element limits in graphite and fluorite, heavy metal limits in inks, and restrictions on hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products. The deadline for submitting opinions is January 18, 2025.
To submit feedback, please fill out the “Mandatory National Standards Feedback Form” and send it via email to KJBZ@miit.gov.cn with the subject line indicating Feedback on Draft Standards, which includes among other things, “Safety Technical Requirements for Building Decoration Stone Materials”.
