ECHA Adds Two Chemicals to SVHC Candidate List
On 4 February 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) formally added two substances, n-hexane and Bisphenol AF (BPAF) and its salts, to the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). After this update, the SVHC Candidate List has 36 batches with a total of 253 entries. Among them, n-hexane is listed due to neurotoxicity at the Equivalent Level of Concern (ELOC), the first non-traditional SVHC not classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction. BPAF and its salts are identified for clear reproductive toxicity. In addition, the proposal for Bisphenol F (BPF) has been withdrawn, but its identification status remains pending.
EU Updates Regulations on Bisphenol A and Other Bisphenols in Food Contact Materials
On 3 February 2026, the EU issued the mandatory Regulation (EU) 2026/250, amending the Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 on bisphenol control. This amendment formally entered into force on 23 February. Key adjustments include standardizing the definition of bisphenol A (BPA) as 'bisphenol A and its salts' to avoid interpretative disputes; clarifying transitional periods for placing single-use and reusable food contact articles on the market, granting businesses compliance buffers; and clarifying extraction validation rules for residual bisphenols while harmonizing testing standards. This regulation establishes explicit requirements for food contact materials and articles containing BPA and hazardous bisphenols, further enhancing the EU's food contact material safety framework.
California's Proposed Ban on Bisphenols in Paper Receipts
In January 2026, California enacted Assembly Bill 1604, mandating restrictions on bisphenols in paper receipts. The legislation will take effect upon formal promulgation. The regulation will be implemented in two phases: From 1 January 2027, paper purchase receipts provided to consumers (covering retail food, alcohol, movable property sales, and service receipts) shall not contain intentionally added bisphenol A (BPA). From 1 January 2028, the prohibition extends to all intentionally added bisphenols, eliminating potential human health risks from bisphenols in paper receipts and standardizing receipt material safety within the retail sector.
Regulation of PFAS in Specific Products in the US State of New Jersey
On 12 January 2026, the Governor of New Jersey signed into law S 1042, the Persistent Chemicals Protection Act, to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in several product categories. The legislation took effect upon signing. The legislation defines PFAS as 'fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one perfluorinated carbon atom'. Prohibitions and restrictions apply to carpets, cosmetics, fabric treatments, plant-based food packaging, cookware handles, and any surfaces contacting food or beverages. The regulation mandates that cookware containing PFAS, where no alternative exists, must bear a label in English and Spanish stating 'This product contains PFAS'. This imposes restrictions on PFAS usage throughout the entire chain, from production to labelling.
Singapore to Ban Nine Mercury-added Products and Encourage Phase-out of LC-PFCAs and MCCPs
On 20 June 2025, Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) issued a notification in accordance with the Stockholm Convention. Chlorpyrifos, C14-C17 medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) and C9-C21 long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs) have been included in the control list, alongside a ban on nine categories of mercury-added products. All regulatory requirements shall officially enter into force on 16 December 2026, covering the manufacture, import and export of the three substances and products containing them.