Minnesota, USA, Updates Reporting Rules for Products Containing PFAS
On May 26, 2026, the Governor of Minnesota signed and enacted Bill SF 4612, which amends the mandatory reporting provisions for PFAS-containing products under Amara's Law. The core revision limits reporting obligations to products manufactured after July 1, 2023, that contain intentionally added PFAS and are distributed within the state.
Amara's Law established mandatory PFAS disclosure requirements, with the filing deadline now extended to September 15, 2026. It also enforces tiered regulatory bans: 11 product categories have been prohibited from intentional PFAS addition since January 2025, while a comprehensive PFAS prohibition across all products will be implemented in 2032. By narrowing the reporting scope, the revision reduces the need for businesses to trace chemical data for older inventory and lowers compliance burdens across the supply chain.
New Mexico, USA, Issues Rules for PFAS in Consumer Products
On May 5, 2026, the Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) of New Mexico issued the final implementing rules for the HB 212 PFAS Protection Act, which will come into force on July 1, 2026.
The rule enforces phased bans on intentionally added PFAS in consumer products. Five product categories, including cookware and food packaging, will be prohibited from January 1, 2027. Nine additional product types will be restricted starting January 1, 2028, and PFAS-containing products without complete mandatory reporting will also be banned in the same year. A full ban on intentionally added PFAS in consumer products will take effect in 2032, with approved Currently Unavoidable Uses (CUU) as the only exemption. The rule sets mandatory requirements for product reporting, standardized labelling and official testing, and exempts certain products such as medical devices, motor vehicles and semiconductors. The regulation applies to all manufacturers, importers and distributors operating within New Mexico.
Japan Implements Controls on Multiple Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
Japan has issued a partial amendment to the Enforcement Order of the Chemical Substances Control Law, adding long-chain perfluoroalkanoic acids (C9–C21) and their salts, related substances, chlorpyrifos and MCCP to the scope of control. Listed products include lubricants, water- and oil-repellent treated fabrics, paints, repellents, adhesives, sealing fillers, fire extinguishers and foam extinguishing agents, treated clothing, floor coverings, waxes, professional photographic films, wood insecticides, cutting oils, hydraulic fluids, flame-retardant additives, resin plasticizers and fibre protectants.
Norway Nominates DBDPE for the Global POPs List
The Norwegian Environment Agency has submitted a nomination report for decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE) under the Stockholm Convention, considering the brominated flame retardant suitable for a global ban. The substance is also included in an ongoing REACH restriction proposal for aromatic brominated flame retardants. The nomination report will be discussed by the Convention's expert committee in September 2026. Brominated flame retardants are used to reduce product flammability and may be found in electric vehicles, aircraft, building materials, polystyrene insulation materials and textiles used in mattresses, bedding, furniture and workwear.
Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized amendments to certain regulatory requirements under the Technology Transitions provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (AIM Act). The final rule addresses administrative petitions and stakeholder input across several refrigeration and air-conditioning subsectors, including refrigerated transport intermodal containers, industrial process refrigeration, semiconductor manufacturing chillers, retail food systems, cold storage warehouses, refrigerated laboratory centrifuges and shakers, and residential and light commercial air-conditioning and heat pump condensing units. It also allows relevant equipment manufactured or imported before January 1, 2025, to continue to be installed.