CIRS Regulatory Newsletter | July 2026 - Regulatory Update (II) - Newsletter

This edition covers critical global regulatory updates across food, biocides, cosmetics, chemicals, and medical devices. Key highlights focus on actionable requirements for the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), China's proposed revisions to MEE Order 12 for new chemical substance registrations, the officially published extensions for UK REACH deadlines, and the US FDA’s postponed self-GRAS reform timeline.

Beyond these top picks, you will find comprehensive global compliance news, analysis, and industry updates throughout the issue.

The Editor's Picks are just a selection of the stories featured in this issue, alongside additional regulatory updates and insights from around the globe.

⭐Editor’s picks – key regulatory developments

EU PPWR: What Packaging Businesses Need to Do Now

The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces strict rules for anyone selling into Europe. Applying from August 2026, it mandates practical recyclability, post-consumer recycled content, PFAS/chemical restrictions, packaging minimization, and harmonized digital labeling. Early portfolio reviews are essential to avoid costly supply chain disruptions. ➡️Read More

China Notifies WTO of Revised New Chemical Substance Registration Measures for Public Comment

China has notified the WTO of its proposed changes to MEE Order 12, aligned with the draft published last month. The proposed dates for both adoption and entry into force remain to be determined, and because the draft is still under consultation, there is still time for changes to the final text. However, the fact that the regulation has now moved to the WTO stages means that from a compliance preparation perspective, enterprises need to shift from "following the revision draft" to "preparing for the implementation of the rules" as soon as possible. ➡️Read More

UK REACH Transitional Registration Deadline Extension Regulation Officially Published

The UK has officially published regulations extending UK REACH transitional registration deadlines across Great Britain to 2029 for Batch 1, 2030 for Batch 2, and 2031 for Batch 3, while also deferring minimum review proportion compliance check deadlines to 2030, 2032, and 2036. Despite these extended timelines, businesses must continue prioritizing high-hazard and high-tonnage substances while actively collaborating across their supply chains to maintain compliance and avoid trade disruptions. ➡️Read More

Preparing for the Next Phase of Ethanol Biocidal Products in Europe

The regulatory landscape for ethanol-based biocidal productsin the EU is evolving, and manufacturers should be thinking about what comes next. With the adoption of the opinion on ethanol as an activesubstance for PT1, PT2 and PT4, businesses have greaterregulatory certainty-but now is the time to prepare for productauthorisation under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). ➡️Read More

EU Cosmetics Regulation Updated: Involving Annexes II, III and V

The European Union notified the WTO (G/TBT/N/EU/1219) of plans to update the EU Cosmetics Regulation by revising Annexes II, III, and V. Expected to pass in Q4 2026, these amendments ban or restrict several health-risk substances—including mercury compounds, benzophenones, prostaglandins, and certain dyes—requiring companies to adjust product formulations within specified transition periods. ➡️Read More

FDA Postpones the Release of Proposed Rule on GRAS Reform Until December

The U.S. HHS/FDA has updated its GRAS reform timeline, targeting December to publish a proposed rule replacing voluntary Self-GRAS with mandatory FDA notice submissions. This selective rule applies to "certain food substances" and includes a simplified transition pathway for existing market products, making early review of safety documentation essential. ➡️Read More

Did you know we publish a slightly longer version of all our LinkedIn newsletters in the newsletter section of the CIRS Group website? You can find the previous July issue here.

🔎What’s covered in this issue – at a glance

💻Free webinars

Analysis of Policy Trends in Cross-Border E-Commerce for Imported Health Foods & Blue Hat Registration and Filing

🦠Biocides news

Preparing for the Next Phase of Ethanol Biocidal Products in Europe

🧪Chemical news

💄Cosmetic news

🍽Food and food contact material (FCM) news

🩺Medical devices news

Under the EU PPWR, Is Medical Device Packaging Truly Exempt?

Free webinars

Analysis of Policy Trends in Cross-Border E-Commerce for Imported Health Foods & Blue Hat Registration and Filing

CIRS Group, together with HPA-Global & HPA-China will host a free webinar on the Policy Trends in Cross-Border E-Commerce for Imported Health Foods & Blue Hat Registration and Filing on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 12:00-13:00 EST. Please click here for more details.

❤ As a special bonus, all attendees will receive comprehensive guidance on health food registration and filing in China free of charge after the webinar.

Biocides news

Preparing for the Next Phase of Ethanol Biocidal Products in Europe

Chemical news

EU PPWR: What Packaging Businesses Need to Do Now

China Notifies WTO of Revised New Chemical Substance Registration Measures for Public Comment

UK REACH Transitional Registration Deadline Extension Regulation Officially Published

Korea Updates GHS Regulation under MoEL Notice No. 2026-26

On April 24, 2026, the Chemical Accident Prevention Division of South Korea's Ministry of Employment and Labor (MoEL) released the latest revision of the Korean GHS regulation: MoEL Notice No. 2026-26, effective as of the date of publication. ➡️ Read More

UK Proposes Comprehensive Ban on PFAS in Firefighting Foams

On July 21, 2026, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published its agency opinion on the restriction proposal for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams, formally launching a 60-day public consultation. The consultation will close on September 7, 2026. ➡️ Read More

Japan Adds 36 Substances to Mandatory Labeling and SDS List Under ISHL, Effective from 2028

On March 31, 2026, Japan promulgated amendments to the Japanese ISHL Enforcement Order that will bring 36 more chemical substances under mandatory container labeling and safety data sheet (SDS) delivery. The rules bite on April 1, 2028, with a one-year grace period for existing stocks, so chemical suppliers and importers have a clear window to reclassify products and prepare compliant labels and SDS. ➡️ Read More

Japan NITE Releases FY2025 GHS Classification Results for 142 Substances

On July 3, 2026, Japan's National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) released the FY2025 (Reiwa 7) GHS classification results of the three ministries — the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE). A total of 142 chemical substances were classified this year, of which 59 were newly classified and 83 were reclassified and reviewed. The classification results are provided for enterprises' reference when preparing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and labels. ➡️ Read More

South Korea's NICS Issues Advance Notice on Revised Hazard Review Results for 84 Existing Chemical Substances

In July 2026, the National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS) of South Korea issued an advance notice (legislative notice) on a partial revision to the Hazard Review Results of Chemical Substances, proposing to newly disclose the hazard review results of 84 existing chemical substances, revise the information of 6 new chemical substances (including correction of misrecords), and add the hazard assessment results of 6 new chemical substances. Comments are accepted until July 30, 2026. ➡️ Read More

China's Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law in Effect - Six Key Compliance Red Lines

The Safety Law generally steps up penalties, placing greater emphasis on the dual-penalty system (penalizing both the offending entity and the responsible individuals) and on sanctions against the directly responsible persons in charge and other directly responsible personnel. Against the backdrop of the Law, enterprises engaged in the production, import, and export of hazardous chemicals must promptly implement compliance measures to safeguard life and the environment and avoid penalties. ➡️ Read More

China Seeks Comments on Mandatory National Standard for Hazardous Substances in TPU

On July 8, 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released the mandatory national standard Limits on Hazardous Substances in Thermoplastic Polyurethane for public comment. ➡️ Read More

EU Proposes Revision to RoHS Directive, Opens Public Consultation on Multiple Lead and Cadmium Exemptions

On July 8, 2026, the European Commission published a draft delegated directive proposing to revise and update multiple lead and cadmium exemption entries in Directive 2011/65/EU on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (the RoHS Directive). A four-week public consultation has now officially opened, with a deadline of August 5, 2026. ➡️ Read More

UK's HSE Proposes Adding 9 Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) to UK REACH Candidate List

On July 9, 2026, the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued a notice to initiate a public consultation on the inclusion of nine chemical substances on the UK REACH Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) candidate list, covering flame retardants, plasticizers, UV absorbers, fluorinated compounds, and other categories. The deadline for submitting comments is August 20, 2026. ➡️ Read More

South Korea's MoEL Publishes Q2 2026 Assessment Results for 74 New Chemical Substances, 43 Found Hazardous

On June 30, 2026, South Korea's Ministry of Employment and Labor (MoEL) published the names, hazards, and risks of 74 new chemical substances manufactured or imported in South Korea in the second quarter of 2026, along with the workplace measures to be taken to prevent health damage to workers. It also issued requirements to relevant manufacturing and importing enterprises to prevent damage to workers' health, including the use of personal protective equipment and the installation of local exhaust ventilation. ➡️ Read More

Cosmetic news

EU Cosmetics Regulation Updated: Involving Annexes II, III and V

Cosmetic Efficacy Testing: Why Claim Substantiation Matters in 2026

Cosmetic efficacy testing—encompassing clinical, in vitro, instrumental, and consumer studies—is essential for verifying product performance, supporting marketing claims, and ensuring global regulatory compliance. By providing objective scientific evidence across diverse product categories, robust testing builds consumer trust, mitigates legal risks, and serves as a strategic investment for international market expansion. ➡️ Read More

Global Cosmetics Regulatory Updates-Vol.40 (June 2026)

CIRS Group has compiled and summarised the latest global cosmetic regulatory developments of June 2026, covering industry news, new regulations, policy adjustments and regulatory trends, to help companies maintain compliance and keep abreast of global cosmetic regulatory developments. ➡️ Read More

China NMPA Seeks Public Comments on the Implementation of Revisions to the STSC for Cosmetics

On July 15, 2026, the NMPA released the “Announcement of the National Medical Products Administration on Matters Concerning the Implementation of the Revised Contents of the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition) (Draft for Comment)”. ➡️ Read More

US FDA 2026 Regulatory Plan: Proposed Ban on Formaldehyde in Hair Products and Fragrance Allergen Labeling for Cosmetics

On July 3, 2026, in the newly released “2026 Regulatory Plan and Unified Agenda,” the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) placed two important cosmetics-related rules in the “Proposed Rule Stage,” with the aim of issuing Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in 2026:

First, to prohibit the use of formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in hair smoothing/straightening products (RIN 0910-AI83); and
Second, to require the disclosure of fragrance allergens on cosmetic product labels (RIN 0910-AI90).➡️ Read More

US Illinois Signs the Chemicals in Cosmetic Products Act: Bans 24 Ingredients Including PFAS

On July 10, 2026, the Governor of Illinois signed the Chemicals in Cosmetic Products Act (HB 3409) into law, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, delivery, holding, or offering for sale of cosmetic products containing 24 specific “intentionally added” ingredients, effective from July 1, 2028. ➡️ Read More

Regulatory FAQs: Ordinary Cosmetics Filing in China (Vol.11)

This article explains in detail the key compliance rules for children's cosmetics to help cosmetic companies quickly understand the specific regulatory framework and efficiently complete children's cosmetic filing and routine quality management in a compliant manner. ➡️Read More

Food and food contact material (FCM) news

Navigating Food and Feed Ingredients Compliance in 12 Global Markets: The White Paper Series on Novel Food & Feed Ingredients Submissions

To support international expansion amid complex food regulations, CIRS Group released its White Paper Series on Global Novel Food and Feed Ingredient Submissions, covering 12 key global markets. Starting with the newly available Guide to U.S. GRAS Notification, this series provides clear regulatory frameworks, submission workflows, and technical insights to help companies streamline global compliance. ➡️ Read More

FDA Postpones the Release of Proposed Rule on GRAS Reform Until December

Analysis of the Filing Status of Health Foods (Dietary Supplements) in the First Half of 2026 in China

China’s health food filing market remained highly active in the first half of 2026, with 1,548 filing certificates issued and growing diversity in raw materials, dosage forms, and product types. For companies, the trend points to broader filing opportunities—but also a more competitive market that rewards early strategy and smart product positioning. ➡️Read more

China NHC Updates: Three New Foods Were Accepted

China has accepted “three new foods” applications for D-tagatose, Lacticaseibacillus brevis CECT 7480, and colloidal microcrystalline cellulose, signaling fresh activity in the approval pipeline. For food companies, the update is an early indicator of potential future ingredient opportunities and a reminder to monitor review progress closely. ➡️Read more

Review of China’s New Food Raw Materials in the First Half of 2026

China’s first-half 2026 new food raw material activity shows fewer applications but faster approvals, signaling a more efficient review system. Plant ingredients still dominate, while alternative proteins, biotech-derived ingredients, and domestically developed probiotics are gaining ground—giving companies clearer signals on where innovation and market opportunities are heading. ➡️Read more

CIRS Assists Zhongda Hengyuan’s D-psicose in Achieving GRAS Notice

On July 6, Henan Zhongda Hengyuan Biotechnology Stock Co., Ltd. (Hengyuan) received a "no questions" letter from the FDA regarding the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) notice for its D-psicose. Produced via an enzymatic bioconversion process, the ingredient's safety has now been officially recognized by the FDA.

CIRS Group managed the entire process, providing comprehensive regulatory support from submission to completion. The notice progressed from the initial FDA filing to the issuance of the "no questions" letter in just four months—a timeline that highlights CIRS Group's extensive regulatory expertise and efficient execution in food compliance. ➡️ Read More

Review of China’s New Food Additives in the First Half of 2026

In the first half of 2026, China’s National Health Commission (NHC) issued two “Three New Foods” announcements (Announcement No. 1 and Announcement No. 5 of 2026), approving a total of 38 products, including new food raw materials, new food additives, and new food-related products. Among these, 18 were approved as new food additives. ➡️ Read More

EU Novel Food Report in the First Half of 2026

Based on publicly available information from the Open EFSA and regulations issued by the European Commission, CIRS conducted a statistical analysis of the EU Novel Food (NF) approval dynamics in the first half of 2026. As of June 30, 2026, the EU has approved 6 NFs, received 19 dossiers and accepted 15, published 9 scientific opinions. ➡️Read More

China CFSA Collect Public Consultation Open for 4 New Food Ingredients

On July 13, 2026, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) issued 4 new food materials. Comments are welcomed before August 12, 2026. ➡️Read More

China CFSA Collects Public Comments on Three New Food Additives including a LNnT

On July 15, 2026, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) issued 3 new food additives for public comments, including 1 food additive with expanded application scope and 2 food additives with supplementary quality specification. Comments are welcomed before August 14,, 2026. ➡️Read More

FDA NDI Database Update: 25 New Substances Reviewed with Under 40% Approval

The U.S. New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) database was updated on July 13, 2026, with a total of 25 substances having their status updated. It should be noted that there is a lag in the NDI database updates. The latest FDA response times in this update report are all earlier than April 1, 2026. Currently, the actual number of completed NDI notifications is actually greater than the data currently published on the official website. ➡️Read More

Medical Devices news

Under the EU PPWR, Is Medical Device Packaging Truly Exempt?

As a core regulation of the EU's circular economy, the PPWR imposes on all companies placing packaging on the EU market a full chain of obligations spanning substances, design, and recyclability. Medical device companies are no bystanders — although, given the special nature of their products, the primary packaging in direct contact with the product enjoys certain relaxations with regard to "recyclability" and "recycled content," core responsibilities such as minimization, hazardous substances, labeling, EPR, and the Declaration of Conformity apply in full. There is therefore no such thing as a complete exemption for medical device packaging under the PPWR framework. ➡️Read More

We have launched a LinkedIn newsletter to keep you up to date on the latest developments across the chemical industry including food and FCMs and personal and home care.