CIRS Regulatory Newsletter | June 2026 - Newsletter

This issue explores China's new RoHS update, Indonesia's draft guidelines for halal assurance for cosmetics, California's new food labeling rules – alongside many more global regulatory developments, industry insights, and upcoming free webinars. Grab a drink, and dive in.

⭐Editor’s picks – key regulatory developments

China RoHS 2026 – 33 Product Categories Now in Scope

On May 28, 2026, China’s MIIT and seven other authorities issued the 2026 editions of the Conformity Management Catalog and Exemption List for restricting hazardous substances in electrical and electronic products. The update covers 33 product types and sets compliance expectations for substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB, PBDE, and certain phthalates. Effective immediately, the new rules replace the 2018 version and reinforce China’s RoHS market access requirements.➡️Read more

Indonesia Publishes Draft Guidelines for the Implementation of the Halal Assurance System for Cosmetics

On June 4, 2026, Indonesia notified the WTO of draft halal assurance guidelines for cosmetics, setting out detailed requirements for ingredient verification, production controls, labeling, traceability, and internal monitoring. The draft supports the implementation of Indonesia’s mandatory halal certification regime for cosmetics, which will apply from October 17, 2026. Companies producing, importing, or selling cosmetics in Indonesia should review the proposed rules carefully and begin preparing their halal compliance systems now.➡️Read more

California’s New Food Labeling Rules Are About to Take Effect: Food Companies Face Compliance Risks If Date Labels Are Not Updated in Time

California’s AB 660 takes effect on July 1, 2026, requiring packaged food sold in the state to use standardized “quality date” or “safety date” labeling. The law also prohibits consumer-facing “sell by” dates, except for limited coded dates used only for inventory management. Companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell packaged food in California should review product categories and update labels now to reduce compliance risk, potential penalties, and litigation exposure. ➡️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 May issue here.

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

💻Free webinars

🧪Chemical news

💄Cosmetic news

🍽Food and food contact material (FCM) news

Chemical news

China RoHS 2026 – 33 Product Categories Now in Scope

Taiwan (R.O.C) to Release Second List of Existing Chemical Substances Requiring Registration

Taiwan’s environmental authorities have outlined plans for the second batch of Priority Existing Chemical Substances (PECs), including the proposed substance list, supplementary data requirements, and follow-up risk assessment approach. The update builds on the first PEC registration phase and reflects a more practical, data-driven framework for companies operating in Taiwan. Businesses manufacturing or importing affected substances should review exposure, hazard, and use information early to prepare for future registration and compliance obligations.➡️Read more

ECHA Releases Sixth REACH Report on Animal Testing Alternatives

In June 2026, ECHA published its sixth report under REACH on the use of alternatives to animal testing in chemical registrations. The report shows that adaptation methods remain the most widely used approach, while in vitro methods now dominate for endpoints such as skin irritation, eye irritation, and skin sensitisation. However, for more complex endpoints including repeated-dose toxicity and carcinogenicity, full replacement of animal testing remains difficult, underscoring continuing scientific and regulatory challenges. ➡️Read more

China's Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law 2026: What Foreign Companies Need to Know

China’s new Hazardous Chemicals Safety Law, effective May 1, 2026, marks a major shift in the country’s chemicals compliance framework, with broader lifecycle obligations, stronger China GHS expectations, and increased emphasis on digital traceability. Drawing on his presentation delivered at CHEMUK 2026, in this article Adam Hembrecht highlights what the new law means for companies manufacturing, exporting, importing, storing, or supplying hazardous chemicals in China. To find out more or receive the slides, please contact service@cirs-group.com. ➡️Read more

EU Amends Microplastic Restrictions: Expanding Pharmaceutical and R&D Exemptions, Tightening Solid Matrix Provisions

On June 2, 2026, the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2026/1168, amending the REACH microplastics restriction under Entry 78 of Annex XVII. The changes expand exemptions for medicinal products used in clinical trials and preclinical testing, add a new low-volume R&D exemption, and narrow the “permanently embedded in a solid matrix” exemption for short-term uses. The update is particularly relevant for pharmaceutical, research, and industrial product manufacturers using synthetic polymer microparticles, entering into force on June 22, 2028. ➡️Read more

ECHA Releases Five-Year Operation Report on REACH and CLP Regulations

In June 2026, ECHA published its REACH and CLP Operation Report for 2021–2025, concluding that the EU chemicals regulatory system is generally effective and increasingly mature. The report highlights progress in registration, evaluation, classification, digital tools, and enforcement, while also pointing to continuing challenges in dossier quality, committee workload, nanoform data gaps, and coordination across member states. The update offers companies an important picture of current regulatory priorities and future compliance expectations.➡️Read more

ECHA Launches New Chesar Platform for Chemical Risk Assessment

On June 2, 2026, ECHA launched the new Chesar Platform on ECHA Cloud Services to support chemical risk assessment and reporting under REACH and the Biocidal Products Regulation. The platform integrates Chesar and EUSES into a single environment, adds updated exposure assessment tools, and supports more efficient report generation. With legacy Chesar 3 to be maintained for about one year, companies should begin planning data migration and workflow adaptation now. ➡️Read more

Navigating Türkiye's KKDIK Regulation: A Comprehensive FAQ to Safeguard Your Exports

Türkiye’s tightening KKDIK compliance landscape is creating growing pressure for exporters, with common challenges including customs holds, rising registration costs, and uncertainty around temporary registration, exemptions, tonnage, and importer obligations. This FAQ-style overview highlights the main pitfalls and practical compliance options companies should understand before the September 30, 2026, deadline. ➡️Read more

ECHA Releases PFAS Restriction Draft Consultation Results: Electronics and Semiconductor Sector Draws Greatest Attention

On June 3, 2026, ECHA published a briefing on consultation feedback for SEAC’s draft opinion on the proposed PFAS restriction. During the 60-day consultation, more than 3,500 comments were submitted, with most coming from companies and industry associations and focusing on socio-economic impacts, alternatives, and transition periods. Electronics, semiconductors, fluorinated gases, energy, and transport were among the most engaged sectors, underscoring the proposal’s wide industrial significance and the high stakes of the next regulatory steps.➡️Read more

Cosmetic news

China Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics Updates: Eight Testing Methods Incorporated

On May 29, 2026, China’s NMPA released eight testing methods to be incorporated into the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition), with effect from March 1, 2027. The update includes four new methods covering chromium species, ethyl lauroyl arginate HCl, certain hair dye ingredients, and long-term human use testing, as well as four revised toxicology and genotoxicity methods. Companies should use the transition period to review testing strategies and compliance preparations. ➡️Read more

Regulatory FAQs from NIFDC: Eight Testing Methods Newly Incorporated into China STSC

Following the May 29, 2026 update to China’s Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics, the NIFDC has issued official Q&As explaining the background, technical requirements, and compliance implications of eight new and revised testing methods. The guidance covers methods for chromium species, ethyl lauroyl arginate HCl, certain hair dye ingredients, long-term human use testing, and revised toxicology and genotoxicity methods, giving companies a clearer basis for testing and transition planning ahead of March 1, 2027. ➡️Read more

ECHA Releases Sixth REACH Report on Animal Testing Alternatives

Analysis Report on the Filing Status of New Cosmetic Ingredients in China – May 2026

CIRS Group’s May 2026 analysis of China’s NMPA new cosmetic ingredient filings shows 20 ingredients filed during the month, unchanged from May 2025, with the year-to-date total reaching 93. Domestic companies accounted for 18 of the 20 filings, with Guangdong leading among domestic filer locations. The report also reviews repeat filings for certain ingredients and provides interpretations of selected materials, helping companies track filing activity, enterprise trends, and ingredient innovation in China’s cosmetics market.➡️Read more

China's Mandatory National Standard for Toothpaste Ingredients Undergoes First Revision

On June 4, 2026, China’s NMPA released for public comment the draft mandatory standard Specifications for Toothpaste Ingredients (GB 22115-202X), which would replace GB 22115-2008. The draft expands prohibited and restricted ingredient inventories, updates permitted preservatives and colorants, and aligns toothpaste ingredient management more closely with current Chinese regulations. The proposal is an important compliance development for companies manufacturing, filing, or reformulating toothpaste products for the China market.➡️Read more

Indonesia Publishes Draft Guidelines for the Implementation of the Halal Assurance System for Cosmetics

On June 4, 2026, Indonesia notified the WTO of draft halal assurance guidelines for cosmetics, setting out detailed requirements for ingredient verification, production controls, labeling, traceability, and internal monitoring. The draft supports implementation of Indonesia’s mandatory halal certification regime for cosmetics, which will apply from October 17, 2026. Companies producing, importing, or selling cosmetics in Indonesia should review the proposed rules carefully and begin preparing their halal compliance systems now.➡️Read more

Summary Report on Cosmetic Supervision and Sampling Inspection in China - May 2026

In May 2026, China’s NMPA reported 84 batches of non-compliant cosmetics, including 15 batches suspected of being counterfeit, while Guangzhou identified 12 cosmetic manufacturers with quality management system deficiencies, five of them serious. Sunscreens, hair dyes, and shampoo or hair care products were the most affected categories, with ingredient mismatches, microbiological failures, and excessive preservative levels among the main issues. The results underline the need for stronger formula review, raw material control, and quality management. ➡️Read more

South Korea MFDS Publishes Guide on Cosmetic Safety Assessment

On June 10, 2026, South Korea’s MFDS published a guide on preparing cosmetic safety assessment documentation, ahead of the phased rollout of a mandatory cosmetic safety assessment system from 2028. The guidance explains the required structure and content of safety documentation, including product information, exposure assessment, toxicology, microbiological quality, packaging safety, and assessor qualifications. It gives cosmetic companies a practical basis for organizing data and preparing product safety files in advance. ➡️Read more

Food and food contact material (FCM) news

Latest EU Update: S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine Disulfate Tosylate Now Considered a Novel Food

The European Commission has updated the novel food status of S-adenosyl-L-methionine disulfate tosylate, indicating that the ingredient is now regarded as a novel food in the EU. Because no significant history of consumption before May 15, 1997 was identified, products containing this form may require authorization under the EU Novel Food Regulation before being marketed. The update is especially relevant for companies developing SAMe-related food supplements for the European market. ➡️Read more

China NHC Newly Approved 7 New Food Raw Materials and 7 New Food Additives

On May 27, 2026, China’s NHC issued Announcement No. 2 of 2026 approving 16 new “Three New Foods” products, including seven new food raw materials and seven new food additives. The approvals cover ingredients such as peony seed oil, plant polyphenols, probiotics, mycoprotein, chlorella, plant sterol, new food enzymes, and expanded additive uses. The update is important for companies assessing formulation options, regulatory status, and market opportunities in China’s food sector. ➡️Read more

California’s New Food Labeling Rules Are About to Take Effect: Food Companies Face Compliance Risks If Date Labels Are Not Updated in Time

California’s AB 660 takes effect on July 1, 2026, requiring packaged food sold in the state to use standardized “quality date” or “safety date” labeling. The law also prohibits consumer-facing “sell by” dates, except for limited coded dates used only for inventory management. Companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell packaged food in California should review product categories and update labels now to reduce compliance risk, potential penalties, and litigation exposure. ➡️Read more

CIRS Supports Enhe Aiju’s ZeaVida® Zeaxanthin Obtain FDA GRAS Notice

Enhe Aiju has completed an FDA GRAS notice for its self-developed zeaxanthin produced by fermentation using Yarrowia lipolytica CGMCC 39021 (GRN No. 1300). Described as the first commercial-scale high-concentration crystalline zeaxanthin made with cell factory technology to receive GRAS, the milestone supports broader global market access for fermentation-derived zeaxanthin and underscores the growing role of precision fermentation in building more stable, scalable, and sustainable ingredient supply chains.➡️Read more

China NHC Updates: 32 Three New Foods Were Accepted

China’s NHC has released new acceptance notices for “Three New Foods” applications, including 10 new food raw materials, 21 new food additives, and one new food-related product. Newly accepted items include peony-derived materials, ergothioneine, D-allulose, Fusarium venenatum protein, lactase, steviol glycosides, and several human milk oligosaccharides. The update provides companies with a useful snapshot of ingredients currently entering China’s formal regulatory review process.➡️Read more

Pichia pastoris Protein and Five New Feed Additives Receive New Feed Product Certificates from China's MARA

China’s MARA has updated the Feed Materials Catalogue and related safe use requirements, approving Pichia pastoris protein as a new feed material, five new feed additives, and an expanded use scope for rosemary extract. The newly approved additives cover functions such as intestinal health, feed attraction, antioxidant support, growth promotion, and gastrointestinal regulation across species, including pigs, poultry, and freshwater fish. The update is important for companies tracking feed ingredient approvals and market opportunities in China. ➡️Read more

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