CIRS Regulatory Newsletter | March 2026 – Regulatory Updates (II) - Company News

Turkey’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has announced major updates to the KKDIK chemical registration process, including the introduction of “individual interim registration.” This mechanism allows companies to obtain a temporary registration number when a complete dossier cannot yet be submitted. The authority also confirmed a unified deadline of September 30, 2026, for all substances to obtain a valid registration number. After this date, pre-registration numbers will become invalid and unregistered substances will not be permitted on the Turkish market. ➡️Read more

UK REACH Launches First Public Consultation on 15 Substances of Very High Concern

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched its first public consultation on adding 15 substances to the UK REACH SVHC Candidate List, with comments open until April 17, 2026. This marks the first such consultation since Brexit and reflects the UK’s move toward an independent chemicals regulatory framework. The substances under review carry harmonized classifications for serious hazards, and HSE will consider stakeholder feedback before making final decisions on inclusion. ➡️Read more

ECHA's Risk Assessment Committee Adopts Opinion on PFAS Restriction Proposal

The Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has adopted its opinion on the proposed EU-wide restriction of PFAS under the REACH Regulation. The assessment evaluated the hazards, emissions, risks, and potential effectiveness of the proposed measures. The restriction proposal was originally submitted by Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden in 2023. The draft will now proceed to review by ECHA’s Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) before final opinions are expected by the end of 2026. ➡️Read more

Hazard Review Results for Over One Hundred Substances Released in South Korea

South Korea’s National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS) has revised its Hazard Review Results of Chemical Substances, disclosing previously confidential substances, adding new hazard assessments, and updating classifications for existing chemicals. The revisions took effect immediately and reflect updated regulatory requirements under K-REACH. Companies are advised to review the updated lists to identify any impacted substances and ensure compliance by updating Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and product labels where hazard classifications have changed. ➡️Read more

South Korea Tightens Chemical Controls! Three New Substances Designated as Accident-Preparedness Substances

South Korea’s National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS) has added three substances – xylene, styrene, and 1,3-butadiene – to its accident-preparedness list, effective March 10, 2026. The update strengthens regulatory control over high-risk chemicals and aligns with prior regulatory decisions. Companies must verify whether their products contain these substances and fulfill relevant obligations, including submitting confirmation reports before manufacturing or import. The revision highlights the importance of proactive risk management and compliance under Korea’s Chemicals Control Act.➡️Read more

Cosmetic news

Regulatory FAQs: Ordinary Cosmetics Filing in China (Vol. 7)

Beijing’s Cosmetics Review and Inspection Center has published new Q&As clarifying regulatory expectations for ordinary cosmetics filing. The guidance outlines when updates to new cosmetic ingredient filings are permitted, how information updates should be submitted, and how ingredient usage purposes should be declared under China’s regulatory framework. It also provides clarification on simplified filing requirements for toothpaste products, including the use of historical safety data in place of certain toxicological test reports. ➡️Read more

Global Cosmetics Regulatory Updates – Vol. 36 (February 2026)

A new global roundup of cosmetics regulatory developments highlights key updates across China, Europe, and other major markets as of February 2026. In China, authorities जारी draft standards, consultations, and local initiatives focused on quality management and filing requirements. Internationally, developments include EU safety opinions on cosmetic ingredients, new detergent regulations, enforcement actions in Canada, and emerging policies in Asia and South America. Together, these updates reflect increasing regulatory scrutiny and evolving compliance expectations across the global cosmetics sector.➡️Read more

U.S. FDA Updates Portal and Materials to Aid Cosmetic Facilities in Biennial Registration Renewal

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its Cosmetics Direct portal to support biennial facility registration renewals under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA). Enhancements include renewal reminders, registration status tracking, and an abbreviated renewal option for facilities with no changes. With over 14,000 facilities already registered, companies are reminded to review their renewal timelines and ensure compliance, as registration must be updated every two years based on the initial submission date. ➡️Read more

China New Ingredient Filing Status: Nine New Cosmetic Ingredients Filed in March

China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) recorded nine new cosmetic ingredient filings between March 1 and 12, 2026, bringing the total number of filings to 45 for the year to date. The newly filed ingredients include a range of plant-derived extracts and bioactive substances, reflecting continued innovation in the cosmetics sector. While technical specifications have not yet been disclosed, the filings demonstrate ongoing activity and interest in China’s new cosmetic ingredient registration and compliance framework. ➡️Read more

INCI Names and CAS Numbers: Have You Registered the “Birth Certificates” for New Cosmetic Ingredients?

INCI names and CAS numbers are essential identifiers for cosmetic ingredients, supporting global recognition, regulatory compliance, and market access. This overview explains how INCI names are assigned and used in major markets, alongside the role of CAS numbers in uniquely identifying chemical substances. It also outlines application processes and required documentation, helping companies better understand how to manage ingredient identification and ensure compliance across different regulatory frameworks. ➡️Read more

Food and food contact material (FCM) news

China NHC Updates on the Acceptance of Multiple HMOs

China’s National Health Commission (NHC) has announced the acceptance of applications for one new food raw material and eight new food additives. The new food material under review is gluconolactone, while the additive applications include ingredients such as 3-fucosyllactose, lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), lacto-N-tetraose (LNT), 6’-sialyllactose sodium salt, enzymatically produced steviol glycosides, and several enzymes and functional ingredients. These acceptances indicate that the dossiers have entered China’s regulatory review process for potential approval and future use in food products. ➡️Read more

Weekly Summary – Updates on the Approval and Review of “Three New Foods”

China’s National Health Commission (NHC) has released a new batch of notifications on the review status of “three new foods,” including new food raw materials, food additives, and food-related products. The update includes approvals for several ingredients such as camelina seed oil, brown algae oligosaccharides, and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis YLGB-1496, as well as multiple food additives including 2’-fucosyllactose and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT). The announcement also outlines extension notices requiring additional data and review opinions where approval is not recommended. ➡️Read more

Analysis of New Food Raw Material Applications in the Year 2025 in China

China’s National Health Commission (NHC) accepted 53 new food raw material applications in 2025, a 77% increase compared with the previous year. Most submissions involved plant-based ingredients, microbial strains, and emerging functional substances such as ergothioneine and novel protein sources. During the year, 15 new food raw materials were formally approved, including ingredients such as stevia polyphenols, sakura polyphenols, and Fusarium venenatum-derived protein. The data reflects strong industry interest in innovative ingredients and ongoing regulatory activity under China’s “Three New Foods” framework. ➡️Read more

Analysis of Food Ingredient Submissions in Australia and New Zealand in 2025

The Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) maintained a consistent pace of regulatory activity in 2025, with 16 food ingredient applications accepted, 11 progressing to public consultation, and 19 approved. Key trends included strong growth in microbial and genetically modified ingredients, particularly enzymes and human milk oligosaccharides used in infant nutrition. The data also highlights increasing global participation, including submissions from Chinese companies, reflecting ongoing innovation and competition in the Australian and New Zealand food ingredient market. ➡️Read more

EU Corrects BPA Rules for Food Contact Materials, Clarifying Transitional Deadlines

The European Commission has adopted a revision to its regulation on bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials, effective February 23, 2026. The update clarifies definitions, compliance requirements, and transitional arrangements, including revised deadlines for single-use and repeat-use articles. In general, BPA-containing food contact materials remain prohibited, except for specific derogated uses. Companies are advised to use the transition periods to adjust products and ensure compliance ahead of the applicable deadlines to avoid potential market disruptions. ➡️Read more

Japan CAA Publishes Voluntary Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling Guidelines for Processed Foods

Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) has published voluntary guidelines for front-of-pack nutrition labeling on processed foods, effective February 26, 2026. The framework introduces a standardized format for displaying key nutrients and their percentage contribution to daily intake values. While not mandatory, the guidelines aim to improve consistency and transparency for consumers. Food businesses are encouraged to review labeling practices, ensure alignment with existing nutrition facts tables, and assess whether to adopt the voluntary scheme. ➡️Read more

Free Webinar

KKDIK Regulatory Update – Individual Temporary Registration

Join our webinar on the latest Turkey KKDIK updates on April 8 at 1pm (EST). LucyWang from CIRS U.S. will provide an overview of the latest developments under Turkey’s KKDIK regulation, including newly released implementation procedures and principles. She will cover key compliance obligations for manufacturers and importers, the introduction of temporary registration pathways, and practical strategies for choosing between interim and full registration. Designed for companies exporting chemicals to Turkey, the session will also share case-based insights and recommended actions to help ensure timely compliance and continued market access. ➡️Register now

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