This month’s key updates highlight the importance of preparing ahead of regulatory deadlines. Ukraine has extended the transition periods for UA-REACH and UA-CLP, while Indonesia has confirmed that mandatory halal certification for cosmetics will take effect as planned in October. In China, new FAQs clarify labeling requirements for infant and young children formula foods ahead of the March 2027 implementation date.
Elsewhere, regulatory developments continue across chemicals, cosmetics, food, and food contact materials, from new EU requirements and chemical controls to updates on cosmetic ingredients and China’s “Three New” foods. Read on for the latest developments and practical compliance considerations.
⭐Editor’s picks – key regulatory developments
Ukraine REACH and UA-CLP Compliance Deadlines: What Companies Need to Know
Ukraine has extended transition periods for UA‑REACH and UA‑CLP, with pre‑registration now starting January 26, 2027, and phased registration deadlines running to 2033. As noted, “the postponement gives companies additional time. It does not remove the underlying obligations,” meaning manufacturers, importers, and ORs must still review substance portfolios, confirm volumes, assess hazard classifications, and prepare dossiers. UA‑CLP deadlines for substances and mixtures have likewise shifted to late 2027 and 2028. ➡️Read more
Indonesia Confirms Mandatory Halal Certification Will Be Implemented as Scheduled from October 18, 2026
BPJPH has officially confirmed that Indonesia’s mandatory halal certification will commence on October 18, 2026, as planned, covering cosmetics under GR 42/2024. As noted, “awareness… must be put in place starting from the country of origin,” and Indonesia has strengthened overseas outreach and activated pre‑shipment verification via four approved inspection bodies. Exporters should urgently confirm product scope, certification and SHLN status, schedule verification, and ensure full consistency across labels, certificates and documents to avoid customs delays. ➡️Read more
China SAMR Releases FAQs on Labeling Requirements for Infant and Young Children Formula Foods
SAMR’s new FAQs provide detailed guidance on labeling for infant and young children formula foods, clarifying date‑marking formats, mandatory allergen statements, truthful milk‑source and organic‑certification claims, and when label updates require filing rather than registration changes. As noted, labels must clearly indicate the actual manufacturer for intra‑group production, and products made before the new Measures may remain on the market if not violating prohibitions. With the March 16, 2027, implementation date approaching, manufacturers should review all labels for consistency and compliance.➡️Read more
🔎What’s covered in this issue – at a glance
💻Free webinars
- South Korea GHS Compliance: 2026 Updates for K-REACH, SDSs and Labels [joint webinar with EPY S.R.L. ]
🧪Chemical news
- EU Publishes Authorized List: Over 20 Non-OECD Countries Approved to Import Specific Non-Hazardous Waste
- Ukraine REACH and UA-CLP Compliance Deadlines: What Companies Need to Know
- China Drafts Hazardous Chemicals Trading Permit Rules: Unlicensed Operation Fined up to RMB 500,000
- Amendment to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): Multiple Palm Oil-Derived Chemicals Brought Under Anti-Deforestation Oversight
💄Cosmetic news
- South Korea Revises the Guidelines on Analysis Methods for Ingredients Prohibited in Cosmetics
- South Korea Cosmetics Regulatory Update: Large-Scale Online Counterfeit Cosmetics Distribution Uncovered
- U.S. FDA: No Certificates Issued to Verify Compliance for Cosmetic Product Facility Registration
- Indonesia Confirms Mandatory Halal Certification Will Be Implemented as Scheduled from October 18, 2026
🍽Food and food contact material (FCM) news
- EFSA Delivered Safety Opinions on Cannabidiol (CBD) as A Novel Food
- EFSA Delivered Safety Opinions on Rebaudioside M Produced via a New Enzymatic Conversion Process
- China's SAMR Releases FAQs on Labeling Requirements for Infant and Young Children Formula Foods
- [Weekly Update] Latest Acceptance Updates on China’s “Three New” Foods
Free webinars
South Korea GHS Compliance: 2026 Updates for K-REACH, SDSs and Labels
South Korea’s chemical hazard communication requirements are changing. For companies supplying chemicals to the Korean market, understanding the latest K-REACH, GHS, SDS, and labeling requirements is essential for maintaining compliance.
Join CIRS Group and EPY S.R.L. for a practical 60-minute webinar covering the key regulatory changes affecting chemical companies in South Korea in 2026.
- Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- Time: 10:00–11:00 AM BST
Register for the webinar here or find out more here.
Chemical news
EU Publishes Authorized List: Over 20 Non-OECD Countries Approved to Import Specific Non-Hazardous Waste
A new draft delegated regulation supplements the revised Waste Shipment Regulation by authorizing 20+ non‑OECD countries to import selected non‑hazardous waste types from the EU. As noted, “the EU will implement a full ban on exports of non‑hazardous plastic waste… starting November 21, 2026,” with broader bans from May 2027. Approved waste categories differ significantly, and metal waste remains tightly restricted. The consultation runs until October 16, 2026, ahead of expected adoption in late 2026.➡️Read more
Ukraine REACH and UA-CLP Compliance Deadlines: What Companies Need to Know
Ukraine has extended transition periods for UA‑REACH and UA‑CLP, with pre‑registration now starting January 26, 2027, and phased registration deadlines running to 2033. As noted, “the postponement gives companies additional time. It does not remove the underlying obligations,” meaning manufacturers, importers, and ORs must still review substance portfolios, confirm volumes, assess hazard classifications, and prepare dossiers. UA‑CLP deadlines for substances and mixtures have likewise shifted to late 2027 and 2028. ➡️Read more
China Drafts Hazardous Chemicals Trading Permit Rules: Unlicensed Operation Fined up to RMB 500,000
MEM’s revised draft of the Hazardous Chemicals Operation Permit Measures updates operation‑mode classifications, introduces two‑level licensing, strengthens storage‑stage requirements, and formalizes electronic permits. As noted, fines for violations—including unlicensed operation, illegal procurement, and safety‑facility failures—can reach RMB 500,000 (approximately €65,505/$74,544). The draft also mandates dedicated storage‑area siting, higher qualification requirements, and stricter oversight of highly toxic chemicals. Public comments are open until October 22, 2026. ➡️Read more
Amendment to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): Multiple Palm Oil-Derived Chemicals Brought Under Anti-Deforestation Oversight
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2102 revises the EUDR’s Annex I, expanding coverage to palm‑oil‑derived chemicals, instant coffee and frozen bovine tongues, while deleting leather, conveyor belting and soybeans for sowing. HS codes have been refined, and exemptions clarified for waste, used products, packaging, samples, and medicinal‑use derivatives. As stated, “the regulation shall take effect on the day following its publication,” with 17 newly added products deferred to December 30, 2027, to allow operator preparation. ➡️Read more
Cosmetic news
South Korea Revises the Guidelines on Analysis Methods for Ingredients Prohibited in Cosmetics
MFDS has updated its Guidelines on Analysis Methods of Ingredients Prohibited in Cosmetics, revising calibration and internal‑standard requirements for 1,4‑dioxane and simplifying formaldehyde sample preparation. As noted, “this document… has no externally binding legal effect,” but MFDS may apply the new methods in market sampling. Pesticide‑related methods were removed as testing has shifted to residue‑control systems. Exporters and Korean responsible sellers should align testing protocols and validate alternative methods where used.➡️Read more
South Korea Cosmetics Regulatory Update: Large-Scale Online Counterfeit Cosmetics Distribution Uncovered
MFDS and KIPO’s first joint judicial‑police investigation found 33,281 counterfeit cosmetics distributed online, manufactured in China and sold in Korea as genuine products. As noted, packaging differences were “almost imperceptible,” and seized functional cosmetics showed “zero detection” of claimed active ingredients, posing safety risks. Popular Korean and global brands are advised to intensify marketplace monitoring, reinforce anti‑counterfeiting features, establish authenticity‑verification channels, and ensure full compliance with Korea’s import and functional‑cosmetics rules. ➡️Read more
U.S. FDA: No Certificates Issued to Verify Compliance for Cosmetic Product Facility Registration
FDA has formally stated that it does not provide certificates, letters, or emails confirming cosmetic facility registration, product listing, or exemption status. As noted, “cosmetic product facility registration… is neither a cosmetic approval program nor a promotional tool,” and registration numbers do not imply FDA endorsement. Companies should proactively explain this to e‑commerce platforms, provide their own registration records, and ensure timely MoCRA compliance—biennial facility renewal and annual product‑listing updates. ➡️Read more
Indonesia Confirms Mandatory Halal Certification Will Be Implemented as Scheduled from October 18, 2026
BPJPH has officially confirmed that Indonesia’s mandatory halal certification will commence on October 18, 2026, as planned, covering cosmetics under GR 42/2024. As noted, “awareness… must be put in place starting from the country of origin,” and Indonesia has strengthened overseas outreach and activated pre‑shipment verification via four approved inspection bodies. Exporters should urgently confirm product scope, certification and SHLN status, schedule verification, and ensure full consistency across labels, certificates and documents to avoid customs delays. ➡️Read more
Food and food contact material (FCM) news
EFSA Delivered Safety Opinions on Cannabidiol (CBD) as A Novel Food
EFSA’s NDA Panel has assessed ≥98% chemically synthesized CBD in MCT oil, determining it safe as a novel food for adults over 25—excluding pregnant, breastfeeding, or medicated individuals—at a maximum intake of 2 mg/day. As noted, a BMDL10 of 10.5 mg/kg bw/day for liver effects in female rats and EFSA’s 400 uncertainty factor underpin the safe intake level. No genotoxicity or nutritional concerns were identified, though reproductive‑toxicity data gaps remain.➡️Read more
EFSA Delivered Safety Opinions on Rebaudioside M Produced via a New Enzymatic Conversion Process
EFSA’s FAF Panel has assessed a modified manufacturing process for enzymatically produced steviol glycosides, concluding that rebaudioside M (>95%) generated using GM E. coli enzymes is safe. As noted, “no viable cells nor DNA of the production strain remained,” and food‑enzyme TOS is removed by ≥99%, making exposure negligible. Because the resulting Reb M matches the physicochemical profile of approved E 960c entries, prior toxicological evaluations remain valid, supporting creation of a distinct new additive specification.➡️Read more
China SAMR Releases FAQs on Labeling Requirements for Infant and Young Children Formula Foods
SAMR’s new FAQs provide detailed guidance on labeling for infant and young children formula foods, clarifying date‑marking formats, mandatory allergen statements, truthful milk‑source and organic‑certification claims, and when label updates require filing rather than registration changes. As noted, labels must clearly indicate the actual manufacturer for intra‑group production, and products made before the new Measures may remain on the market if not violating prohibitions. With the March 16, 2027, implementation date approaching, manufacturers should review all labels for consistency and compliance.➡️Read more
[Weekly Update] Latest Acceptance Updates on China’s “Three New” Foods
China’s NHC has issued new acceptance notices for “Three New Foods,” covering three raw materials—tagatose, Hippocampus abdominalis, and D‑allulose—and four additives including 2′‑fucosyllactose (two submissions), hydrogen peroxide and (6S)-5‑methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt. As stated, “the applications… have been received,” marking the start of CFSA technical review. Enterprises should assess regulatory pathways, prepare safety data and monitor review progress to avoid delays in market entry.➡️Read more
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