Under the influence of global geopolitical dynamics, increasing pressure for green transformation, and rising trade barriers, enterprises urgently need to understand the latest developments in global chemical regulations and green sustainability standards. On December 18, 2025, CIRS Group will host the 2025 Chemicals Regulation and Sustainable Development Seminar in Seoul, South Korea. This event has strong support from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the Korea Chemicals Management Association (KCMA).

On December 2, 2025, the National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS) of South Korea issued Announcement No. 127 of 2025. In accordance with the Act on Registration and Evaluation of Chemicals (K-REACH), NICS released a draft revision of the Regulations on Classification and Labeling of Chemical Substances, etc. and is seeking public comments.

On December 4, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a Memorandum on the Draft Update to Formaldehyde Risk Calculations, conducted under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The agency is now soliciting public comments on the draft.

On December 1, 2025, the UK government officially released the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP). Under "Goal 4: Chemicals and Pesticides," the plan explicitly states that measures will be taken to minimize the potential risks of chemicals and pesticides to the environment and public health. These measures include reforming the UK's Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (UK REACH) regulations and strengthening the regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

On November 27, 2025, the European Commission issued notification G/TBT/N/EU/1172 to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade Committee, announcing a planned technical update to the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation (CLP, EC 1272/2008). The update involves addition of 38 new entries and revision to 10 existing entries in Annex VI.

Ukraine has officially extended the compliance deadlines for UA-REACH and UA-CLP, giving businesses more time to prepare. Learn what the new transition periods mean and how to stay ahead of regulatory requirements.

On November 20, 2025, the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers of India issued multiple notifications announcing the withdrawal of six previously issued Quality Control Orders. This decision was made by the DCPC based on public interest considerations and in consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards, in accordance with Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. The withdrawal took effect immediately upon announcement. Compliance actions already completed or initiated prior to the withdrawal remain unaffected.

On December 3, 2025, the European Parliament and Council formally adopted Regulation (EU) 2025/2439, amending the chemical labeling regulations passed in 2024.

To support the future implementation of the ESPR, this report outlines methods for defining and tracking Substances of Concern (SoC) in products and throughout their lifecycle.

The first report must be submitted by May 31, 2026, and must contain estimated emission data for the year 2025.