On October 24, 2026, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) published the revised Measures for the Environmental Management Registration of New Chemical Substances (MEE Order 40). Taking effect immediately, Order 40 officially repeals Order 12, marking the completion of a systematic overhaul aligned with China's overarching Ecology and Environment Code. Key product exemptions—including pharmaceuticals, veterinary drugs, cosmetics, and food—remain in full effect.

On October 14, 2026, the EPA proposed extending compliance deadlines for trichloroethylene (TCE) under TSCA section 6(a) to December 31, 2027. This extension applies to specific processing, industrial uses, wastewater discharges, and HFC-134a manufacturing. Additionally, safety data sheet updates are required within 30 days of the final rule, with public comments open through November 13, 2026.

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) is updating the Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA) to mandate SDS and labeling compliance for 35 newly added substances, 1 deletion, and 4 modified entries. Following October 2026 overseas stakeholder hearings, affected chemical exporters must review product inventories ahead of the April 2029 enforcement date.

The Philippines has enacted strict Chemical Control Orders for benzene and vinyl chloride, mandating registration, import clearances, and use bans.

Korea's NICS proposed GHS updates for 65 new and 12 revised substances, with comments due Nov 5, 2026, and compliance by Jan 1, 2028.

The substances cover various categories, including organosilicon compounds, polyurethane raw materials, polymers, and semiconductor photoresist materials.

On October 15, 2026, South Korea’s National Institute of Chemical Safety proposed amendments to K-REACH hazard reviews, adding evaluation results for 46 new chemicals and 1 substance of concern while updating data for 63 existing substances. Industry stakeholders have until November 4, 2026, to submit public comments before companies must update SDSs, labels, and chemical compliance.

At a Glance: China’s MEE approved in principle revised rules for new chemical substance registrations and pollutant discharge permitting. Awaiting final ministerial signature, the updates aim to streamline compliance, strengthen source control, and reform oversight. Businesses should audit substance inventories, track transitional registration requirements, and prepare for updated permitting classifications once finalized.

On September 21, 2026, the European Commission officially adopted Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1563, amending the current European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).

Effective September 2026, Vietnam's Circular 154 requires chemical enterprises to use VNeID for tracking codes.