The regulatory landscape for ethanol-based biocidal products in Europe is entering a significant new phase. Following years of scientific evaluation and regulatory discussion, the adoption of the opinion on ethanol as an active substance under Product-Types (PT) 1, 2 and 4 marks a significant milestone for manufacturers placing ethanol-based biocidal products on the EU market. While the European Commission’s final approval process is still to come, the direction of travel is becoming much clearer. For companies developing or marketing ethanol-based biocidal products, the focus should now shift from monitoring regulatory developments to preparing for authorisation under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). Businesses that begin planning now will be better placed to avoid delays, maintain market access, and respond confidently when the new requirements take effect

On July 3, 2026, Japan's NITE released the FY2025 three-ministry GHS classification results covering 142 substances (59 newly classified and 83 reclassified).

PPWR imposes on all companies placing packaging on the EU market a full chain of obligations spanning substances, design, and recyclability. Medical device companies are no bystanders — although, given the special nature of their products, the primary packaging in direct contact with the product enjoys certain relaxations with regard to "recyclability" and "recycled content," core responsibilities such as minimization, hazardous substances, labeling, EPR, and the Declaration of Conformity apply in full. There is therefore no such thing as a complete exemption for medical device packaging under the PPWR framework.

In July 2026, South Korea's NICS issued an advance notice on a partial revision to the Hazard Review Results of Chemical Substances.

On June 29, 2026, the UK's Department for Business and Trade submitted a notification (G/TBT/N/GBR/123) to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade, announcing a proposed amendment to the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 that would permit the use of cobalt in specific toy components under strictly limited conditions.

According to the latest WTO public documents, China has submitted a TBT notification for the Measures for the Environmental Management Registration of New Chemical Substances (Revised Draft for Public Comment) (hereinafter referred to as the "Measures (Revised Draft for Public Comment)"), incorporating it into the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) notification procedure. The notification number is G/TBT/N/CHN/1351/Rev.1, and the document date is July 1, 2026.

Recently, China's NMPA clarifies the transitional management requirements for the implementation of revisions to the STSC for Cosmetics (2015 Edition).

EU plans to amend the EU Cosmetics Regulation, involving Annex II, III and V.

CIRS Group has compiled and summarized the latest global cosmetic regulatory developments of June 2026.

Cosmetic efficacy testing has become an essential step in developing compliant, evidence-based cosmetic products. Whether launching a new skincare product, validating sunscreen SPF claims, or supporting anti-ageing marketing claims, brands increasingly need scientific evidence to demonstrate that their products deliver the benefits promised on the label. Consumers today expect greater transparency from cosmetic brands, while regulators worldwide are placing increasing emphasis on ensuring that cosmetic claims are truthful, substantiated, and supported by appropriate evidence. As a result, cosmetic efficacy testing plays a critical role in product development, regulatory compliance, and successful market access.