April 2026

On 9 April 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized a change to the start of the reporting period under the TSCA section 8(a)(7) PFAS reporting rule. The reporting start date has been moved from 13 April 2026, to 60 days following the effective date of EPA's forthcoming revision to the PFAS 8(a)(7) rule. This delay provides the EPA with additional time to review thousands of public comments submitted in response to the November 2025 proposed updates, with a final revised rule expected later in 2026.

On 9 April 2026, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the finalization of a revised start date for the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) section 8(a)(7) per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) reporting period. The original start date of 13 April 2026 has been postponed. Reporting will now commence 60 days after the effective date of EPA's forthcoming revision to the PFAS 8(a)(7) rule.

Background: TSCA section 8(a)(7) requires any person that has manufactured (including imported) PFAS in any year between 2011 and 2022 to report the following information to the EPA: chemical identity; uses; volumes manufactured and processed; byproducts; environmental and health effects; worker exposure; and disposal methods.

Reason for Delay: EPA is currently reviewing thousands of public comments received regarding the November 2025 proposed updates to the PFAS 8(a)(7) rule. The delay is intended to allow the agency to refine the rule to deliver clearer, more actionable reporting guidance, and to close potential loopholes that could delay health-protective decisions.

Next Steps: EPA plans to issue a final revised rule later in 2026. The EPA's guidance and reporting tool will be made available to help ensure collected data are complete, accessible, and useful to regulators, communities, and researchers.

On 1 April 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission staff published within the Federal Register a Direct Final Rule for 16 CFR Part 1239, Safety Standard for Gates and Enclosures. 16 CFR Part 1239 will now reference ASTM F1004-25, Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Expansion Gates and Expandable Enclosures as mandatory with no modifications.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published a Direct Final Rule (DFR) for 16 CFR Part 1239, Safety Standard for Gates and Enclosure. This follows the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) process for updating standards for durable infant or toddler products that are based on a voluntary standard. The DFR will reference ASTM F1004-25, Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Expansion Gates and Expandable Enclosures as mandatory with no modifications. The DFR was published on 1 April 2026.

The previous version of 16 CFR 1239 referenced ASTM F1004-22 as mandatory with no modifications. The F1004-25 version added a requirement that will not allow for any pet entry or egress openings within the gate/enclosure. This ban addresses safety related issues with these openings which can create head-entrapment hazards, allow footholds that can result in climbing and falls and provide the ability for children to break free from the area of confinement. The 2025 version also contains other editorial changes.

This Direct Final Rule will become effective 19 July 2026, unless the CPSC receives any significant or adverse comments by 1 May 2026. Manufacturers and distributors should review their product lines accordingly for compliance with these new requirements.

In the US, when hazards are identified in consumer products, they will be recalled and published in the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Recent Recalls on the CPSC website, which is updated daily. The US recalls from 01 March 2026 to 31 March 2026 are summarized below:

*Other Hazards include Crash Hazard, Choking Hazard, Suffocation Hazard and Laceration Hazard with a frequency of less than 3.

For a complete list, click here

In Canada, when hazards are identified in consumer products, they will be recalled and published in the Recalls and Safety Alerts Database on the Health Canada website, which is updated daily. The Canada recalls from 01 March 2026 to 31 March 2026 are summarized below:

For a complete list, click here

On 30 March 2026, the European Commission published a draft guidance document and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) listing for Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste . These documents provide critical interpretative details for the restriction on PFAS in food contact packaging.

Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR), published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 22 January 2025, will take effect on 12 August 2026. On 30 March 2026, a newly created draft guidance document and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) listing corresponding to this regulation were published to provide the following key clarifications:

1. Scope of Application:

The restriction applies to the entire packaging unit, including all components such as inks, varnishes, glues, and adhesives.

2. Intentional vs. Unintentional:

The limit applies to all perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present, making no distinction between intentionally added substances and those unintentionally present (e.g., from recycled materials or contamination).

3. Market Placement Rules:

• All food contact packaging placed on the market on or after 12 August 2026, must comply with the PFAS restriction.

• Packaging placed on the market before 12 August 2026 may continue to be sold without recall. There is no stock depletion transition period for non-compliant inventory produced before that date.

• Packaging containing recycled materials is also subject to the restriction.

4. Recommended Testing Scheme:

Due to the absence of a unified European Union (EU) method, a three-step testing approach is recommended to demonstrate compliance:

• Step 1 (Total Fluorine Test): If total fluorine is < 50 mg/kg, the sample is considered compliant.

• Step 2 (Organic Fluorine Test): If total fluorine is ≥ 50 mg/kg, an organic fluorine test (e.g., by GC/MS) is performed. If organic fluorine is < 50 mg/kg, the sample is considered compliant.

• Step 3 (Targeted Analysis): If steps 1 and 2 indicate potential PFAS presence, targeted analysis (e.g., Precursor) is used to check compliance with the specific concentration limits of 25 μg/kg (ppb) for any individual PFAS and 250 μg/kg (ppb) for the sum of PFAS.

5. Future Review:

The Commission will evaluate whether this PPWR restriction needs amendment or repeal if it overlaps with restrictions under other EU laws like the Food Contact Materials Regulation, registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals (REACH), or the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) Regulation.

Impact & Recommendations:

This guidance is critical for all economic operators supplying food contact packaging to the EU. With the compliance deadline approaching, businesses are advised to:

- Conduct a comprehensive formula screening of all packaging components to avoid using PFAS.

- Use total fluorine < 50 mg/kg as a safety threshold for initial compliance verification.

- Perform deep supply chain traceability, with particular focus on high-risk areas such as recycled materials and oil-resistant coatings, to secure compliance documentation from suppliers.

In Europe, when hazards are identified in non-food consumer products, the products will be recalled and published in the Safety Gate system, which is updated weekly. The European recalls from 01 March 2026 to 31 March 2026 are summarized below:

*Other Hazards include Damage to Hearing, Damage to Sight, Cut Hazard, Environmental Hazard, Entrapment Hazard, Microbiological Hazard, Drowning Hazard and Safety Risk Hazard with a frequency of less than 7.

*Other Categories include Pet Items, Accessories, Food Contact Material, Machinery, Computer / Audio / Video / Other Electronics & Accessories, Stationery, Protective Equipment, Household Items and Footwear with a frequency of less than 6.

*Other Countries include Spain, Ireland, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Cyprus, Belgium, Sweden, Slovenia, Croatia and Bulgaria with a frequency of less than 6.

For a complete list, click here

On 13 March 2026, the Hong Kong Government published in the Gazette the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 2) Notice 2026. The Notice seeks to update the safety standards for toys and four classes of children's products listed in Schedule 2 (Schedule 2 products) under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance (Cap. 424)

The Hong Kong Government issued amendment notice 2026 to the Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance (Cap. 424) (Schedules 1 and 2) on 13 March 2026, which was published in the Gazette. The last updates to Schedules 1 and 2 were implemented in August 2025.

The Ordinance stipulates that a person must not manufacture, import or supply a toy or an associated Schedule 2 product unless it complies with all the applicable requirements contained in any one of the safety standards (international standards or standards adopted by major economies) specified in Schedule 1 or Schedule 2.

Schedule 1 is applicable to toys.

Schedule 2 products include the following four classes:

1. children's high chairs and multipurpose high chairs for domestic use

2. children's paints

3. playpens for domestic use

4. wheeled child conveyances

The Notice will take effect on 1 August 2026.

Amendments are as follows:

(A) Schedule 1 amended (toy standards)

(1) Schedule 1, item 2(c)—

Repeal “BS EN 71-3:2019 + A1:2021”, Substitute “BS EN 71-3:2019 + A2:2024”.

(2) Schedule 1, item 2(d)—

Repeal “BS EN 71-4:2020”, Substitute “BS EN 71-4:2020 + A1:2025”.

(3) Schedule 1, item 2(hab)—

Repeal “BS EN 71-13:2021 + A1:2022”, Substitute “BS EN 71-13:2021 + A2:2024”.

(B) Schedule 2 amended (Schedule 2 product standards)

(1) Schedule 2, item 8, column 2—

Repeal “BS EN 14988:2017 + A1:2020” , Substitute “BS EN 14988:2017 + A2:2024”.

(2) Schedule 2, item 8, column 2—

Repeal “(a) ISO 9221-1:2015 “Furniture—Children’s high chairs—Part 1: Safety requirements”, and (b) ISO 9221-2:2015 “Furniture—Children’s high chairs—Part 2: Test methods””, Substitute “ISO 9221:2024“Furniture—Children’s high chairs—Safety requirements and test methods””.

(3) Schedule 2, item 9, column 2—

Repeal “BS EN 71-3:2019 + A1:2021”, Substitute “BS EN 71-3:2019 + A2:2024”.

(4) Schedule 2, item 11, column 2—

Repeal “ASTM F406-22” Substitute “ASTM F406-24”.

(5) Schedule 2, item 12, column 2—

Repeal “AS 2088:2022” Substitute “AS 2088:2022 (incorporating Amendment 1:2024)”.

The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization has adopted updated energy efficiency standards for air conditioning equipment, effective 1 December 2026. The revised standards SASO-2663:2025 (low-capacity air conditioners) and SASO-2874:2025 (large-capacity air conditioners) replace previous versions and introduce stricter minimum energy performance requirements.

From the enforcement date, Conformity Assessment Bodies are prohibited from issuing Product Certificates of Conformity or Shipment Certificates of Conformity for products not compliant with the 2025 editions.

Effect: Manufacturers, importers, and exporters of air conditioning equipment destined for the Saudi Arabian market must ensure product compliance with the updated technical requirements and obtain re-certification under the new standards before the December 2026 deadline to avoid market access restrictions and customs clearance issues.

1. Background and Regulatory Context

Saudi Arabia's energy efficiency framework operates under the Saudi Product Safety Programme (SALEEM), managed by SASO. The Energy Efficiency Labeling Program sets minimum performance requirements for electric products, with each model requiring registration and licensing on the SASO platform before market entry. The program forms part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative to rationalize energy consumption and enhance economic sustainability.

Air conditioning equipment is categorized into two regulatory frameworks: SASO 2663 covers households (window/single split) air conditioners, while SASO 2874 addresses large air conditioners. The current 2025 updates represent a continuation of Saudi Arabia's progressive tightening of energy efficiency requirements, following previous revisions in 2018, 2021, and amendments in 2023.

2. Nature and Scope of the Update

SASO-2663:2025 supersedes SASO 2663:2021/AMD1:2023 and applies to low-capacity window-type and single-split air conditioners with cooling capacities up to and including 65,000 Btu/h (approximately 19 kW). The new regulation introduces enhanced minimum requirements for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), replacing or supplementing the previous Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) metrics.

SASO-2874:2025 supersedes SASO 2874:2016 and addresses air conditioning units exceeding 65,000 Btu/h, including:

• Electrically operated air conditioners, condensing units, chillers, absorption chillers, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, and ceiling/floor-mounted units serving computer rooms

• Products designed for single-phase (220V/230V) or three-phase (380V/400V) circuits at 60 Hz frequency

3. Rationale for the Update

The update serves multiple regulatory objectives:

• Energy Conservation: Tightening MEPS (Minimum Energy Performance Standards) to reduce national electricity consumption

• International Alignment: Harmonization with evolving international standards (ISO, IEC) for air conditioning performance testing

• Market Surveillance: Enhanced verification procedures and tolerance specifications for rated versus tested efficiency values

• Technology Advancement: Promotion of inverter air conditioning systems with dynamic compressor speed adjustment, which achieve higher SEER ratings and lower energy consumption

4. Affected Parties and Compliance Requirements

Manufacturers and Exporters must:

• Conduct performance testing according to updated test methods specified in SASO-2663:2025 and SASO-2874:2025

• Obtain EER certificates from ISO 17025 accredited laboratories

• Register products on the Saudi Label & Standard (SLS) portal

• Update energy efficiency labels to reflect new SEER classifications

Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) must:

• Cease issuing Product Certificates of Conformity (P-CoC) and Shipment Certificates of Conformity (S-CoC) for products certified under superseded standards from 1 December 2026

• Verify compliance documentation references the 2025 standard editions

• Conduct product evaluations using the revised technical criteria

Importers and Saudi Market Participants must:

• Ensure incoming shipments carry valid certification under SASO-2663:2025 or SASO-2874:2025

• Plan inventory transitions to avoid stock obsolescence

• Coordinate with suppliers to secure compliant products before the enforcement deadline

Saudi Customs and Market Surveillance will enforce the updated standards at ports of entry from 1 December 2026, with subsequent market and warehouse enforcement likely to follow a phased timeline similar to previous standard transitions.

5. Transitional Provisions and Timeline

Unlike previous SASO energy efficiency updates (which typically provided 3-6 month transition periods for certification cessation), the current notification establishes a single hard cutoff date of 1 December 2026. This suggests:

• Existing P-CoC certificates issued under SASO 2663:2021/AMD1:2023 and SASO 2874:2016 will remain valid until their expiry dates, provided shipments clear customs before 1 December 2026

• No new certifications under the superseded standards will be accepted after the enforcement date

• Products in-transit or warehoused in Saudi Arabia before December 2026 may benefit from grace periods, though this requires clarification from SASO.

Stakeholders should reference historical enforcement patterns: the SASO 2663:2021 implementation featured staggered deadlines for certification cessation (February 2022), certificate termination (March 2022), port enforcement (April 2022), and local market enforcement (July 2022).

In China, when hazards are identified in consumer products, they will be recalled and published in the SAMR Defective Product Administrative Centre, which is updated daily. The China recalls from 01 March 2026 to 31 March 2026 are summarized below:

*Other Hazards include Laceration Hazard, Skin Irritation Risk, Burn Hazard, Ingestion Hazard, Strangulation Hazard, Impact Hazard, Explosion Hazard with a frequency of less than 2. 

For a complete list, click here

In Australia, when hazards are identified in consumer products, they will be recalled and published in the Recalls and Safety Alerts Database on the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission website, which is updated daily. The Australia recalls from 01 March 2026 to 31 March 2026 are summarized below:

For a complete list, click here