Non-food legislation – August 2025
Hazardous substances – research, rules and regulations in the EU
ECHA has published an updated proposal to restrict PFAS under REACH. The restriction proposal was prepared by authorities in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. It was submitted to ECHA on 13 January 2023. It aims to reduce PFAS emissions into the environment and make products and processes safer for people. Research (in Dutch with an English summary, 1.11 MB) by RIVM shows that everyone in the Netherlands has various types of PFAS in their blood with the health-based guidance value being exceeded in almost all cases. ECHA has added three chemicals to the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHCs). The list now contains 250 entries for chemicals that can harm people or the environment. SGS reports the publication of Regulation (EU) 2025/718 to amend its entry for PFOS and PFOS derivatives under Annex I of the POPs Regulation. Keller and Heckman reports that the EU Court of Justice has dismissed the appeals brought by France and the EC against a 2022 judgment by the General Court annulling the EU classification of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in certain powder forms as an inhalation carcinogen. The EC has presented an action plan for the chemicals industry including minimising PFAS emissions. The plan is accompanied by the 6th Omnibus, a simplification package that includes simplifying hazardous chemical labelling rules. A briefing (1.15 MB) from the EP assesses the progress on the actions introduced in the 2020 EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.
Hazardous substances - rules and regulations outside the EU
Australia: SGS reports that six (groups of) chemicals have been added to the IChEMS Register. Canada: With the publication of a Plan of Priorities to address chemical substances, the government is committing to protecting the right to a healthy environment provided for in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). Switzerland: SGS reports that the WTO has been notified of draft legislation to align the chemical restrictions under the Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance (ORRChem) with the EU regulations. US: California: The DTSC is proposing to add microplastics to the Candidate Chemicals List.
Labelling of non-food products in the EU
The EP has published a briefing (255 kB) on the proposed toy safety regulation. The proposal contains a digital product passport (DPP) to show that the toy is compliant. Spain: Draft legislation making it mandatory to use accessible labels (Braille or QR code with tactile mark) for certain products has been sent to the EC.
Pharmaceutical and drugs legislation
EU: EDQM reports that a new analytical procedure has been developed to test for phenolic antioxidants in plastic materials. It is described in a new chapter in the EU Pharmacopoeia and is referenced in the chapters covering plastic. The chapter on glass containers has also been revised. A public consultation on the updates is open until the end of September 2025. EDQM also reports on the gradual rollout of a new primary label, designed to meet the requirements of the CLP regulation. It will allow additional information to be included, such as the CAS number, the chemical name and safety pictograms. US: The FDA is requiring safety labelling changes to opioid pain medications to better emphasise and explain the risks associated with their long-term use. California: In a recent study, the California State Auditor found that more than half of the cannabis products’ packaging they reviewed was attractive to children. New York: A Columbia University study reveals that cannabis products sold in unlicensed retail shops often lack required health and safety labels and many feature colourful, cartoon-like packaging that is attractive to youth.
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