The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and Ministry of the Environment (MOE) of Japan recently issued a joint notification, calling on relevant companies to provide hazard information on ethyl hydrogen sulphates for a comprehensive risk assessment. All information must be submitted by mail or in person to the METI by November 22, 2024.

The National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) in South Korea recently issued Announcement No. 56 of 2024, under the Act on Registration and Evaluation, etc. of Chemical Substances. This new regulation, titled Regulations on the Preparation and Provision of Hazard Information for Chemical Substances, mandates that all enterprises submit detailed supply chain information along with risk and hazard data for chemicals under the K-REACH framework.

In March 2024, MEM issued the Guidelines for key issues in the 2024 law enforcement inspection of work safety of hazardous chemicals enterprises, which identified 32 key law enforcement inspection items, including the registration and identification management of hazardous chemicals.

Japan announced that revisions to the Regulations for Enforcement of the Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Act will be implemented.

In October 2024, the European Commission approved silver zinc zeolite (SZZ, CAS number: 130328-20-0) for use in biocides including disinfectants and preservatives for fibers, leather, rubber, and polymers. Compliance with specific regulations is mandatory. A transition period has been established to support industry adaptation

On October 15, 2024, Brazil's Senate approved Bill No. 6120 of 2019, a REACH-like chemical management bill aimed at establishing a national registry of chemical substances. This bill mandates a comprehensive assessment and risk control of chemicals used, produced, or imported within the country to minimize adverse impacts on human health and the environment.

The State Council has announced the Regulations on the Export Control of Dual-Use Items of the People's Republic of China, which will go into effect on December 1, 2024. The Regulations apply to the export of dual-use items. This was published in Order No. 792, following the review by the 41st executive meeting of the State Council.

Aims to ensure that the law adapts to social changes, minimizes legal overlaps and conflicts, and aligns with obligations under international treaties or conventions.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its final risk assessment for the flame retardant Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), identifying significant risks to both human health and the environment. The findings link TCEP to kidney cancer, neurological and renal damage, and reduced fertility.

The deadline for feedback on this proposal is set for October 18.