Regulatory Review: 30 Oct 2025
Tamar Schlekat, SETAC Global Science Affairs Director
This digest provides an overview of some of the latest regulatory news announcements of interest to the SETAC community. Please send your suggestions to [email protected].
Australia Government
The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is seeking highly experienced technical and professional experts to fill up to four vacancies on the Advisory Committee on the Environmental Management of Industrial Chemicals starting early June 2026. Applications close at 11:59 p.m. AEDT on Friday, 7 November.
Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama)
Brazil’s environmental agency, Ibama, authorized state-run oil company Petrobras to conduct exploratory research by drilling wells in the Foz do Amazonas region, near the mouth of the Amazon River.
China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment
The State Council of the People’s Republic of China approved a proposal by the Ministry of Natural Resources to establish a national park for pandas.
European Commission
The European Commission clarifies EU PFAS restriction scope and restricts the use of PFAS in firefighting foams.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
The consultation document “Phase 1 of the Risk Management of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), Excluding Fluoropolymers: Prohibition of the Use of PFAS, not Currently Regulated, in Firefighting Foams” is open to all interested parties for public comments until 25 November.
India’s Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI)
In a draft regulation published in the Gazette of India, FSSAI has proposed a ban on the use of PFAS in the manufacture of food contact materials (FCMs) and also stated that FCMs made from polycarbonate and epoxy resins should be free from bisphenol A (BPA) and its derivatives.
South Korea
The South Korean government introduced the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, expanding the former Environment Ministry to integrate climate and energy policy under a unified framework aimed at accelerating the country’s renewable energy transition.
Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Environment
Vietnam’s government has drafted a Law on Amendments and Supplements to 15 laws in the agriculture and environment sectors, aimed at streamlining administrative structures, reducing regulatory burdens and improving state management efficiency, to be presented at the 10th session of the National Assembly.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issued a memorandum to the heads of Federal departments and agencies to assist agencies with compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and with establishing or revising agency NEPA implementing procedures. The Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act Guidance updates and replaces initial guidance issued on 19 February 2025.
Contact: [email protected]