Regulatory Review – August 2026
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].
Australian National Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The National EPA released a new guide, Agriculture and the EPBC Act, to help farmers understand how the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) applies to common agricultural activities. The EPBC Act is Australia’s main national environmental legislation for protecting and managing important plants, animals, habitats and places.
European Commission (EC)
New rules under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) took effect 12 August across the European Union. A key measure restricts per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food-contact packaging, which can no longer be placed on the EU market if PFAS concentrations exceed specified limits.
New rules under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) took effect 19 July across the EU. The rules aim to prevent the waste of valuable products and the resources used to make them.
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
The deadline to submit comments on harmonized classification and labeling consultations for select substances is 29 August.
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
EFSA has reduced the safe level of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in the diet based on new scientific evidence. TFA is a chemical coming from multiple sources that can form when per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances break down, including from certain active substances in pesticides.
The latest EFSA Call for Data includes a request relevant to the genotoxicity assessment of acetaldehyde, a flavoring substance. The deadline is 31 December 2027.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada (HC)
Canada announced the establishment of the Expert Taskforce on Natural Capital Accounting and Nature Financing. Bringing together experts in nature conservation, Indigenous-led conservation, finance, economics, business and public policy, the taskforce will provide independent advice to the Government of Canada on how best to measure, value and account for nature in decision-making.
New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
The New Zealand EPA is seeking feedback on a proposal to restrict bifenthrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, after determining that risks outweigh benefits for some uses. The deadline for submissions is 18 August. The agency is also seeking input on a proposal to ban fenthion and propoxur, insecticides previously used in flea treatments and household and commercial pest control. The consultation is open until 26 August.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
USEPA announced the next step in its review of public health risks linked to fluoride in drinking water with the release of the Protocol for Developing the Fluoride Human Health Toxicity Assessment, which outlines how the agency will conduct its expedited assessment under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
USEPA issued guidance on permitting for data centers, clarifying that the Clean Air Act (CAA) Acid Rain Program (ARP) does not apply to power generation facilities that are not connected to a public electricity grid, commonly referred to as “islanded” power generation facilities. The guidance expands opportunities for companies to develop and operate islanded power generation facilities for data centers.
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