Regulatory Review: October 2025
Trudy Watson-Leung, Bugsrock Environmental Consulting
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].
African Union (AU)
The AU released the Continental Circular Economy Action Plan for Africa (2024-2034), a strategic framework for sustainable development, green growth and shared prosperity.
The AU released a series of policy briefs promoting land restoration, soil health and climate-resilient development in Africa’s drylands.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
The ASEAN Environmental Democracy Observatory released an inaugural report examining environmental governance across Southeast Asia, highlighting gaps in access to information, public participation and justice.
Australian Government
The Australian Climate Service (ACS) has released their first National Climate Risk Assessment.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) published a National Adaptation Plan policy framework to respond to climate risks and impacts.
The DCCEEW is also seeking input by 15 October on Australia’s Strategy for Nature 2024–2030, asking whether the proposed outcomes focus on the right priorities, where more effort is needed, and any gaps to address to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Health Canada (HC)
ClimateData.ca has undergone a major redesign to make it easier to find high quality climate data.
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
ECHA published the updated proposal to restrict PFAS substances. It was and announced that the aim is to have a draft opinion completed in March 2026 and open for public consultation with a goal to complete the PFAS restriction evaluation by the end of 2026.
ECHA is proposing to list three substances as substances of very high concern (4,4'-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]diphenol (Bisphenol AF) and its salts, 4,4'-methylenediphenol (Bisphenol F) and n-hexane). Consultation is open until 16 October.
ECHA has created a new science knowledge hub where the latest ECHA science seminars, conference presentations and scientific publications in the field of chemical safety are compiled and shared.
ECHA’s chemicals database ECHA CHEM now incorporates overviews of different regulatory activities by authorities and the resulting outcomes.
European Union (EU)/European Commission (EC)
Sixteen new CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic) substances were added to the Annex XVII restriction list.
The EU released guidance for transitioning to fluorine-free firefighting foams.
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
The IIASA Assessing Climate Change Risk in Europe (ACCREU) released a report showing how climate change and changes in land use will reshape ecosystems and the services they provide.
International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
IISD released a report how nature can work with existing water infrastructure to meet water management needs, while also providing social, economic and environmental benefits.
Taiwan Ministry of Environment (MOENV)
Taiwan's MOENV proposes listing 269 PFAS substances as substances of concern with new regulatory measures.
United Nations Environment Programme
Delegates from 33 countries introduced five draft resolutions ahead of United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), focusing on coral reef resilience (Fiji), circular economy (Korea), youth climate action (Sri Lanka), wildfire management (India), and Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEA) synergies (Japan). Tuvalu proposed resolutions on climate displacement and sea level rise.
UNEP is holding a webinar on 7 October on “New International Guidance and Tools for Sustainable Nitrogen Management,” offering practical tools and approaches for policymakers, practitioners and stakeholders.
UN member states have until 20 September to sign the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, a treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in the high seas, which are areas beyond national jurisdiction. The treaty will enter into force once 60 states have signed.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
The USEPA proposed a rule to adjust renewable fuel volumes for 2026–2027, addressing small refinery exemptions and offering two reallocation options for public feedback.
The USEPA issued a Clean Air Act permit for the first-of-its-kind use of vapor capture and control technology to advance the innovative use of an offshore support vessel to control volatile organic compound emissions at a deepwater port.
The USEPA proposed a rule to end the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program and remove reporting obligations for most large facilities, all fuel and industrial gas suppliers, and CO2 injection sites.
World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO released several science and policy snapshots that may inform future regulation on air quality, energy and health:
- Green spaces: Sectoral solutions for air pollution and health
- Understanding the health impacts of sand and dust storms
- Household air pollution and related health impacts
Author’s contact: [email protected]