The UK REACH Alternative Transitional Registration model (ATRm) has evolved from broad proposals into a detailed legislative framework for transitional registrations. Defra’s latest technical consultation focuses on whether the draft provisions correctly implement the policy settled in March 2026, including reduced upfront information requirements, transitional evaluation powers, substance groups and data sharing. However, important practical questions remain, particularly around eligibility, cost allocation and the lawful use of data published by ECHA. The consultation closes on 10 November 2026.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has published a product recall relating to three ASDA ladies' handbags after testing identified excessive concentrations of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). The products were assessed as presenting a serious chemical risk and have been recalled from consumers. OPSS states that the products do not meet the requirements of the REACH Regulation.

Today, 12 August 2026, marks the general application date of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The PPWR is one of the most far-reaching pieces of EU product legislation introduced in recent years, with implications that extend across almost every sector and product category. While its objectives are laudable, significant questions remain about proportionality, implementation and enforcement.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has taken unprecedented enforcement action against an occupational health service provider, issuing its first ever Prohibition Notice in this context following serious deficiencies in health surveillance delivery.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has opened a 60 day public consultation on the Committee for Socio‑Economic Analysis (SEAC) draft opinion concerning the proposed restriction of chromium(VI) substances under EU REACH. With comments invited until 17 August 2026, this marks a pivotal stage in what is likely to become one of the most consequential restrictions affecting surface treatment, electroplating and related sectors.

On 15 June 2026, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Agency under UK REACH, added 15 entries to the UK REACH Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) following a six week consultation process. This marks a significant milestone as the first substantive update to the UK REACH Candidate List since the end of the Brexit implementation period in December 2020.

A challenge by a coalition of European public health, environmental and consumer organisations led by Pesticide Action Network (PAN Europe) over recent developments in EU chemicals and product legislation have once again brought into focus a familiar but unresolved tension: how do you strike an appropriate balance between regulatory efficiency and maintaining high standards of protection for human health and the environment?

An eye-watering €200 million fine imposed by the European Commission on the online sales platform Temu under the Digital Services Act (DSA) provides a clear signal that online marketplaces are now firmly within the scope of product safety and chemicals compliance scrutiny. While the DSA is often viewed as a digital regulation focused on platform governance, its practical application is increasingly intersecting with traditional product safety regimes – including those governing hazardous chemicals in consumer goods.

On 20 May 2026, the UK Government confirmed a significant shift in direction for chemicals regulation, signalling that UK REACH will now align closely with EU REACH, with divergence occurring only in very limited circumstances. This represents one of the most important strategic developments in the post‑Brexit evolution of UK chemicals policy.

Two recent peer reviewed publications add further weight to the growing body of evidence linking PFAS exposure to adverse human health outcomes. While neither fundamentally changes the direction of travel, both reinforce an important point for businesses: scientific understanding of PFAS risks continues to evolve in ways that support increasingly precautionary regulatory approaches.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published new sector specific guidance on controlling exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) when working with engineered stone, alongside a nationwide inspection campaign targeting fabricators and related businesses. These developments represent a significant and deliberate shift in regulatory expectations, with clear implications for dutyholders under COSHH.

On 11 May 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted a targeted amendment to the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) under the ‘Omnibus X’ simplification package, extending certain data protection periods for active substances under the EU biocides review programme.