Regulatory news and experts insights.

The safety of cosmetic products is generally assessed from the perspective of human health, considering endpoints such as skin irritation, skin sensitisation, systemic toxicity, and endocrine disruption. However, the environmental properties of cosmetic ingredients are becoming increasingly important in substance assessment processes and product development strategies, particularly when selecting formulation ingredients.

China is revising its rules on new chemical substance registration, with a draft revision of the Measures for the Environmental Management Registration of New Chemical Substances, commonly referred to as China REACH. The draft was released by China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment on 11 June 2026 and was open for public comment until 12 July 2026. Once finalised, the revised measures are expected to replace MEE Order No. 12 of 2020.

In pharmaceutical development, the preparation of CTD Tabulated Summaries is a critical component of regulatory submissions. These documents require scientific rigor, consistency, and accuracy, while also involving extensive data compilation, formatting, and verification activities.

On 15 June 2026, Regulation (EU) 2026/1165 entered into force, amending the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) and extending data protection for certain active substance dossiers until 31 December 2030. The amendment addresses a long-standing concern arising from delays in the Review Programme for existing active substances and restores protection that had expired at the end of 2025.

On 27 November 2024, the European Union reached a landmark milestone with the adoption of Directive (EU) 2024/3019 on urban wastewater treatment. This text, which lays down minimum requirements for the collection, treatment and monitoring of urban wastewater, is the result of a comprehensive recast of the 1991 directive.