New exposure drafts containing suggested sustainability- and climate-related reporting standards for businesses have been released by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA). These standards are fully compliant with the guidelines published by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) of the IFRS Foundation.… Read More »Hong Kong Suggests Sustainability Reporting Standards Aligned with IFRS

In accordance with the Chemical Substances Control Law, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of the Environment of Japan jointly released a draft plan on September 9, 2024, proposing to classify 138 perfluorinated compounds… Read More »Japan Will Ban 138 Perfluorinated Substances by 2025

New Market Standards: In an effort to increase transparency and maintain market integrity, the CFTC releases the first rules for the voluntary trading of carbon credit futures in the United States. Curbing Manipulation: The guidelines set forth actions that exchanges may do to stop price… Read More »U.S. CFTC Approves Inaugural Guidelines for Voluntary Carbon Credit Derivative Trading

Peru has introduced new regulations to the WTO aimed at limiting heavy metals in reusable plastic cutlery and tableware. The proposal also establishes technical and labelling standards for their production, ensuring alignment with ISO standards on packaging, plastic recycling, and testing. More information can be… Read More »Peru Attempts to Control Heavy Metals in Reusable Plastic Products

In October 2024, the European Poison Centre (PCN) reminded businesses that the transition period (January-December 2024) is concluding. After December 31, 2024, all hazardous mixture submissions must comply with CLP regulations. Companies must submit new notifications per Annex VIII and include a Unique Formula Identifier… Read More »PCN Transition Period Ending Soon

By 2050, the European Union (EU) hopes to achieve its ambitious climate targets and create an economy that is carbon neutral. Changing the energy-intensive building industry, which now generates 36% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 40% of the EU’s total final energy consumption, is… Read More »Europe’s Roadmap to a Net-Zero Building Industry by 2060

The use of PFHxA, its salts, and related compounds in cosmetics will be outlawed as of October 10, 2026. A draft rule to change Annex XVII of rule (EC) No 1907/2006 Concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) was notified to the… Read More »EU to Implement a Union-wide Ban on PFHxA in Cosmetics

Adding electronics over 25 kg into exemption scope: In May 2024, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) of Western Australia released the latest version of the “Guidance on the Expanded Plastic Packaging Ban.” This guidance explains the statutory interpretation and details of the… Read More »Western Australia Updates Regulations on Expanded Plastic Packaging Ban

The India-EU Water Partnership (IEWP), established in 2016, is currently in its third phase. This phase emphasizes developing effective solutions in river basin management, climate resilience, urban flooding, and water governance. At the 6th EU-India Water Forum, which was held as part of the 8th… Read More »EU and India Expand Their Collaboration on Sustainable Water Management

The South Korean Ministry of Environment formally announced a thorough modification of the categories of persistent pollutants and particular exemption laws on September 4, 2024, with the release of Notification No. 2024-571. In accordance with the definition of persistent pollutants provided by the Persistent Organic… Read More »South Korea Declares Exemptions and a Comprehensive List for Persistent Pollutants