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Vietnam
On May 12, 2026, the Ministry of Finance issued Circular No. 48/2026/TT-BTC providing guidance on the monitoring of transactions involving greenhouse gas (GHG) emission allowances and carbon credits on the …
Global
As the second half of 2026 begins, negotiations led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on a “legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment” …
*Taiwan
On May 26, 2026, the Taiwan Ministry of Environment (MOENV) announced the achievements of its plastic container “Green Fee” policy, which has been in effect since January 1, 2025, on …
China
On April 30, 2026, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) of China promulgated the mandatory national standard Safety Technical Specification for Cleaning Products (GB 26396-2026). This standard will enter …
Australia
On May 26, 2026, the Community Affairs References Committee, established by the Senate of the Parliament of Australia, released a report on the human health impacts of microplastics and PFAS …
Global
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) published a report on May 13, 2026, outlining the advancement of sustainability strategies that integrate climate, nature, and social issues. The report …
China
On June 11, 2026, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) of China released a draft amendment to the Measures for Environmental Management Registration of New Chemical Substances and opened …
China
On May 22, 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of China—in joint collaboration with the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of …
Thailand’s First Climate Change Act
Thailand
Timed for World Environment Day, June 5, 2026 and now under Council of State review, Thailand’s Climate Change Act is the most consequential piece of environmental legislation in the country’s …
India
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) published a draft amendment to the Ecomark Rules, 2024, on June 8, 2026, and is conducting a 60 day public consultation.
Singapore
On May 11, 2026, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) announced that unused international carbon credit (ICC) offset quotas may be carried …
China
On May 15, 2026, the China National Institute of Standardization released the draft amendment to the mandatory national standard Minimum Allowable Values of Energy Efficiency and Energy Efficiency Grades for …
Australia
In May 2026, the Australian, state, territory, and New Zealand governments through the Heads of EPA Australia and New Zealand (HEPA) published Version 3.1 of the PFAS National Environmental Management …
Global
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation announced on May 21, 2026, that it had issued a joint statement with approximately seventy companies and organizations—including the H&M Group—calling on the governments of the …
South Korea
On May 12, 2026, South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE) announced that it would hold, on May 13, a launch ceremony for the Public-Private Joint Task Force …
China
On May 26, 2026, the Ministry of Emergency Management of China promulgated the revised version of the Special Operations Catalog. The revised catalog will officially take effect on June 1, …
Japan
On June 1, 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW); Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI); and Ministry of the Environment (MOE) jointly launched a public consultation …
Global
On April 30, 2026, the World Resources Institute (WRI) announced that it would jointly develop “Water Scopes 1–3,” a standardized guidance framework for measuring and managing corporate water risks across …
China
On March 31, 2026, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) promulgated the mandatory national standard Lithium-Ion Cells and Batteries Used in Electrical and Electronic Equipment—Safety Part 4: Toys (GB …
*Taiwan
On May 21, 2026, the Chemical Substance Management Administration of Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held a briefing regarding the Phase 2 list of existing chemical substances required to submit …
Australia
The Australian Greens introduced the Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for Packaging (No Time to Waste) Bill 2026 to the Australian Parliament on May 28, 2026.
Vietnam
On 17 January 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 23/2026/ND-CP, amending and supplementing a number of provisions of Decrees in the field of water resources, which took effect on the …
South Korea
On May 12, 2026, South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE) finalized and promulgated amendments to the Enforcement Decree (Presidential Decree) and the Enforcement Rules (Ministerial Decree) of …
Australia
On May 22, 2026, the Australian Government released a discussion paper outlining proposals to expand the nation’s “right to repair” framework and opened a public consultation period (with a submission …
China
On March 31, 2026, the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) promulgated the recommended national standard Technical Guidelines for the Directional Recycling and Utilization of Spent Lithium Battery Chemicals (GB/T 47393-2026). …
Vietnam
On 17 January 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) issued Circular No. 06/2026/TT-BNNMT, amending and supplementing several provisions of circulars in the field of water resources. The Circular …
South Korea
On May 14, 2026, South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE) enforced a partial amendment to the Public Notice on the Designation, etc. of Circular Resources, which additionally …
Ecological Environment Code of the People’s Republic of China: Corporate Compliance and Development Opportunities
China
On March 12, 2026, the Ecological Environment Code of the People’s Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the “Ecological Environment Code”) was reviewed and adopted by the Fourth Session …
*Taiwan
On May 14, 2026, Taiwan’s Executive Yuan approved the “Draft Amendments to Partial Articles of the Energy Management Act,” which was drafted by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).
Australia
On March 19, 2026, the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) updated its fiscal year 2026 work plan for the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard …
India
According to local media reports from May 2026, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has submitted a formal letter to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) …
China
On April 11, 2026, the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of China (CNCA) promulgated revised versions of the Compulsory Product Certification (CCC Certification) Implementation Rules for 11 …
Singapore
On April 30, 2026, the Government of Singapore promulgated the following Act amending the Public Utilities Act 2001 and the Sewerage and Drainage Act 1999:
South Korea
On April 24, 2026, South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) enforced a partial amendment to the Public Notice on Investigations, etc. of Hazards and Risks of New Chemical …
Global
On May 20, 2026, the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD) Environment Directorate’s Chemicals and Biotechnology Committee released “Risk Management Series No. 85,” a report summarizing the OECD workshop …
Philippines
On March 19, 2026, the Philippines enacted “DENR Administrative Order No. 2026-22: Amending Sections 16.1 and 16.3 of DENR Administrative Order No. 2017-15, Guidelines on Public Participation under the Philippine …
Japan
In Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI); the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW); and the Ministry of the Environment (MoE) promulgated “the Cabinet Order Partially …
China
On April 22, 2026, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) of China released a draft of the “Measures for the Implementation and Administration of National Unified Voluntary Certification Systems.”
Global
TISFD (Taskforce on Inequality and Social‑related Financial Disclosures) has released the first draft of a framework designed to help companies and financial institutions identify and report their impacts,
India
On May 15, 2026, The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) India in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas issued a direction, mandating that only electric 3-wheelers (EVs) …
Malaysia
The Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) revealed, according to local media reports, that Malaysia’s long-debated National Climate Change Bill is in the final stages of drafting and …
South Korea
On April 24, 2026, South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) enforced a partial amendment to the Standards for Classification and Labeling of Chemical Substances and Material Safety Data …
Vietnam
On February 26, 2026, the Prime Minister of Vietnam issued Directive No. 07/CT-TTg on Promoting the Production, Blending, Distribution, and Use of Biofuels in Vietnam. Although the roadmap for applying …
Global
The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), an international framework for assessing corporate decarbonization targets, announced its 2026–2030 strategy on May 21, 2026. SBTi signaled its intention to shift its role …
China
On May 11, 2026, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) published the Announcement on Matters Concerning the Implementation of the ‘Measures for the Administration of Import and Export …
*Taiwan
On March 17, 2026, Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment published a draft amendment to the public notice Scope, Facility Installation, Specifications, and Other Compliance Matters for Electrical and Electronic Equipment Retailers …
South Korea
On April 28, 2026, the National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS) operating under South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment issued NICS Public Notice No. 2026-40, announcing proposed amendments …
Global
On May 12, 2026, CDP, the international nonprofit that operates a global environmental disclosure system, released its latest analysis of the financial impacts of extreme weather on the world economy. …
China
On March 31, 2026, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) promulgated the mandatory national standard GB 47372-2026, Safety Technical Specification for Power …
Japan’s New Action Plan for Biodiversity Recovery Through Proper Chemical Management
Japan
On March 30, 2026, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment (MOE) released “the Action Plan for Chemical Management to Promote Nature Positive, Ver. 1.0”. In recent years, biodiversity loss, climate change, …
Global
On April 20, 2026, the nonprofit organization Shift and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) released a report underscoring the importance of measuring “just transition” in climate‑change mitigation. …
China
On May 6, 2026, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) promulgated the Measures for the Administration of Import and Export Cosmetics Inspection, Quarantine, Supervision, and Administration. These measures …
Vietnam
On May 15, 2026, the Vietnamese General Department of Customs, under the Ministry of Finance issued Official Letter No. 16292/CHQ-GSQL to the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) to exchange information regarding …
South Korea
On April 29, 2026, South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE) officially promulgated the revised Regulations on Types of Persistent Organic Pollutants and Specific Exemptions through MCEE Notice …
Vietnam
According to official information from the Portal of the Ministry of Public Security, following verification and evidence collection processes, the Investigation Police Agency has officially decided to initiate criminal proceedings …
Singapore
On May 21, 2026, Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG) released TR 149:2026 Specification for Organisations to Progress Towards Environmental Sustainability Excellence. This technical reference provides a framework to help organizations understand their …
Indonesia
The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries announced the “National Action Plan for the Protection and Management of Blue Carbon Ecosystems 2025-2030” on February 18, 2026. This policy aims …
India
On May 8, 2026, India’s Ministry of Labour and Employment promulgated the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Rules, 2026 under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. …
Japan
On March 31, 2026, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment (MOE) released a revised edition of the “Environmental Labeling Guidelines”, which organize the appropriate approach to providing environmental information for businesses …
New Zealand
On May 11, 2026, the New Zealand Government introduced the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Amendment Bill (government bill) to Parliament. This bill responds to a recommendation by the …
Japan
On March 31, 2026, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment (MOE) released a revised edition of the “Environmental Labeling Guidelines”, which organize the appropriate approach to providing environmental information for businesses …
Japan
On March 30, 2026, the Japanese government published the various coefficients required to calculate the mandatory recycling volume stipulated under the Act on the Promotion of Sorted Collection and Recycling …
Philippines
On April 22, 2026, the Philippines issues Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Circular No. 2026-0001, “Consolidated Amendments to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) as Adopted during the 40th to 42nd …
Japan
On April 24, 2026, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) jointly released the …
Thailand
On 11 May 2026, Thailand’s Department of Labour Protection and Welfare (“DLPW”) under the Ministry of Labour issued four notifications to comprehensively establish the criteria, procedures, and practical guidelines relating …
China
On April 17, 2026, five administrative agencies, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of China, released the Guidelines for the Green Design of Industrial Products (2026 Edition).
Vietnam
On April 3, 2026, the Prime Minister issued Decision 609/QD-TTg approving the National Program on Safety in Electricity Use for the period 2026 – 2035.
Singapore
The Government of Singapore promulgated the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act 2026 on May 11, 2026. This legislation partially amends the Energy Conservation Act 2012.
*Taiwan
On April 23, 2026, the Taiwan Ministry of Environment (MOE) promulgated a revised edition of the Green Mark (officially: Environmental Protection Label) specification standard for “Air Purifiers.”
Malaysia
Malaysia has published the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Act 2026 on April 30, 2026, an amendment to the 1974 Environmental Quality Act 1974.
Japan
On April 17, 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and Ministry of the Environment (MOE) jointly promulgated the “Ordinance Specifying …
Vietnam
On 22 April 2026, the Vietnam Chemicals Agency (Vinachemia) under Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) issued Official Letter No. 813/HC‑CNHC to the General Department of Customs under the Ministry …
*Taiwan
On April 27, 2026, the Taiwan Ministry of Environment (MOE) officially announced amendments to the Regulated Toxic Chemical Substances and the Management of Their Handling. These amendments will take effect …
China
On April 12, 2026, the State Council of China promulgated the Measures for the Comprehensive Evaluation and Examination of Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality, effective immediately upon publication.
South Korea
On April 16, 2026, South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE) announced that it had promulgated the latest amended version of the latest amendment to the Notice on …
Indonesia
The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry promulgated “Ministry of Forestry Regulation No. 6/2026 regarding Procedures for Carbon Trading through Greenhouse Gas Emission Offsets in the Forestry Sector” on April 13, 2026, …
Thailand
On May 15, 2026, the Department of Industrial Works (DIW) under Thailand’s Ministry of Industry published a draft amendment to Hazardous Substance List No. 5, which is regulated by the …
Analysis of Textile Waste Situation in the Philippines
Philippines
Introduction to the Philippine Textile Sector The concept of a circular economy has gained increasing attention as countries seek to merge economic growth with environmental sustainability. Circular economy in the …
*Taiwan
On April 14, 2026, the Ministry of Labor (MOL) of Taiwan released a draft amendment to the Enforcement Rules of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Formulated under Article 54 …
Singapore
The Government of Singapore promulgated two orders on April 30, 2026, partially amending the Environmental Protection and Management Act 1999:
Global
The Nature Positive Initiative (NPI), an international framework aiming to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030, has been developing a common set of indicators known as the State of …
China
On April 13, 2026, the All-China Environmental Federation (ACEF) released the voluntary standard Evaluation Criteria for Corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Practitioners (T/ACEF 274-2026). These criteria provide objective indicators …
South Korea
On April 6, 2026, the National Institute of Chemical Safety of South Korea published the Guidelines on Criteria for Recognition of Product Similarity and Submission Materials pursuant to Article 25 …
Philippines
On March 18, 2026, the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) issued guidelines to enhanced certification procedure for energy efficiency (EE) practitioners pursuant to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EEC …
Global
On April 15, 2026, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and global consulting firm KPMG released a joint report, “Safeguarding Sustainability”, identifying twenty interrelated risks that threaten corporate …
Vietnam
On April 13, 2026, the Department of Innovation, Green Transition, and Industrial Promotion (Ministry of Industry and Trade) issued Official Letter No. 2542/BCT-DCK dated April 13, 2026,
India
On March 13 and 16, 2026, India’s Ministry of Labour and Employment released frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Code, one of the “Four Labour Codes” …
China
On April 11, 2026, the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council released Opinions on Promoting Energy Conservation and …
South Korea
On April 7, 2026, South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE) promulgated and enforced a partial amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Transboundary Movement …
Malaysia
Malaysia has proposed an amendment to the Companies Act 2016 on April 30, 2026, along with a public comment period until June 2.
Vietnam
On April 29, 2026, the Government issued Resolution No. 19/2026/NQ-CP to reduce, delegate, and simplify administrative procedures and business conditions under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
India
On April 28, 2026, India’s Ministry of Labour and Employment issued nationwide advisory to all States and Union Territories, recommendations urging all states and union territories to immediately implement preventive …
Thailand
Thailand’s Department of Labour Protection and Welfare has issued a new regulation on 1 May 2026 titled the “Announcement on Statements of Rights and Duties of Employers and Employees, Hazard …
Japan
On March 31, 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) uploaded an Excel file titled “List of Substances Subject to Risk Assessment (Cutoff Values List)” under “List of …
Thailand, The Digital Economy’s Hidden Environmental Price Tag
Thailand
As Thailand races to become Southeast Asia’s AI hub, communities in the Eastern Economic Corridor are asking a question no one in government has yet answered: who is responsible for …
Global
On March 31, 2026, the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol released a white paper marking the initial exploration of a new framework, “Actions and Market Instruments (AMI),” designed to incorporate corporate …
China
On March 31, 2026, the State Administration for Market Regulation of China promulgated a revised version of the mandatory national standard, Minimum Allowable Values of Energy and Water Efficiency and …
Global
On April 13, 2026, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released a report under its OECD Series on Risk Management of Chemicals. The report reviews existing approaches for …
Indonesia
The National Standardization Agency of Indonesia published the “SNI 9437:2026 Guidelines for Questionnaire Surveys of Psychosocial Factors in the Workplace” on March 10, 2026.
Vietnam
In Vietnam, provincial and municipal People’s Committees are currently issuing the 2025 lists of major energy‑using facilities as needed, in order to implement the Law Amending and Supplementing Several Articles …
China (1,107)
*Hong Kong (26) *Taiwan (242) Japan (99) South Korea (333)
Brunei (8)
Cambodia (2) Indonesia (124)
Laos (14) Malaysia (138)
Myanmar (8) Philippines (167) Singapore (146) Thailand (234) Vietnam (359)
Oman (2)
Saudi Arabia (6) Australia (70) New Zealand (24)
