Western Australia Government to implement single-use plastic ban plan
27 March 2023 
Australia
Australia
Plastic management rules are becoming more stringent in Australia.
The State Bank of Vietnam issued guidelines on environmental risk management in credit transactions
Investment projects now obliged to provide environmental information
27 March 2023 
Vietnam
Vietnam
On December 23rd, 2022, the State Bank of Vietnam promulgated Circular No. 17/2022/TT-NHNN Providing Guidelines on Environmental Risk Management in Credit Extension by Credit Institutions and Foreign Bank Branches.
India makes energy-saving labeling mandatory for commercial lightweight air conditioners
New energy-saving standard to be applied from July 2023
24 March 2023 
India
India
On February 28, 2023, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) of India promulgated the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Particulars and Manner of their Display on Labels of Light Commercial Air …
China publishes guidelines on national standards development for 2023
24 March 2023 
China
China
On Feb. 16, 2023, China’s Standardization Administration published guidelines on national standards development for 2023. For example, the chemical safety of consumer goods as well as the safety of lithium-ion …
Philippines enacts labor advisory providing guidelines for prevention and control of food and waterborne diseases in workplace
23 March 2023 
Philippines
Philippines
New regulations have been promulgated to thoroughly control diseases in the workplace under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Singapore submits bill to legislate plastic bag charging and beverage container deposit system to Parliament
23 March 2023 
Singapore
Singapore
In Singapore, the Resource Sustainability (Amendment) Bill was submitted to Parliament on February 6, 2023. This bill amends the Resource Sustainability Act 2019 that regulates three types of waste: e-waste, …
China’s Shanghai announces program for synergistic reduction of pollutant discharge and CO2 emissions
22 March 2023
China
China
On Jan. 28, 2023, the Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment, Municipal Development & Reform Commission, and six other government departments of Shanghai, China, announces a Program for Synergistic Reduction …
Taiwan plans to reduce recycling fee for products using recycled plastic
22 March 2023 
*Taiwan
*Taiwan
On February 1, 2023, the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) announced proposed amendments to the notice “Recycling fee rate of collection, removal, and disposal of items”.
China’s Hebei province announces program for carbon emissions peaking
The program promotes hydrogen energy, green and low-carbon industry, and so on.
21 March 2023
China
China
In January 2023, the government of Hebei province, China, announced a program for carbon emissions peaking. This program has been developed to fully implement national policies for carbon emissions peaking …
Thailand enforces destruction of PFOA and related substances remaining in the country
21 March 2023 
Thailand
Thailand
Department of Industrial Works, Ministry of Industry of Thailand published “Order of Department of Industrial Works No. 42/2566 regarding Hazardous Substance Management of Perfluorooctanoic Acid, Salt of Perfluorooctanoic Acid and …
Taiwan strengthens the regulation on organotin compounds
20 March 2023
*Taiwan
*Taiwan
On February 20, 2023, the Environmental Protection Administration of Taiwan released a partial amendment to the notice “Toxic chemical substances to be controlled and management requirements for handling of such …
Sri Lanka bans import, manufacture, sale, and use of single-use plastic products from June 1, 2023
20 March 2023 
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
On February 13, 2023, the Office of the Cabinet of Ministers of Sri Lanka issued a Cabinet decision banning the import, manufacture, sale, and use of certain single-use plastic products …
Malaysia releases draft amendment to guidelines for preparation of chemical register
17 March 2023 
Malaysia
Malaysia
In Malaysia, on February 10, 2022, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) published a draft amendment to the guidelines for the preparation of a chemical register under Article …
India bans oil tankers, bulk carriers older than 25 years to cut GHG emission
17 March 2023
India
India
India’s shipping regulator, Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in a notification issued on February 24, 2023 has banned oil tankers and bulk carriers both registered in India and foreign flagged …
China revises evaluation indicator systems for clean production of electrolytic manganese, sodium hydroxide, polyvinyl chloride
17 March 2023
China
China
On February 16, 2023, China’s National Development and Reform Commission published revised evaluation indicator systems for the clean production of electrolytic manganese as well as sodium hydroxide and polyvinyl chloride. …
Vietnam releases draft amendments to Decree on insecticides/disinfectants management
16 March 2023
Vietnam
Vietnam
On December 5, 2022, the Ministry of Health of Vietnam published the Draft Decree Amending and Supplementing the Decree No. 91/2016/ND-CP on the Management of Insecticides and Disinfectants for Household …
Packaging used in online shopping to be regulated from July 1, 2023 in Taiwan
16 March 2023
*Taiwan
*Taiwan
On February 16, 2023, the Environmental Protection Administration Executive Yuan of Taiwan officially announced the notice “Regulated businesses and requirements for restrictions on packaging used in internet shopping”, which will …
China issues national standards for contaminated soil remediation
15 March 2023
China
China
On Feb. 2, 2023, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment issued two national ecology and environment standards called the “Technical Specifications of Contaminated Soil Remediation — Biopiling” (HJ 1283-2023) and …
China plans to revise safety risk management rules of chemical industrial parks
15 March 2023
China
China
On Feb. 13, 2023, China’s Ministry of Emergency Management published draft Guidelines on the Safety Risk Management of Chemical Industrial Parks. The ministry will accept comments on the guidelines through …
Singapore adds substances subject to CWC into EPMA and FSA
14 March 2023
Singapore
Singapore
In Singapore, on 17 February 2023, the following four acts were promulgated to regulate substances subject to the Chemical Weapons Convention under the Environmental Protection and Management Act and the …
China tightens limitation standards on harmful substances in musical instruments
14 March 2023
China
China
On December 29, 2022, the National Standardization Administration of China released the mandatory national standard “Limitations on Harmful Substances in Musical Instruments” (GB 28489-2022). Compared to the draft submitted to …
Vietnam revised list of Group 2 products subject to compulsory standards
Including electrical appliances, toys and LPG etc.
14 March 2023
Vietnam
Vietnam
On December 30, 2022, the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam promulgated Decision No. 2711/QD-BKHCN/2022 Defining the List of Group 2 Products.
POPs Convention publishes working paper on Dechlorane Plus/UV-328
13 March 2023 
Global
Global
On March 6, 2023, The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs Convention/hereinafter referred to as “the Convention”) published working documents of the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP 11) …
South Korea announces three key tasks to attain carbon neutrality
13 March 2023 
South Korea
South Korea
On January 31, 2023, South Korea Ministry of Environment announced the key tasks for 2023 to enhance the implementation of carbon neutrality. It was structured to foster green industries and …
China updates mandatory national standards for energy efficiency of fluorescent lamps
The new standard will take effect Jan. 1, 2024.
10 March 2023
China
China
On Dec. 29, 2022, China’s Standardization Administration published a mandatory national standard called the Minimum Allowable Values of Energy Efficiency and Energy Efficiency Grades of Fluorescent Lamps for General Lighting …
China’s Zhejiang province announces program to promote new-energy vehicle industry
The program aims to increase the proportion of new-energy vehicles in total automobile production to 60% or more by 2025.
10 March 2023
China
China
On Jan. 19, 2023, the Provincial Development and Reform Commission, Economy and Information Technology Department, and Science Technology Department of Zhejiang province, China, announced the Program to Promote the New-Energy …
China’s Zhejiang province officially set new pollutant control program
The target dates for main objectives have been moved up one or two years from the draft version
9 March 2023
China
China
On Dec. 30, 2022, the Department of Environment and Ecology of Zhejiang province, China, announces the Program for New Pollutant Control.
The Philippines issued latest guidelines for PIF of cosmetics
9 March 2023
Philippines
Philippines
A new cosmetics regulations set Product Information Files (PIF) management rules.
India revises railway transport regulations
Li-ion batteries are newly designated as dangerous goods
8 March 2023
India
India
India strengthened the transport rules for dangerous goods.
China’s Jiangsu province announces program for synergistic reduction of air pollutants and CO2 emissions
8 March 2023
China
China
On Feb. 1, 2023, the Department of Ecology and Environment of Jiangsu province, China, announced a program for synergistic reduction of air pollutants and CO2 emissions.
Singapore promulgates EV Charging Act
7 March 2023
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore promulgated the Electric Vehicles Charging Act 2022 on January 25, 2023.
India proposes regulation mandating energy saving labeling for washing machines
7 March 2023
India
India
On January 24, 2023, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) of India announced the draft regulation Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Particulars and Manner of their Display on Labels of Washing …
NZ bans unsealed use of foam extinguishing agents containing PFAS
6 March 2023 
New Zealand
New Zealand
On January 1, 2023, the New Zealand (NZ) Government imposed severe restrictions on foam extinguishing agents which contain PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The NZ Environmental Protection Agency made the …
China releases national standard for remanufacturing of used office supplies
6 March 2023
China
China
On Dec. 30, 2022, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation and Standardization Administration released a national standard called the General Specification for Remanufacturing of Used Office Consumables and Spare Parts …
China updates mandatory national standard for toilet flush valve water efficiency
6 March 2023
China
China
On Dec. 19, 2022, China’s Standardization Administration issued a mandatory national standard for toilet flush valve water efficiency called Minimum Allowable Values of Water Efficiency and Water Efficiency Grades for …
South Korea announces results of Fourth (2020) Statistical Survey on Chemicals
3 March 2023
South Korea
South Korea
On January 18, 2023, South Korea Ministry of Environment announced the results of the Fourth (2020) Statistical Survey on Chemicals showing that 31,600 types and 686.8 million tons of chemical …
Vietnam reveals inspection results on chemical control regulations
3 March 2023
Vietnam
Vietnam
On December 23, 2022, the Vietnam Chemicals Agency (Vinachemia) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) released a detailed report on a violation case against the Law on Chemicals …
China revises safety standard on Li-ion batteries for portable electronic devices
The revision will take effect Jan. 1, 2024.
2 March 2023
China
China
On Dec. 29, 2022, China’s Standardization Administration issued a mandatory national standard for the safety of lithium-ion batteries and battery packs for portable electronic products (GB 31241-2022). This is a …
China revises procedure for identification of solid waste in imported goods
2 March 2023
China
China
On Jan. 13, 2023, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment and General Administration of Customs announced a revised procedure for the identification of solid waste in imported goods (Ministry of …
Taiwan adds 15 substances into “Chemicals of concern”
1 March 2023
*Taiwan
*Taiwan
On January 12, 2023, the Environmental Protection Administration Executive Yuan of Taiwan officially announced the amendment of the notice “List of chemicals of concern subject to control and management requirements …
Singapore amends list of substances restricted for use in cosmetic products
1 March 2023
Singapore
Singapore
In Singapore, the Health Products (Cosmetic Products – ASEAN Cosmetic Directive) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (hereinafter referred to as the Amendment Regulations) were promulgated on January 13, 2023. The Amendment Regulations …
Philippines announces Executive Order to reduce import duty on EVs and their parts
28 February 2023
Philippines
Philippines
In the Philippines, on January 19, 2023, “Executive Order No. 12 Temporarily Modifying the Rates of Import Duty on Electric Vehicles, Parts, and Components Under Section 1611 of Republic Act …
China’s Shanghai announces Action Plan on Controlling New Pollutants
Shanghai will phase out PFOS-based firefighting foams earlier than the national plan
28 February 2023
China
China
On Jan. 13, 2023, China’s Shanghai announced an Action Plan on Controlling New Pollutants. The program, which is based on a national program for new pollutant control, includes measures and …
India’s MoEFCC notifies activities for trading of carbon credit on global platforms
28 February 2023
India
India
India’s Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on February 17, 2023 finalized and announced list of activities to be considered for trading of carbon credits under bilateral and …
Taiwan adds water purifiers into products subject to inspection rules
27 February 2023
*Taiwan
*Taiwan
On January 17, 2023, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Taiwan announced the “Regulations on inspection requirements for water purifier products …
Vietnamese business association submits comments on draft revision of Law on Chemicals
27 February 2023
Vietnam
Vietnam
In Vietnam, amendments to the Law on Chemicals (06/2007/QH12) are currently under discussion, and local businesses are closely monitoring its progress.
South Korean announces entire revision of Framework Act on Resource Circulation to promote circular economy
27 February 2023
South Korea
South Korea
On January 31, 2023, South Korea Ministry of Environment announced a key promotion plan in the field of resource recycling for the year 2023. Starting with the promulgation of the …
Indonesia publishes carbon pricing regulations including emission trade and carbon tax
24 February 2023 
Indonesia
Indonesia
On October 22, 2022, the Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry No. 21/2022 on Procedure for Implementation of Carbon Pricing was promulgated in Indonesia. The Regulation provides for …
Taiwan expands scope of adapters and plugs subject to RoHS rules
24 February 2023
*Taiwan
*Taiwan
On January 9, 2023, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI), M.O.E.A of Taiwan officially announced the amendment of “Inspection regulations for power distribution equipment subject to inspection”. The …
South Korea revises recycling standards for LED lamps subject to EPR
23 February 2023
South Korea
South Korea
On January 27, 2023, South Korea Ministry of Environment notified the proposed amendments to the Enforcement Decree and Enforcement Regulations of the Act on the Promotion of Saving and Recycling …
China’s Shandong province announces enhanced program for pollution control in Yellow River basin
Jinan and other eight cities have been designated as key targets.
23 February 2023
China
China
On Jan. 16, 2023, the Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment of Shandong province, China, announced a program for ecological protection in the Yellow River basin.
Singapore revises national standards on implementation of GHS
23 February 2023
Singapore
Singapore
In February 2023, Singapore issued revisions of Parts 2 and 3 (SS 586-2: 2022, SS 586: 3) of the National Standard SS 586: Specification for hazard communication for hazardous chemicals …
South Korea stipulates reduction of mandatory recycling quantity by using raw materials derived from waste synthetic resins
Management plan for discarded solar panels also announced
22 February 2023
South Korea
South Korea
On December 30, 2022, South Korean government promulgated an amended version of Enforcement Decree of the Act on Resource Circulation of Electrical and Electronic Equipment and Vehicles (Presidential Decree No. …
China’s Jiangsu province announces plan for carbon emissions peaking in industry sector
Carbon reduction efforts will be increased in chemicals and other key industries.
22 February 2023
China
China
On Jan. 12, 2023, the Industry and Information technology Department of Jiangsu province, China, announced on its website a Plan for Carbon Emissions Peaking in the Industry Sector and Specific …
Taiwan to expand scope of plastic packaging materials subject to recycling levy
21 February 2023
*Taiwan
*Taiwan
On December 27, 2022, the Environmental Protection Administration Executive Yuan of Taiwan released the proposed amendment of the notice “The range of articles, their packaging/containers, and operators responsible for recycling, …
India postpones enforcement date of QCO for ten substances
Including morpholine, acetic acid, and methanol
21 February 2023
India
India
On February 2, 2023, the Indian Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers promulgated an amendment order to postpone the date of entry into force of the Quality Control Order for morpholine, …
Vietnam sets water resources master plan to 2030 with vision to 2050
21 February 2023
Vietnam
Vietnam
On December 27, 2022, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam promulgated the Decision No. 1622/QD-TTg Approving the Master Plan on Water Resources up to 2030 with Vision up to …
China industrial organization publishes standard for container and packaging recycling
20 February 2023
China
China
On Dec. 30, 2022, the China Resource Recycling Association published an association standard called the Technical Specification for Pollution Control of Waste Packing Containers Recover and Disposal (T/ZGZS 0303-2022), which …
Philippines issues IRR for EPR law on plastic containers and packaging
20 February 2023
Philippines
Philippines
In a press release dated January 24, 2023, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the Philippines announced that DENR issued Administrative Order No. 2023-2: Implementing Rules and …
South Korea publishes candidate list of substances subject to authorization and hazard study report for public comment
17 February 2023
South Korea
South Korea
On November 23, 2022, the Korea Environment Corporation, an agency under South Korea Ministry of Environment, publicly announced the Inventory of Candidate Substances Subject to Authorization (Ministry of Environment Public …
Vietnam to start energy labeling rules for EV
17 February 2023
Vietnam
Vietnam
On Dec. 30, 2022, Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport published the Circular on Energy Efficiency Labeling Rules for Electric Vehicles and Motorcycles (48/2022/TT-BGTVT). This circular sets out requirements for energy consumption …
Taiwan starts rules on water consumption levy from large water consumers
16 February 2023
*Taiwan
*Taiwan
On January 6, 2023, the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Taiwan announced the “Measures for Water Consumption Levy Collection” (The water consumption levy is introduced to conserve water resources, and …
China releases draft mandatory national standard for static electricity accident prevention
16 February 2023
China
China
On Dec. 12, 2022, China’s Ministry of Emergency Management released a draft mandatory national standard that sets out common requirements for static electricity accident prevention to seek public comments, which …
India to mandate energy labeling for deep freezers
New energy conservation standard will come into effect on July 1, 2023
15 February 2023
India
India
On February 1, 2023, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) of India promulgated the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Particulars and Manner of their Display on Labels of Deep Freezers) Regulations, …
Australia to fully transition to GHS 7 from 1 January 2023
15 February 2023
Australia
Australia
On 9 December 2022, Safe Work Australia issued a reminder to stakeholders that the country’s transition period to the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS …
Thailand sets indoor air quality standard for public buildings
15 February 2023
Thailand
Thailand
Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health of Thailand established “Notification of the Department of Health regarding Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Standards in Public Building B.E. 2565 (2022)” dated on …
Shandong Province, China drafts implementation rules for exemption of equipping VOC treatment facilities
14 February 2023
China
China
On November 23, 2022, the Department of Ecology and Environment of Shandong Province released the draft of “Implementation rules of exemptions from the end of pipe treatment of VOC for …
China revises rules on dangerous goods storage for air transportation
The revision will come into effect March 1, 2023
14 February 2023
China
China
On Dec. 20, 2022, the Civil Aviation Administration of China published revised measures on the temporary storage of dangerous goods for air transportation (AC-276-TR-2022-01R1). The revised version will come into …
China’s Sichuan province promotes electrification in manufacturing, transportation and other sectors
NEV are also promoted
14 February 2023
China
China
On Dec. 20, 2022, the Provincial Development and Reform Commission and eight other departments of Sichuan province, China, announced a program that promotes electrification during the 2022–2025 period. This program …
India Approves Hydrogen Development Policy
13 February 2023
India
India
India is accelerating the building of a hydrogen society.
Taiwan revises standard for energy efficiency labeling, criteria of ductless air conditioners
The revised standard will come into effect Jan. 1, 2025.
13 February 2023
*Taiwan
*Taiwan
On Dec. 21, 2022, Taiwan’s Bureau of Energy, Ministry of Economic Affairs, announced a revision of Taiwan’s standard for the energy efficiency labeling and criteria of ductless air conditioners. The …
Singapore announces guidelines on indoor air quality
Proposal for formaldehyde emission regulations for products
13 February 2023
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore plans to tighten formaldehyde regulations to protect indoor air quality.
China’s Guangdong province enforces water, air pollutant discharge limits in specified areas
10 February 2023
China
China
On Jan. 10, 2023, the Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong province, China, announced the enforcement of pollutant discharge limits in key areas. This announcement aims to promote soil …
China publishes measures on energy conservation audit in industry
Took effect Feb. 1, 2023
10 February 2023
China
China
On July 5, 2022, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released draft measures to implement energy conservation audit in the industry sector, in order to seek public comments; and …
China issues guidelines on setting soil remediation targets for building site
9 February 2023
China
China
On Dec. 28, 2022, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment issued experimental guidelines on setting soil remediation targets for land for development. Here is an overview.
Philippines Publishes Energy Efficiency Roadmap to 2050
9 February 2023
Philippines
Philippines
In the Philippines, on January 27, 2023, drafts of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan (NEECP) and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Roadmap (2023-2050) were published, and comments were …
India adds new exemptions into RoHS rules
9 February 2023
India
India
India partially amended RoHS regulations in order to adds new exemptions.
Vietnam: waste treatment company fined 500 million VND for environmental violations
8 February 2023
Vietnam
Vietnam
In early December 2022, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam (MONRE) issued Decision 12/QĐ-XPHC that imposed a fine of 505 million VND on a Japanese waste treatment …
Chinese NPO releases 2022 report on EPR implementation for EEE
8 February 2023
China
China
On Dec. 22, 2022, the Alliance of Technology Innovation in Extending Producer Responsibility, a Chinese NPO, published a 2022 report on the Implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Schemes for …
Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China offers incentive for VOC emission reductions
8 February 2023
China
China
On December 1, 2022, the municipal government office of Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China released the “Program of subsiding for clean alternatives to raw materials that generate volatile organic compounds …
India to add responsibilities of state governments, facility managers, etc. in wastewater management of Common Effluent Treatment Plants
7 February 2023
India
India
On January 4, 2023, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) of India announced a draft of the Regulation of Common Effluent Treatment Plants Rules, 2022, which regulates …
China announces pilot program for self-assessment scheme for compulsory certification of electrical, electronic products
7 February 2023
China
China
On Jan. 6, 2023, China’s Certification and Accreditation Administration announced a pilot program that implements a self-assessment scheme for the compulsory certification (“CCC certification”) of certain types of electrical and …
Indonesia updates dangerous goods air transport regulations
7 February 2023
Indonesia
Indonesia
On October 12, 2022, the “Regulation of the Minister of Transportation No.32/2022 on Civil Aviation Safety Regulation Part 92 Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air” was promulgated in Indonesia …
Korea establishes new provisions for imposition of non-penal fines for non-compliance with preventive provisions
in the Act on the Safety Control of Hazardous Substances
6 February 2023
South Korea
South Korea
On January 3, 2023, the Korean Government published the amended Act on the Safety Control of Hazardous Substances (Act No. 19161) to promote voluntary safety management by personnel involved in …
India amends energy labeling regulations for distribution transformers
current energy standard will apply until end of 2023
6 February 2023
India
India
On January 3, 2023, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) of India published and enacted the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (Particulars and Manner of their Display on Labels of Distribution …
First recycled water deal concluded in China’s Jiangsu province
A textile printing company has purchased the right to use 600,000 m3 of recycled water.
6 February 2023
China
China
According to a report published Dec. 2, 2022, by the Department of Ecology and Environment of Jiangsu province, China, Jiangsu Siyang Strait Environmental Protection Co., Ltd. (江苏泗阳海峡环保有限公司) sold the right …
Philippines starts voluntary certification of food contact materials
6 February 2023
Philippines
Philippines
In the Philippines, the FDA published a new regulation to secure the safety of food contact materials.
China publishes FAQs on new chemical registration
3 February 2023
China
China
On Dec. 23, 2022, China’s Solid Waste and Chemicals Management Center, the government department that administers new chemical registration, published on its website nine FAQs on new chemical registration. …
New Zealand to phase out difficult-to-recycle plastic containers and packaging by mid-2025
3 February 2023
New Zealand
New Zealand
On December 12, 2022, New Zealand’s (NZ) Ministry for the Environment released a summary of difficult-to-recycle plastic containers and packaging that should be phased out by mid-2025. This is the …
Korea makes reporting of changes in Priority Controlled Substances mandatory under K-REACH
3 February 2023
South Korea
South Korea
On January 3, 2023, the Korean government published an amended version of the Act on Registration, Evaluation, etc. of Chemicals (K-REACH). In this amendment, it is stipulated that a person …
India extends application period for 5 products for energy efficiency labeling including commercial air conditioners, refrigerators, and tires
2 February 2023
India
India
On December 7, 26 and 27, 2022, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) of India issued a notification extending the current energy efficiency evaluation framework for five items: light commercial …
India adopts QR codes in energy efficiency labeling program for products
Optional except for frost-free and direct cool refrigerators
2 February 2023
India
India
On December 5, 2022, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) of India issued a notification to adopt QR codes in addition to energy efficiency labels under its “Standards & Labeling …
China’s Guangdong province releases draft plan to reduce VOC and NOx emissions
The draft plan includes industry-specific VOC emission reduction requirements for chemical and other industries.
2 February 2023
China
China
On Jan. 3, 2023, the Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong province, China, released a draft plan for 2023–2025 to reduce Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) …
China revises mandatory standard for hazardous chemical storage
2 February 2023
China
China
On Dec. 29, 2022, the Standardization Administration of China published a national mandatory standard called the General Rules for the Hazardous Chemicals Warehouse Storage (GB 15603-2022). This standard will come …
Philippines considers draft rules on vehicles fuel economy labeling program
1 February 2023
Philippines
Philippines
On November 17, 2022, the Department of Energy of the Philippines published two proposed Department Circulars regarding transport vehicles fuel economy labeling and fuel economy performance.
Overview and operation status of Hakathari program for product energy efficiency labeling in Maldives
To be mandatory from February 2024
1 February 2023 
Maldives
Maldives
In the Maldives, the Hakathari Program for product energy efficiency labeling has been introduced under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Technology (MECCT) since September 2021. This …
Pakistan announces National Hazardous Waste Management Policy
1 February 2023 
Pakistan
Pakistan
On July 25, 2022, the Ministry of Climate Change of Pakistan announced the National Hazardous Waste Management Policy, 2022. The policy plays an important role in fulfilling the obligations of …
Thailand requires employers to notify occupational disease at workplace
1 February 2023
Thailand
Thailand
Ministry of Public Health of Thailand announced “Notification of Ministry of Public Health B.E. 2565 (2022): Notification and Report in the Case of Finding Person Contracting or Reasonably Suspected to …
India’s Central Pollution Control Board announces General Framework for Imposing Environmental Damage Compensation
31 January 2023
India
India
In late December 2022, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India issued the General Framework for Imposing Environmental Damage Compensation. This framework was developed based on an environmental court …
Singapore to raise MEPS for home appliances from April 2024
31 January 2023
Singapore
Singapore
On January 4, 2023, proposed amendments to the Energy Conservation (Regulated Goods and Registered Suppliers) Regulations were published in Singapore, and public consultation on the proposal was started. The proposed …
