Plastic Regulations in India (Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016)
India
Introduction India’s Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 were notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The rules underwent eight total amendments …
*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 …
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 …
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.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
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). …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.”
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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).
*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.”
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 …
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 …
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 …
Singapore
The Government of Singapore promulgated two orders on April 30, 2026, partially amending the Environmental Protection and Management Act 1999:
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 …
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 …
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.
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 …
Australia
On 25 February 2026, Australia’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) announced that it had imposed a fine of AUD 19,800 for the illegal export of …
Singapore
In March 2026, Singapore promulgated two regulations concerning the collection of beverage containers.
China
On January 28, 2026, the State Administration for Market Regulation of China promulgated the voluntary national standard, Limit of Decabromodiphenyl Ether (decaBDE) in Thermal Insulating Products for Building Applications (GB/T …
South Korea
On March 27, 2026, South Korea’s National Institute of Chemical Safety amended and promulgated the Notice on the Designation of Substances with Acute Human Health Hazards, Chronic Human Health Hazards, …
South Korea
On March 26, 2026, South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment published a draft partial amendment to the list of Existing Chemical Substances, publicly notified as Appendix 2 to …
South Korea
On March 27, 2026, South Korea’s National Institute of Chemical Safety amended and promulgated the Regulation on Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (National Institute of Chemical Safety Notice No. 2026-6).
Vietnam
On 17 March 2026, the Customs Department of Region V (covering Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Thai Nguyen, Bac Kan, and Tuyen Quang) issued the Official Document No. 490/HQKV5‑NVHQ, providing guidance …
Vietnam Publishes New Decree No. 110/2026/ND-CP on EPR Regulations
Vietnam
On April 1, 2026, the “Decree No. 110/2026/ND-CP on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for the recycling of products and packaging and the waste treatment obligations of producers and importers” (hereinafter …
China
According to an announcement from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of China, a meeting marking the official launch of the “National New Energy Vehicle Traction Battery Traceability …
South Korea
On December 1, 2025, South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) and Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE) jointly announced a phased schedule for substance transition of …
China
In April 2026, the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) released a draft revision of the voluntary national standard Green Product Evaluation – Plastic Products (GB/T 37866-2019) for public comment. The …
Singapore
Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), governing enterprise development under the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore, published the “SUSTAINABILITY PLAYBOOK FOR FOOD MANUFACTURERS” on April 21, 2026.
Indonesia
The Indonesian Ministry of Trade published and enforced the Minister of Trade Regulation No. 9 of 2026 on the Import of Products Made with Forced Labor on April 14, 2026.
South Korea
On March 31, 2026, South Korea’s National Institute of Chemical Safety issued a preliminary legislative notice proposing amendments to the Regulation on Stipulated Quantities of Hazardous Chemicals. The amendments are …
*Taiwan
On April 10, 2026, the Taiwan Ministry of Environment (MOENV) released a draft amendment to the Recycling Fee Rates for Collection, Removal, and Treatment of Articles, which defines the recycling …
Vietnam
On February 14, 2026, Vietnam’s Chemical Agency of the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Official Letter No. 285/HC‑QLHC to withdrew the previously issued Official Letter No. 239/HC‑QLHC. Official Letter …
Singapore
On April 20, 2026, the National Environment Agency (NEA) of Singapore issued a notice announcing the implementation of regulations governing the domestic manufacture and import/export of 6 mercury-added products, which …
India
On April 11, 2026, the Transport Department of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi released the draft of the “Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2026,” initiating a 30-day …
Vietnam
On March 23, 2026, Decree No. 83/2026/ND-CP was issued to amend and supplement a number of provisions of Decree No. 06/2022/ND-CP on GHG mitigation and ozone layer protection, as previously …
Global
In mid‑March 2026, the Working Party on Noise and Tyres (WP‑GRBP) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) reached a de facto agreement on the world’s first regulatory …
Vietnamese Customs’ and Local Customs Branches’ Views on the Request for 100% Disclosure of Ingredient Information for Imported Chemicals
Vietnam
On April 14, 2026, Vietnam’s General Department of Customs under the Ministry of Finance issued Official Letter No. 15269/CHQ‑GSQL to local customs branches regarding the disclosure of ingredient information for …
*Taiwan
On April 9, 2026, the Executive Yuan of Taiwan approved draft amendments to the Resource Circulation Promotion Act and the Waste Disposal Act submitted by the Ministry of Environment. The …
Japan
On March 31, 2026, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) jointly released the …
Indonesia
The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources published the “Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Decision No. 113/2026 on the Phased Introduction of Biofuels” on March 3, 2026, which …
Philippines
On 3 December 2025, the Quezon City Council enacted the Ordinance Promoting Textile Sustainability and Circularity for Economic, Environmental, and Social Development in Quezon City (Ordinance No. SP‑3472, S‑2025). After …
Malaysia
The Customs (Prohibition of Imports) (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2026 was published in Malaysia on March 31, 2026, and came into effect as of April 1, 2026. This amendment of …
South Korea
On March 19, 2026, South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE) issued an administrative notice of a proposed amendment to the Regulations on Types of Persistent Pollutants and …
*Hong Kong
On March 13, 2026, the Hong Kong Government published the Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 2) Notice 2026 in the Gazette. The purpose of …
*Taiwan
On March 17, 2026, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs published the Legal Inspection Requirements for Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Controlgear. Since the …
China
On December 31, 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of China officially announced the publication of Limits of Heavy Metals in Ink (GB 46997-2025) on its website. …
India
On April 4, 2026, India’s Ministry of power has issued a notification about amending the previous notification (S.O. 5665(E) dated December 8, 2025) regarding energy consumption standards for countertop induction …
Japan
On March 11, 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 a …
India
India’s Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has published three separate orders to temporarily suspend the Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for Linear Alkyl Benzene, Morpholine and n-Butyl Acrylate. For three months, …
Vietnam
On March 31, 2026, the Minister of Health issued Circular No. 05/2026/TT-BYT on the List of Prohibited Chemicals and the List of Hazardous Chemicals Requiring Disclosure in Insecticides and Disinfectants …
China
On January 28, 2026, the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) promulgated two key mandatory standards for fire safety signs: Fire Safety Signs Part 2: General Product Requirements (GB 13495.2-2026) and …
Australia
On April 9, 2026, the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Section of the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) announced via an official email to stakeholders …
South Korea
On March 10, 2026, South Korea’s National Institute of Chemical Safety (NICS) officially published hazard assessment results for existing chemical substances, along with additional related information, pursuant to the Act …
Australia
On February 19, 2026, the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) released the E3 Strategic Plan under the nation’s Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) program. The …
India
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India issued guidelines on March 18, 2026, finalizing environmental compensation for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules on used oil. While the EPR rules …
Japan
On March 18, 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and Ministry of the Environment (MOE) jointly opened a public consultation …
China
On March 16, 2026, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) of China submitted a WTO/TBT notification regarding the draft revision of the mandatory national standard, General Specifications for the …
Vietnam
On February 12, 2026, the Department of Customs issued Official Letter No. 11816/CHQ-GSQL, dated February 12, 2026, to regional Sub-departments of Customs, providing guidance on regulations regarding product labelling under …
Australia
In February 2026, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) released a discussion paper on reducing single-use plastics and opened a public consultation period from March 2 to May 1, 2026. The …
India
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) of India published the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2026, on March 31, 2026, which came into force on the same …
Japan
On March 11, 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 a partial amendment …
India
In an notification dated March 5, 2026 by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India to the Customs, the former noted that vehicle importers are required to register on …
Japan
On March 31, 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and Ministry of the Environment (MOE) jointly issued a new “Notice …
South Korea
On March 13, 2026, the Korea Environment Corporation (K-eco) published a reference template for a Letter of Confirmation (LOC), for the purpose of compliance with South Korea’s chemical substance confirmation …
*Hong Kong
On March 26, 2026, the Hong Kong Government published the Mercury Control Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 3) Order 2025 (Commencement) Notice. This notice establishes the commencement dates for the regulation …
Vietnam
On March 16, 2026, the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade issued Official Document No. 2016/SCT‑KTATMT, titled “Several Notes on the Implementation of Administrative Procedures for Issuing Import and Export …
China
On March 19, 2026, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) released the consultation draft of the mandatory national standard General Requirements for Cosmetic Safety (GB 7916). The public comment period …
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 (168) Singapore (146) Thailand (234) Vietnam (360)
Oman (2)
Saudi Arabia (6) Australia (71) New Zealand (24)
