Biocides:
UK-EU SPS Alignment for PPPS & Biocides
The new UK-EU SPS Agreement (targeted for mid-2027) marks a definitive return to regulatory alignment for the agri-chemical and biocide sectors. For industry professionals, this means a shift back toward harmonized standards to eliminate border friction and dual-authorization costs.
The agreement centers on alignment with:
- Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009: Re-aligning active substance approvals and authorizations for Plant Protection Products (PPPs).
- Regulation (EC) No 396/2005: Harmonizing Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for food and feed—a prerequisite for removing Export Health Certificates.
- Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 (BPR): Bringing Biocidal Products back into a unified framework for active substance approvals and product authorizations.
Operational Implications
- End of Divergence: Minimizing the “double-regulation” burden for companies operating in both GB and EU markets.
- Market Access: Re-opening the EU market for products currently blocked by divergent MRLs or substance approvals.
- Technical Guidance: Starting May 2026, Defra will provide detailed guidance, but a “reset” for substances diverged since 2021 is expected.
Defra has launched a Call for Information to ensure the implementation strategy reflects industry reality. This is your opportunity to influence:
- Targeted Transitional Arrangements: Identifying sectors that require more time or specific support.
- Practical Guidance: Defining the technical checklists and tools needed for a smooth Day 1.
The exact details and timing remain subject to ongoing discussions with the EU, making your feedback vital to the negotiation and implementation phases.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-eu-sps-agreement-legislation-in-scope
CHEMICAL:
Regulation EU 2026/405: New Detergents and Surfactants Compliance
The new regulation on detergents and surfactants has been published on March 2, 2026.
The new Reg. (EU) 2026/405 repeals Reg. (CE) 648/2004 and addresses weaknesses and areas not covered by the previous regulation.
This long-awaited Regulation clarifies existing rules to facilitate business, assist consumers, reinforce market surveillance, and provide a high level of protection for human health and the environment.
Important innovations:
– digitalization of information (e.g. digital product passport and digital labeling)
– development of detergents containing micro-organisms;
– encouragement of refill sales;
– extension of biodegradability criteria to water-soluble polymer films and other organic substances;
– prohibition of animal testing, favoring alternative methods;
– introduction of an authorized representative for non-EU manufacturers for specific tasks.
The regulation (EU) 2026/405 shall enter into force on March 22, 2026 and shall apply from 23 September 2029, giving companies a transition period to comply.
ECHA:
ECHA Supports PFAS Restriction with Targeted Derogations
ECHA has confirmed its support for a broad EU restriction on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the REACH Regulation, while proposing a series of targeted derogations for specific uses where alternatives are not yet available. At the same time, it is proposing a range of specific derogations for the substances’ use in certain areas where alternatives are not yet available.
The proposal was first submitted by five countries in Europe: Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.
The aim of the proposal is to restrict the use of these substances in the EU market. The substances in question have the reputation of being extremely persistent in the environment. The term ‘forever chemicals’ is used to refer to these substances. They have the reputation of being extremely difficult and costly to decontaminate.
To ensure the measure remains proportionate, ECHA’s assessment considers time-limited derogations for certain applications where PFAS alternatives are currently not technically or economically feasible. These exemptions would allow continued use under specific conditions while industries transition toward safer substitutes.
ECHA’s scientific committees are continuing their evaluation of the restriction proposal. Their final opinions are expected by the end of 2026, after which the European Commission will decide on the adoption of the restriction.
Source: https://echa.europa.eu/it/-/echa-supports-pfas-restriction-with-targeted-derogations
REACH:
Based on the Member State Committee’s opinion, we adopted and published the Community Rolling Action Plan (CoRAP) for 2026-2028 on 24 March 2026.
States plan to evaluate 17 substances in 2026, while 10 are listed for 2027 and 2028.
The evaluation must be risk-based and it allows Member States to request information exceeding standard requirements. Member
Registrants who need to update their dossiers with new relevant information such as hazard, tonnages, use and exposure, can follow this guide for advice.
ECHA has launched 54 new consultations on testing proposals.
Have your say until 8 May 2026.
Source:https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/17221/fs_substance_evaluation_en.pdf
