ECHA Updates Annual Evaluation Statistics
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has updated its statistics on chemical evaluation progress, reporting on compliance checks conducted between 2009 and 2025. The agency checked the compliance of over 30% of substances registered before 2019 at volumes of at least 100 tonnes per year, aiming to ensure reliable hazard data and chemical safety.
Biocides Committee supports ethanol approval for disinfectants
ECHA's Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) has supported the approval of ethanol for use in human hygiene, general, and food/feed area disinfectants. The committee did not conclude on ethanol's carcinogenic or reprotoxic properties due to data limitations and the nature of existing evidence.
ECHA Risk Assessment Committee Adopts PFAS Restriction Opinion
The European Chemicals Agency's Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) has adopted its opinion on a proposal to restrict all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across the EU/EEA. This opinion is a key step in the regulatory process, with the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) expected to release its draft opinion soon.
ECHA Biocidal Products Committee Opinions on Active Substances and Authorisations
The European Chemicals Agency's Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) adopted six opinions on active substances and two on Union authorisations in its February 2026 meeting. These opinions concern substances like ethanol, DMDMH, hydrochloric acid, C(M)IT/MIT, and peracetic acid, impacting various product types. The European Commission will make the final decisions.
Midway Grocery Enforcement Meeting Scheduled
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has scheduled an enforcement meeting for Midway Grocery on March 18, 2026, regarding unresolved compliance issues with underground storage tanks. This action follows inspections conducted in April 2024 and November 2025.
W. Henry Hardy Inc. - Enforcement Meeting
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has scheduled an enforcement meeting for W. Henry Hardy Inc. on March 25, 2026. This action follows unresolved compliance issues identified during an underground storage tank inspection in March 2025, leading to a delivery prohibition process.
California Fines TheBeadChest.com $17,000 for Excessive Lead
The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has fined online retailer TheBeadChest.com $17,000 for selling jewelry with excessive lead levels. The retailer has agreed to stop selling non-compliant jewelry.
Environment Agency v. Action Skip Hire Limited - Waste Removal Order
The Environment Agency has ordered Birmingham skip firm Action Skip Hire Limited to pay £9,495.50 for failing to remove waste from a site as previously ordered by a magistrates' court. This follows a prior conviction where the company was fined over £48,000 for operating an illegal waste site.