UK Regulatory News

On 4 November 2025, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a public consultation on its draft recommendation to include three substances in Annex 14 (the Authorisation List) of UK REACH. Th...

On 4 November 2025, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a public consultation on its draft recommendation to include three substances in Annex 14 (the Authorisation List) of UK REACH. This is the first time that substances have been proposed for inclusion in the Authorisation List since the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.

Three Substances Proposed for Inclusion

The three substances prosed for inclusion are:

• 2-ethylhexyl 10-ethyl-4,4-dioctyl-7-oxo-8-oxa-3,5-dithia-4-stannatetradecanoate (DOTE) (CAS No. 15571-58-1)
• *Reaction mass of DOTE and 2-ethylhexyl 10-ethyl-4-[[2-[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]-2-oxoethyl]thio]-4-octyl-7-oxo-8-oxa-3,5-dithia-4-stannatetradecanoate (MOTE)
• Tetraethyl lead (TEL) (CAS No. 78-00-2)

All three substances are classified as toxic to reproduction under Article 57(c) of UK REACH and are already listed in Annex 14 of the EU REACH Regulation.

Consultation Open Until 4 February 2026

Stakeholders are invited to submit comments by 4 February 2026, providing information specific to Great Britain on current uses, exposure scenarios, possible exemptions, and the availability of safer alternatives. Following the consultation, the HSE will finalise its recommendation and submit it to the UK Secretary of State, and the Scottish and Welsh Ministers for a final decision.

Implications for Industry

Once adopted, authorisation will be required for the use or placing on the market of these substances in Great Britain after the applicable sunset dates, which are expected to be 18 to 24 months after inclusion in Annex 14.

Additional Substances for Future Prioritisation

In parallel, the HSE is inviting interested parties to submit GB-specific information on two further substances to support future prioritisation work:

• Reaction products of 1,3,4-thiadiazolidine-2,5-dithione, formaldehyde and 4-heptylphenol (branched and linear), with ≥ 0.1 % w/w 4-heptylphenol (branched and linear) (several CAS numbers including 1471311-26-8 and 93925-00-9)
• 4,4′-bis(dimethylamino)-4″-(methylamino)trityl alcohol, with ≥ 0.1 % of Michler’s ketone or Michler’s base (CAS No. 561-41-1)

This information will help the HSE prepare future recommendations for inclusion in the Authorisation List.

Access to Consultations and Supporting Documents

All related consultation documents, including the draft recommendation, technical rationale, and background information for both the proposed and future substances, are available on the HSE consultation portal here.

On 31 October, the United Kingdom notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a new draft measure titled The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2026. Issued by the D...

On 31 October, the United Kingdom notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a new draft measure titled The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2026. Issued by the Department for Business and Trade’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), the draft would amend Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, as retained in Great Britain, introducing stricter controls on several cosmetic ingredients to enhance consumer safety.

Key Proposed Amendments

The draft regulation introduces three main updates:

• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: The labelling threshold would be lowered, requiring clearer disclosure for products releasing even small quantities of formaldehyde.
• Ban on 3-(4-Methylbenzylidene)-d1 camphor (4-MBC / Enzacamene): The UV filter would be prohibited in cosmetic products due to potential endocrine and reproductive toxicity concerns.
• Addition of 16 new CMR substances to Annex II: These substances have been classified under the GB CLP Regulation as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic (Category 1B or 2) and will therefore be banned for use in cosmetics.

These additions align Great Britain’s cosmetics framework more closely with recent GB CLP classification updates and reflect ongoing convergence with EU scientific risk assessments where appropriate.

Scientific Basis

The Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety of Non-Food and Non-Medicinal Consumer Products (SAG-CS) advised the government on the health risks associated with 4-MBC and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. SAG-CS concluded that continued use of these ingredients may pose unacceptable risks to consumers, prompting the OPSS to initiate this regulatory update.

Implementation Timeline

The draft regulation is expected to be adopted in January 2026. Most provisions, including the ban on 4-MBC and the revised labelling requirements for formaldehyde-releasing substances, are scheduled to enter into force on 15 July 2026. The amendment introducing the 16 newly classified CMR substances to Annex II of the Cosmetic Regulation will follow one month later, becoming effective on 15 August 2026.

Transitional Provisions

• Products containing 4-MBC or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives placed on the market before 15 July 2026 to remain available until 15 January 2027.
• Products containing any of the newly listed CMR substances placed on the market before 15 August 2026 to remain available until 15 February 2027.

These provisions are intended to give manufacturers time to reformulate affected products and update compliance documentation.

Public Consultation

Comments are invited until 30 December 2025 and should be submitted to the UK TBT Enquiry Point via tbtenquiriesuk@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

The full draft text of The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2026 is available here.

The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has opened a consultation inviting scientific information on several cosmetic ingredients with suspected endocrine-disrupting properties. Scope of...

The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has opened a consultation inviting scientific information on several cosmetic ingredients with suspected endocrine-disrupting properties.

Scope of the Consultation

The consultation covers the following substances:

• Benzophenone-1 (CAS No. 131-56-6)
• Benzophenone-2 (CAS No. 131-55-5)
• Benzophenone-4 (CAS No. 4065-45-6)
• Benzophenone-5 (CAS No. 6628-37-1)
• Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (CAS No. 5466-77-3 / 83834-59-7)
• Triphenyl phosphate (CAS No. 115-86-6)
• Butylated hydroxyanisole (CAS No. 25013-16-5)

The consultation is open to manufacturers, academic institutions, and other stakeholders, who are encouraged to provide full study reports and peer-reviewed literature relevant to key toxicological endpoints, such as the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL), point of departure, and dermal absorption values. Additional data to support safety and exposure estimates are sought for products likely to be used by children or pregnant women.

Submission Details and Deadline

Submissions should be sent by email to opss.safetyassessment@businessandtrade.gov.uk by 31 March 2026. Confidential or commercially sensitive data must be clearly marked to ensure appropriate handling under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

For risk assessment purposes, the Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety (SAG-CS) will apply a default adult bodyweight of 70 kg, consistent with other UK chemical safety assessments.

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has opened a public consultation on a proposal to ban the use of bisphenol A (BPA), other bisphenols, and bisphenol derivatives in materials and articles intended...

The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has opened a public consultation on a proposal to ban the use of bisphenol A (BPA), other bisphenols, and bisphenol derivatives in materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. The consultation is open until 24 December 2025.

Scope and Objective

The proposal aims to prohibit the use of BPA and related bisphenols in the manufacture of food contact materials and articles, including coatings, plastics, and packaging such as metal can linings and reusable bottles. The aim is to address potential health risks associated with bisphenols, particularly their endocrine-disrupting and immunotoxic effects, and to ensure a high level of consumer protection.

Regulatory Context

This initiative follows recent scientific evidence, including the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) 2023 opinion which significantly lowered the tolerable daily intake for BPA due to its potential adverse effects. The proposal also aligns with the European Union’s Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, which bans BPA, its salts, other hazardous bisphenols, and bisphenol derivatives in a wide range of food contact materials. This EU regulation came into force in January 2025, providing an 18-month transition period for most products to allow for industry adaptation. Under the Windsor Framework, this regulation applies in Northern Ireland.

Substances Concerned

The proposed UK ban covers bisphenol A (BPA; CAS 80-05-7), and its analogues, such as bisphenol S (BPS; CAS 80-09-1) and bisphenol F (BPF; CAS 620-92-8). All of these substances are currently authorised under assimilated Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.

Policy Options Considered

Before selecting its preferred approach, the FSA evaluated three regulatory options:

• Option 1: Take no immediate action, which would maintain the status quo but fail to address known health risks.
• Option 2: Ban BPA only, which could result in substitution with structurally similar bisphenols that may pose comparable risks.
• Option 3 (preferred): Ban both BPA and its analogues, offering the most comprehensive protection for public health and ensuring alignment with international developments, including the EU ban.

The FSA concluded that Option 3 best reflects the precautionary principle and provides the strongest level of consumer protection. The consultation therefore focuses on gathering views on the implementation details of this option, such as its scope, potential exemptions, and transition periods.

Next Steps

Stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, retailers, and consumers, are invited to submit comments via the FSA consultation portal by 17:00 UK time on 24 December 2025. Following the consultation, the FSA will review the responses and make recommendations to UK ministers regarding implementation and potential transition measures.

The proposal reflects the precautionary principle and seeks to ensure consistency with EU developments while strengthening consumer safety across the UK market.

On 16 September 2025, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) released the seventh edition of the Great Britain (GB) Mandatory Classification and Labelling (MCL) list. This latest update introduce...

On 16 September 2025, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) released the seventh edition of the Great Britain (GB) Mandatory Classification and Labelling (MCL) list. This latest update introduces new and revised mandatory classifications for 30 hazardous substances, based on the fifth GB CLP Agency recommendation formally agreed by Ministers in September 2025.

The changes were first notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under reference G/TBT/N/GBR/101 on 7 April 2025, giving stakeholders the opportunity to review and comment on the proposal.

Background on the GB MCL

The GB MCL list is a legally binding register of classifications maintained by HSE under the GB CLP Regulation. It provides a consistent framework for the classification and labelling of substances and mixtures across Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales). The list underpins regulatory obligations for manufacturers, importers, downstream users, and distributors, ensuring accurate hazard communication and supporting the protection of human health and the environment.

The GB MCL is updated on a regular basis to reflect scientific advances, regulatory decisions, and international developments. Updates may involve the addition of new substances, changes to existing classifications, and editorial improvements to ensure clarity and accuracy.

Key Highlights of the 7th Edition

• New Classifications: The update introduces new classifications for 30 hazardous chemical substances, including substances such as perboric acid (sodium salt), disodium peroxoborate and ozone. Furthermore, Pigment Red 122 and Solvent Violet 13 have been added, both of which are commonly used in tattoo inks and cosmetics and have been the subject of regulatory scrutiny in Europe.
• These classifications were evaluated by the HSE and recommended by the GB CLP Agency. The full list of substances is available in the WTO notification here  and on the HSE website here.
• Compliance Timeline: The Secretary of State’s Decision was issued on 12 September 2025, with the new and revised classifications entering into legal effect on 23 September 2025. Stakeholders must ensure compliance by the final deadline of 23 March 2027.
• Corrections and Clarifications: The 7th edition also corrects a number of editorial errors and typos from earlier versions of the GB MCL and removes duplicate entries to improve consistency.

Next Steps for Stakeholders

Stakeholders should review the updated list and prepare for the transition period ahead of the 2028 compliance deadline. The GB MCL list and the HSE GB CLP Publication Table here provide detailed information on the updated entries, including the Agency Opinions supporting each classification.

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a six-month public consultation on a proposed restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams under UK REACH. T...

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a six-month public consultation on a proposed restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams under UK REACH. The consultation will run until 18 February 2026.

Scope of the Proposal

The restriction targets PFAS used in firefighting foams, covering their manufacture, placing on the market, use, storage, and disposal. PFAS are defined to include substances containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom (-CF₂ or -CF₃) without hydrogen, chlorine, bromine, or iodine substituents. The proposal includes transition periods tailored to sectors to allow operators time to adopt PFAS-free alternatives.

Risks and Rationale

According to the Annex 15 restriction dossier, PFAS in firefighting foams present significant threats to human health and the environment. Their persistence, mobility, and potential for bioaccumulation mean that existing controls are insufficient to protect against exposure. Firefighting foams are highlighted as a key source of PFAS emissions, especially via runoff into soil and water systems when used outdoors.

Next Steps

Once the consultation closes, the HSE will review stakeholder submissions and issue its final opinion. That opinion will be forwarded to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and to the devolved administrations for a decision.

The consultation documents, including the full Annex 15 dossier, are available on the HSE site here

On 6 August 2025, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued a bulletin reminding companies exporting chemicals listed under the GB Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Regulation that they must submi...

On 6 August 2025, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued a bulletin reminding companies exporting chemicals listed under the GB Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Regulation that they must submit export notifications at least 35 days before the first shipment in 2026. This requirement applies to exports to all countries, including Northern Ireland.

Submission Requirements

Export notifications must be sent to ukdna@hse.gov.uk using the GB PIC export notification form. Each email should cover a single chemical or mixture and include a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in English and, where available, in the official language of the importing country. Where no SDS is provided, sections 4 and 5 of the notification form must be completed. The intended use should be clearly stated to facilitate processing by the importing authority.

Mixtures with the same classification, labelling, and use can be covered by one notification, provided concentration changes do not affect labelling.

Special RIN Applications

For exports intended solely for research or analysis, and for quantities up to 10 kg per year per importing country, companies may apply for a Special Reference Identification Number (Special RIN). This also applies when an importing country has waived the notification requirement under the Rotterdam Convention. Requests should be submitted to HSE using the Special RIN form or the bulk RIN option.

Further details and forms are available in the bulletin here.