UK Regulatory News

On 1 December 2025, the UK government published the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) 2025, setting out a series of actions that will guide the country’s approach to chemicals regulation over the...

On 1 December 2025, the UK government published the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) 2025, setting out a series of actions that will guide the country’s approach to chemicals regulation over the coming years. The plan includes substantial commitments to reforming the UK’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals Regulation (UK REACH), as well as strengthening national measures on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Reform of UK REACH

Under Commitment 40 of the EIP, the government outlines its plans to reform UK REACH to ensure that protections against chemical pollution can be applied more quickly and efficiently. Regulatory decisions made by trusted jurisdictions will form the basis of UK assessments, unless compelling reasons exist to diverge from them. This will bring the UK closer into alignment with key trading partners, particularly the EU, by December 2028. The government also aims to reduce business complexity and trade barriers while maintaining high levels of protection.

The EIP confirms that transitional registration deadlines under UK REACH will be extended, with legislation expected by October 2026. Authorities will also progress the proposed restriction on lead in ammunition, working with devolved governments to complete the process by August 2026.

Further actions include assessing, and where appropriate, adding substances to Annex XIV (the UK REACH Authorisation List) by the end of 2027. The authorisation process will also be run to ensure proper control of substances of very high concern (SVHCs), and to encourage substitution. The government will also review the interim principles for additions to the UK REACH Candidate List of SVHCs by December 2026, with a view to updating the list for the first time since the UK’s departure from the EU. In addition, an annual UK REACH work programme will continue to set out planned priorities and activities.

PFAS Plan and Regulatory Measures

Commitment 41 of the EIP focuses on targeted action to address PFAS. In 2026, the government will publish a PFAS Plan setting out regulatory and non-regulatory measures, including specific actions and delivery milestones, to improve understanding of PFAS, identify harmful releases, and strengthen the protection of the environment and public health.

The EIP also confirms that in 2027 a decision will be taken on whether to implement a UK REACH restriction on PFAS in firefighting foams. This follows the proposal developed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which has been agreed by the devolved governments of Scotland and Wales. Ongoing guidance and tools will be provided to support the management of PFAS contamination.

Additional Chemicals Commitments

The EIP includes further commitments relevant to chemical management. Commitment 42 covers the implementation of obligations under international agreements, including updates to the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and new restrictions on mercury-added products under the Minamata Convention.

Commitment 43 sets out actions to increase the destruction of POPs found in waste by 2030, including compliance campaigns, sampling, testing and enhanced regulatory oversight at waste treatment sites.

Commitment 44 focuses on eliminating the use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in equipment by the end of 2025. This includes enforcement against equipment used beyond legal deadlines, as well as ensuring proper decontamination or disposal.

The full text of the Environmental Improvement Plan 2025 can be found here.

On 2 December 2025, the UK Government published the Control of Mercury (Amendment) Regulations 2025, introducing new restrictions on a wide range of mercury-added products. The regulation was made on ...

On 2 December 2025, the UK Government published the Control of Mercury (Amendment) Regulations 2025, introducing new restrictions on a wide range of mercury-added products. The regulation was made on 1 December and will enter into force on 23 December 2025. This update brings Great Britain into line with the amendments to Annex A of the Minamata Convention on Mercury that require the phase-out of specified mercury-added products.

New Restrictions on Mercury-Added Products

The amendment expands the list of products that can no longer be manufactured, imported or exported in Great Britain. Newly prohibited items include:

• Multiple categories of fluorescent lamps
• Mercury-containing lamps used in electronic displays
• Mercury vacuum pumps
• Strain gauges used in medical devices
• High-precision measurement and monitoring instruments
• Melt pressure transducers, sensors and transmitters
• Photographic film and paper containing mercury
• Industrial components, such as tyre balancers, wheel weights, and certain aerospace propellants

Most prohibitions will apply from 31 December 2025, while selected lighting products have extended deadlines in 2026 and 2027.

Alignment with International Obligations

These updates align with the UK’s international obligations under the Minamata Convention, which requires Parties to phase out specified mercury-containing products. The government acknowledges that the market has already moved away from many of the affected items and therefore anticipates minimal disruption to businesses and public bodies. Both Scotland and Wales consented to the amendments under the established intergovernmental procedures.

Impact on Businesses and Market Compliance

The new requirements reinforce the ongoing transition to mercury-free technologies. Businesses placing lighting products, electronic displays, industrial components or specialised measuring devices on the market must verify whether the updated prohibitions apply to their products.

Next Steps

The amended regulation will enter into force on 23 December 2025. Updated government guidance is expected to follow. Companies handling or distributing mercury-added products should assess their inventories and ensure compliance with the new deadlines.

On 5 December 2025, the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee of the UK Parliament launched an inquiry examining how consumers can be better protected from harmful hair and beauty products and ...

On 5 December 2025, the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee of the UK Parliament launched an inquiry examining how consumers can be better protected from harmful hair and beauty products and treatments. The review will assess the effectiveness of the current regulatory system and the scientific evidence supporting cosmetic ingredients and procedures. It will also consider whether additional measures are needed to address emerging risks.

Scope and Objectives of the Inquiry

The Committee will investigate whether existing UK rules sufficiently safeguard public health, focusing on products and treatments that have been associated with adverse effects. Areas under examination include harmful ingredients in cosmetic products (such as mercury in skin-lightening creams), the unsafe administration of beauty treatments, the transparency of risk assessments, and the adequacy of professional training and oversight across the sector.

The inquiry will also explore risks that may disproportionately impact specific population groups, such as users of hair-relaxing products, skin-lightening creams, or other cosmetic products that have raised regulatory and public health concerns.

Public Survey Open

To support its evidence gathering, the Committee has opened a public survey for individuals who believe they have experienced harm from cosmetic products or beauty treatments. The survey is available here and will remain open until 5 January 2026.

The findings of this inquiry may inform future updates to UK rules on the safety and regulation of cosmetic products and beauty treatments.

On 18 November 2025, the UK government enacted the Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (England) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025 No. 1218). These regulations are designed to prohibit t...

On 18 November 2025, the UK government enacted the Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (England) Regulations 2025 (S.I. 2025 No. 1218). These regulations are designed to prohibit the supply or offer to supply wet wipes containing plastic to end users in England. The regulations will come into force on 19 May 2027.

Under the regulations, any ‘business’ supplying wet wipes to end users in England will be barred from offering or supplying products that fall within the definition of ‘wet wipes containing plastic’. The definition of ‘plastic’ used aligns with the polymer definition in Article 3(5) of REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.

Key Exemptions

The regulations include several exemptions:

• Supplies made by registered pharmacies (or via online/distance selling by a retail pharmacy business) are exempt provided that certain conditions are met (for example: the wipes must not be visible to customers in-store unless requested).
• Supplies for medical purposes by or under the direction of a healthcare professional, or NHS appliance contractors, are exempt.
• Supplies to businesses or local authorities (rather than end users) are also exempt.

Enforcement and Sanctions

The regulations establish both criminal offences and civil sanctions. Contravention of the supply ban constitutes an offence, punishable by a fine on summary conviction.
In addition, local authorities are empowered to use a range of civil sanctions, including fixed monetary penalties (starting at £200 for specified offences), compliance notices, stop notices, enforcement undertakings, and penalties for non-compliance.
Regulators have powers of entry, inspection, sampling and testing to enforce the Regulations.

Review Mechanism

The Secretary of State is required to carry out a review of the enforcement regime within three years of the Regulations’ coming into force and conduct further reviews of the regulatory provisions every five years thereafter. A report to Parliament must be submitted after each review.

Impact and Significance

These regulations represent a significant step in the UK’s efforts to reduce plastic pollution, particularly from single-use items that contribute to micr-plastic contamination in the environment. The prohibition targets a class of consumer goods (wet wipes), which has been identified as a recurring source of plastic litter, blocked sewer systems and harm to wildlife.

The lead-in time for manufacturers, importers and retailers of wet wipes (until 19 May 2027) allows for the adjustment of product formulations or the transition to alternative materials. Businesses will need to scrutinise their product supply chains, labelling and marketing practices to ensure compliance.

Pharmacies and medical supply chains benefit from the exemptions, reflecting the necessary medical function of certain wipes. Local authorities will assume an important role in monitoring compliance and publishing information about enforcement actions.

According to the Explanatory Note, a full impact assessment of the effect on businesses and the voluntary sector has been published alongside the Regulations.

What to Watch

Industry stakeholders should look out for the following:

• Reformulation of wet wipe products to eliminate “plastic” as defined by the Regulations.
• Supply chain audits to identify any legacy stock that may become unsaleable after 19 May 2027.
• Guidance issued by regulators on the use of civil sanctions, and the expected standards for compliance notices and stop notices.
• The first review report, due no later than May 2030, which may lead to amendments or further regulatory action.

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.