News Details

On August 4, 2026, China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) issued the Notification on Matters Related to the Environmental Management Registration of New Chemical Substances in order to implement the Environmental Code of the People’s Republic of China and further refine environmental management of new chemical substances. The notification introduces changes to the existing registration system, including the discontinuation of the environmental management filing process and the implementation of a new application procedure for companies handling new chemical substances.

Key updates include:

• The environmental management filing procedure for new chemical substances will no longer be available from August 15, 2026.
• Companies that previously qualified for environmental management filing under the Measures on Environmental Management Registration of New Chemical Substances (MEE Order No. 12) must submit an environmental management registration application before manufacturing or importing new chemical substances.
• Applicants are required to provide the following:
  • The environmental management registration application form.
  • Supporting documents demonstrating compliance with the applicable simplified registration conditions under Article 10(3) of the Measures.
  • Available information regarding the environmental and health hazard characteristics and environmental risks of the new chemical substance.

New Application Process to Follow Simplified Registration Procedures

Under the new arrangement, the competent authority under the State Council will review and approve applications by referring to the procedures and timelines applicable to simplified registration. This updated approach aims to strengthen environmental risk management while ensuring that companies continue to meet compliance obligations before manufacturing or importing new chemical substances into China.

Regulatory Transition for Companies Handling New Chemical Substances

Businesses involved in the production, import, or use of new chemical substances should review their current compliance strategies and prepare for the updated registration requirements.

Companies should consider:

• Evaluating whether planned activities involving new chemical substances will be affected by the removal of the filing pathway.
• Preparing the required registration documents and available hazard and risk information before submission.
• Monitoring future regulatory updates from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), as any new requirements issued by the authority will replace this notification.

The notification will take effect on August 15, 2026. Any future regulations issued by the MEE regarding the environmental management registration of new chemical substances will take precedence, and this notification will automatically become invalid.