Introduction

2026 is a pivotal year for compliance as chemical regulations tighten in Europe and the Americas. From the EU’s transition to enhanced environmental reporting and hazard classification, to extended transitional registration timelines in the UK and emerging regulatory mechanisms in Turkey, Ukraine, the United States, and Latin America, enterprises face increasingly complex and interconnected compliance obligations.

This guide highlights key chemical regulatory developments expected to take effect in or around 2026 in Europe and the Americas, outlining their core requirements and practical implications to help companies anticipate risks, allocate resources effectively, and maintain uninterrupted access to international markets.

EU REACH Microplastic Emissions Reporting Obligations Begin in 2026

Under the EU REACH regulation, specific uses exempted from the microplastic restriction are subject to annual reporting obligations. 2026 will see the opening of the first reporting window for industrial uses: Manufacturers and industrial downstream users of synthetic polymer microparticles (SPMs) in the form of pellets, flakes, and powders used as feedstock in plastic manufacturing at industrial sites must report their emissions to the environment for the year 2025 to ECHA by May 31, 2026.

In addition, in vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices containing SPM and meeting exemption conditions must, by October 17, 2026, provide detailed instructions for use and disposal to help professionals and consumers prevent microplastic release into the environment.

REACH24H's Recommended Actions for Enterprises:

2026 marks a key transition year for microplastic compliance—from sales restrictions to administrative supervision. Chemical enterprises should complete emissions calculations by the end of 2025, ensure data traceability, and finalize the annual report before the deadline.

IVD manufacturers should also update SDSs, labels, packaging, and instructions to meet regulatory requirements for use and disposal information.

EU Revises CLP Regulation Annex I

On March 31, 2023, the EU formally published the revision to Annex I of the CLP Regulation, introducing new hazard classes for Endocrine Disruptors (EDCs) and Persistent, Mobile and Toxic/Very Persistent, Very Mobile substances (PMT/vPvM) for the first time.

The amendment entered into force on April 20, 2023, with clear transition periods established:

• Chemical substances newly placed on the market: Must update labels and SDS according to new classification requirements starting May 1, 2025; for substances already on the market, the grace period extends to November 1, 2026.

• Mixtures newly placed on the market: New rules apply starting May 1, 2026; mixtures already on the market have until May 1, 2028, to complete compliance adjustments.

REACH24H's Recommended Actions for Enterprises:

Enterprises should plan classification, labeling, and SDS updates in line with product types and market timelines to ensure compliance within deadlines.

UK REACH Transitional Registration Deadlines Extended to 2029–2031

Under the original UK REACH schedule, transitional registration deadlines for high-tonnage and high-hazard substances were set for October 27, 2026. Following recent consultations, the UK government has decided to postpone the three registration deadlines originally scheduled for 27 October 2026, 27 October 2028, and 27 October 2030 to 27 October 2029, 27 October 2030, and 27 October 2031, respectively.

Regulatory amendments are expected to be finalized in 2026, alongside the parallel development of legislative details for the ATRm (Alternative Transitional Registration model).

REACH24H's Recommended Actions for Enterprises:

This extension signals the UK’s approach to developing an independent and pragmatic chemicals regulatory system post-Brexit, potentially easing short-term compliance burdens. Companies must continue to maintain transitional compliance — including Downstream User Import Notification (DUIN) and SDS obligations — while closely monitoring future legislative developments.

Turkey Sets 2026 Deadlines for KKDIK Registration and Interim Registration

Under Turkey’s KKDIK regulation, the first registration deadline for substances with ≥ 1,000 tpa production/import volume is December 31, 2026.

In addition, Turkey’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change (MoEUCC) introduced Interim registration. Lead Registrants (if unable to file a complete dossier) and companies filing an individual submission must complete the interim registration by March 31, 2026. SIEF (Substance Information Exchange Forum) members must complete the joint submission of interim registration by September 30, 2026.

REACH24H's Recommended Actions for Enterprises:

2026 will be critical for companies managing compliance in the Turkish market. Enterprises are advised to closely monitor the progress of Lead Registrants within the SIEF. If registration cannot be completed by March, timely use of the interim registration will help sustain trade continuity.

Ukraine REACH Pre-Registration Deadline Extended to January 2027

Ukraine has officially confirmed the extension of the pre-registration deadline under UA REACH from January 26, 2026, to January 26, 2027. This provides additional preparation time and makes 2026 a key window for completing pre-registration and securing a buffer for the subsequent registration.

REACH24H's Recommended Actions for Enterprises:

Although the pre-registration deadline has been postponed, considering the current geopolitical situation and potential administrative delays, companies intending to enter or already operating in the Ukrainian market are advised to complete pre-registration by 2026. Doing so will help ensure compliance continuity and provide a competitive advantage in the subsequent registration phase.

U.S. OSHA HCS Revision: 2026 Marks Key Compliance Year for Substances Newly Placed on the Market

On February 16, 2021, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a proposed rule to amend the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), aiming to align with the seventh revision of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), while incorporating selected updates from GHS Revision 8—including newly added aerosol classification criteria.

The final rule was published in the Federal Register on May 20, 2024, and took effect on July 19, 2024. To facilitate a smooth transition, OSHA has introduced phased compliance periods:

• Chemical substances newly placed on the market: must update safety data sheets (SDSs) and labels by May 19, 2026.

• Mixtures newly placed on the market: compliance deadline by November 19, 2027.

REACH24H's Recommended Actions for Enterprises:

Companies should align their product launch plans with the requirements, proactively conduct classification assessments, and update documentation to ensure full compliance by the applicable deadlines.

Colombia to Launch Industrial Chemicals Prioritization Criteria in Early 2026

Colombia is expected to officially release the Prioritization Criteria for industrial chemicals in the first quarter of 2026, clarifying detailed requirements for New Substance Notification. Under the current framework, hazardous substances not included in the National Industrial Chemicals Inventory (INSQUI) and used for industrial purposes must be notified within six months after annual production or import reaches 100 kg. New Substances falling within the prioritization scope will require a comprehensive Health and Environmental Risk Assessment report.

REACH24H's Recommended Actions for Enterprises:

Enterprises should closely monitor the release of Colombia’s Prioritization Criteria, particularly for non-listed hazardous substances with annual trade volumes exceeding 100 kg. Companies are advised to begin ingredient traceability reviews and prepare relevant toxicological and environmental data in advance to meet upcoming compliance requirements efficiently and reduce risks of registration delays or market-entry disruptions.