New development
In vitro diagnostics: microparticle information requirement begins
EU · medical devices and laboratories · start of implementation
From 17 October 2026, suppliers of in vitro diagnostic products containing synthetic polymeric microparticles within the scope of entry 78 of REACH must provide instructions for use and disposal that explain how to prevent their release into the environment. This is a new stage in the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 and not a new general ban for these devices. Manufacturers and suppliers should check the product scope, labels, packaging and leaflets, as well as the applicable language requirements. Laboratories should align operating instructions and waste management with the information provided and keep evidence of the update.
Upcoming deadlines
T–14: readiness of accreditation bodies for ISO 14001:2026
International · accreditation and environmental management systems · mandatory transition
By 31 October 2026, accreditation bodies within the scope of the Global ACI Transition Document must be ready to assess and support the transition to ISO 14001:2026 and to announce their terms. The reminder is at the T–14 threshold and refers to the accreditation infrastructure and not to the completion of the transition of all certified organizations. The mandatory document Global ACI-TECH-3-TR 2029-04-30 (M), version 1.0, defines separate next steps for certification bodies and clients. The practical priority is to verify the announced procedure, the competence of assessors and the exchange of documents with the accreditation body. The international deadline should not be confused with individual national schedules.
T–30: British PPE references drop on November 16
Great Britain - England, Scotland and Wales · personal protective equipment · withdrawal of regulatory references
On 16 November 2026, references including EN 353-2:2002, EN 958:2017 and EN 17109:2020 will be withdrawn from the UK list of designated standards for personal protective equipment. The date is confirmed in Annex II to Official Notice 0142/26 of 15 October. This is a T-30 reminder of the basis for presumption of conformity and not an automatic ban on products or invalidation of all certificates. Manufacturers, exporters and assessment bodies should check the applicable market route, the revision of the standard used and the necessary updates to the technical dossier. The UK schedule should not be automatically transposed to the EU or Northern Ireland regime.
Strategic Watch
T–14: opinions on the Bulgarian project for the assessment of machinery
Bulgaria · machinery and notified bodies · consultation
The public consultation on the draft new regulation on the essential requirements and conformity assessment of machinery continues until 31 October 2026. The procedure was opened on 1 October and today reaches T–14. The draft creates the national conditions for the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 and concerns manufacturers, importers, distributors and conformity assessment bodies. The proposed general date of entry into force is 20 January 2027, with a separate earlier regime for certain authorisation provisions. This is not yet an adopted regulation. Interested parties should check the transitional rules, authorisation documents and the impact on available product scopes before submitting an opinion.
Methane emissions: draft import schedule change
EU / international energy supplies · energy, verification and accreditation · international strategic signal — project
The European Commission proposal COM(2026) 569 final, dated 14 October 2026, provides for a change in the timetable for demonstrating equivalent monitoring, reporting and verification measures for imports of oil, natural gas and coal. An amendment to Article 28 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 is proposed; this is a legislative draft and not an already in force postponement. The topic is of direct relevance to importers, data providers, verifiers and accreditation bodies. Organisations should continue to prepare contractual and technical evidence, separating delivery periods from annual reporting dates. A change in internal timetables requires verification of the final adopted text, not just the communication of the proposal.
Published by MG Global in partnership with ERPI.
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