New development
PPWR now applies across the EU
EU · Packaging, Products and Environment · Start of implementation
The general application of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste started on 12 August 2026. The regime covers all packaging on the EU market and introduces obligations for manufacturers, importers, suppliers and distributors, including conformity assessment, technical documentation and an EU declaration of conformity for the applicable requirements. Some of the specific rules and objectives have later dates, so it should not be assumed that all future obligations are already active. Organisations should map their role in the chain, packaging types, applicable articles and evidence from suppliers, and check PFAS restrictions for packaging in contact with food.
New limits for three pesticide residues
EU · Food, feed and laboratory testing · Start of implementation
The amended maximum residue levels for benfluralin, benthiavalicarb and penflufen under Regulation (EU) 2026/147 apply from 12 August 2026. For the three substances, the values are moved to Annex V of the pesticide residue regime and set at analytically achievable limits of determination for the relevant product groups; the residue definition for benthiavalicarb has also been changed. The old levels remain applicable only to products produced in the EU or imported before 12 August. Producers, importers, traders, control authorities and laboratories are affected. Specifications, sampling plans, methods, ranges and batch release decisions should be updated.
EU expands controls on exports of hazardous chemicals
EU · Chemicals, pesticides and international trade · New delegated regulation
The European Commission has published Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1278 supplementing the lists under the prior informed consent regime for the export and import of hazardous chemicals. New pesticides and industrial substances are included in Annexes I and V, which triggers, depending on the specific entry, an export notification, explicit consent or export ban. The act was published on 12 August, entered into force on 1 September and applies from 1 October 2026. Manufacturers, exporters and compliance functions should check their substances, mixtures, articles and CN codes, update their ePIC procedures and confirm whether upcoming shipments require a new notification or cannot be exported.
New health certificate for import from New Zealand
EU and New Zealand Food, animals and border control New certification solution
Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1936 has been in force since 13 August 2026 with updated rules and a model for the official health certificate for consignments of live animals and products of animal origin from New Zealand. The certificate can be paper-based or electronic via E-cert and TRACES and includes updated health attestations. From 3 September, the new model or the old model with additional attestation for antimicrobial requirements shall be used; old certificates issued before that date shall be accepted until 2 March 2027. Exporters, importers and border operators must synchronise the templates, language versions, electronic exchange and pre-shipment checks.
Upcoming deadlines
From August 31 — only ISO 37001:2025 for new and renewed certificates
International · Management systems and certification · Mandatory transition period
The IAF requires that initial certification and recertification be conducted only to ISO 37001:2025 by 31 August 2026. This is an upcoming deadline under a previously issued mandatory document, not a new IAF decision. Certification bodies must have completed their own accreditation transition and implement updated processes for bidding, auditing, competency, technical review and decisions. Certified clients must complete the transition by 28 February 2027; after this date, 2016 edition certificates will no longer be valid. The transition plan, auditor readiness and timeline for each affected client need to be confirmed.
Published by MG Global in partnership with ERPI.
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