Today, October 14, we celebrate World Standards Day — the international day of standardization. On this occasion, today we will also publish a second, special edition of MOODY NEWS dedicated to standardization.
New development
EN 18286:2026 receives harmonised reference under the AI Act
EU · Artificial Intelligence and Control Systems · Published Harmonized Reference
On 14 October 2026, the European Commission published Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2274 referring to EN 18286:2026 on quality management systems for the regulatory purposes of the EU AI Act. The decision enters into force on the day of publication. For suppliers of high-risk systems, this creates a presumption of conformity only with the requirements covered by the standard or its relevant parts. The reference does not automatically imply conformity with the entire AI Act and does not introduce a general obligation for third-party certification. Suppliers and assessment teams should compare management procedures, post-market surveillance and audit evidence with the applicable scope.
EA publishes confirmed MLA scopes for biobanks
European Accreditation Infrastructure · Biobanks and Accreditation · Updated Official List
The list EA-INF/03, revision 113, updated on 13 October 2026, now shows the scope of „biobanks“ according to EN ISO 20387 and its signatory bodies. For EGAC, ACCREDIA, NA, PCA, RvA and UKAS, the date of the initial decision is 30 September 2026. What is new is the published initial list, not the decision taken on 13 October. Biobanks, scientific organisations and contracting authorities can use it when checking international recognition. The specific accredited scope of the provider must also be checked before accepting results; participation of the national authority in the MLA does not mean automatic accreditation of every biobank.
Cellulosic additives: amendment clarifies the demonstration of the transitional regime
EU · Food and Traceability · Official Corrigendum
The amendment of 14 October 2026 to Regulation (EU) 2025/666 clarifies the transitional rule for foods with listed cellulose additives, including E 466. In the amended Article 4(2), the condition of lawful placing on the market before 27 October 2025 refers to additives. Foods containing them may continue to be marketed until their own date of minimum durability or use-by date. This is a clarification of an existing regime, not a new general authorisation for additives. Manufacturers, importers and auditors should check batch records, delivery documents and the link between the added additive and the finished food before applying the transitional exemption.
EU sets technical framework for mobile driving licences
EU · Digital Identity and Transport · Implementing Regulation adopted
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2266, published on 14 October, lays down common rules for the issuance and management of mobile driving licences. It will enter into force on 3 November 2026 and links the technical specifications to the European digital identity wallets and the electronic attribute certificate framework. Technical verification of authenticity and validity, maintenance of accurate data and revocation procedures are foreseen. This does not mean that all countries will start mass issuance on that date. Issuing authorities, technology providers and auditors should verify compatibility, lifecycle management and incident reporting; the notification of issuing authorities to the Commission is due by 3 November 2027.
EPA postpones 2025 emissions reports until March 2027.
United States · Emissions and Environmental Reporting · Current Interim Final Rule
On October 14, 2026, the U.S. EPA issued an interim final rule that extends the deadline for annual reports under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program for the reporting year 2025 from October 30, 2026, to March 10, 2027. The rule specifically changes only this deadline, with no other changes to the 40 CFR Part 98 regime. Affected U.S. facilities and international groups with such operations should update their schedules, responsibilities, and controls over emissions data, and maintain the necessary records. Comments on the rule are being accepted until November 30, 2026. The extension does not change deadlines under the EU ETS, CBAM, or other European regimes and should not be used as a reason to delay them.
Upcoming deadlines
The hearing on the safety of micromobile batteries is next week.
USA · Batteries and Product Safety · T–7 Advisory Reminder
On October 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the CPSC will hold a virtual hearing on the proposed standard for lithium-ion batteries and electrical systems in micromobility products. This is a reminder one week before the event announced on October 5, and is not a new mandatory requirement. Those wishing to submit a comment must submit a request and written text and register by October 15, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time — midnight, October 16 in Sofia. Manufacturers, exporters, and testing laboratories should review the proposed tests and applicable standards and support their positions with technical evidence. The final rule has not yet been adopted.
30 days left for electricity candidates for PCI/PMI
EU · Energy Infrastructure · Reminder T–30
On 14 October, there are 30 days left until the deadline of 13 November 2026 for electricity projects in the third Union PCI/PMI list procedure. The call has been open since 14 September; this alert is a reminder of the deadline. The European Commission requires compliance with the TEN-E criteria, including significant cross-border benefit and relevant project evidence. The link with the latest ten-year network development plan is also important for the applicants concerned. Developers, operators and technical consultants should check the eligibility, maturity of the project and the quality of the data for the cost-benefit analysis. Application does not automatically grant status, funding or a certificate of compliance; other categories of infrastructure have separate deadlines.
Strategic Watch
NRC updates AP1000 certification basis
USA · importance for Bulgaria · Nuclear energy and engineering evidence · International strategic signal
On October 14, 2026, the U.S. NRC published a direct final rule to renew the AP1000 design certification and incorporate revision 20 of the design control document. The update reflects changes verified during the licensing, construction, and operation of Vogtle Units 3 and 4. The anticipated effective date is December 28, 2026, unless significant adverse comments are received by November 13. The topic has specific Bulgarian relevance for the Kozloduy Units 7 and 8 AP1000 technology project. Engineering teams and suppliers should review the applicable design revision and configuration evidence. The U.S. certification does not replace Bulgarian permits and assessment under national requirements.
EPA Proposes New Deadlines for Certain Uses of Trichloroethylene
USA · Chemicals and Industrial Chains · Project Consulting
On October 14, 2026, EPA published a proposal to extend certain deadlines under the U.S. regime for trichloroethylene, TCE, through December 31, 2027. It covers specific cases of processing, industrial use as a process aid, and associated wastewater discharges, as well as the phase-out of TCE as a feedstock for HFC-134a. Comments are being accepted through November 13, 2026. This is a draft, not a blanket, deferral of restrictions. Manufacturers, importers, and affected suppliers should verify the exact use category and available alternatives. Substitution, safety, and compliance plans should not be changed based on the proposal before a final decision.
Published by MG Global in partnership with ERPI.
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