,On 18 December 2025, the Swedish Chemicals Agency published an overview of key changes in EU chemicals legislation that will enter into force in 2026, highlighting new regulatory requirements affecting drinking water materials, packaging, microplastics, PFAS, and plant protection products. These measures are intended to strengthen health and environmental protection while improving regulatory clarity across the EU. Under the Drinking Water Directive, all substances used in materials that come into contact with drinking water must be authorised and included on EU positive lists of permitted substances. From 31 December 2026, formal applications to include substances on these lists will be accepted. To prepare for this process, applicants may already submit an intention to apply to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) starting 31 December 2025, allowing early regulatory planning. The new EU Packaging Regulation will apply from 12 August 2026. It introduces restrictions on PFAS in food packaging, while maintaining existing limits on heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium that currently apply under the Packaging Directive. These measures aim to reduce hazardous substances in packaging and support safer material cycles. In addition, new rules for plant protection products will take effect in 2026. A revised labelling regulation will introduce updated requirements, including clearer information related to risks for bees and other pollinating insects. Furthermore, additional substances will be added to the list of prohibited co-formulants, tightening controls on additives used in plant protection products.Together, these regulatory developments represent a significant step toward safer chemicals management and stronger environmental protection in the EU.
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