The chemical industry is subject to complex and ever-evolving laws and regulations. New standards governing the production and use of chemicals are implemented every year worldwide, and existing laws and regulations are constantly changing to keep pace with new information and scientific advancements. Chemical Industry Regulatory Update provides a monthly digest of recent legislative and regulatory developments and related industry news.
Address the Adhesive & Sealant Industry in 2025
ASC’s Annual Convention takes place in April 14-16, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. This is the largest official gathering of the industry in North America. ASC invites you to present a regulatory topic or any topic of interest to the industry, including adhesive development & innovation, end-user technology, supply chain & market trends, AI & Gen AI, sustainability, and new products. Learn more here or download a handout.
SmarTrade Fundamentals: Trade Remedies – AD/CVD, EAPA & Section 337 | 11.21.2024
Please join Thompson Hine for a complimentary webinar series focusing on the basics of international trade regulations. We will explore the fundamentals and provide practical tips for dealing with day-to-day issues to help both seasoned and beginning compliance professionals refresh their knowledge about the essentials of import, export, and sanctions compliance. To learn more and register, click here.
Expanding ESG: Will States Create CERCLA Equivalents for Fossil Fuel Accountability and Climate Funding?
Thompson Hine’s Heidi Friedman and Audrey Avila recently had their article, “Expanding ESG: Will States Create CERCLA Equivalents for Fossil Fuel Accountability and Climate Funding?” published in Pratt’s Energy Law Report.
Continue reading.
SEC Announces 2025 Exam Priorities
Andrew J. Davalla and Randy Gerlach
On October 21, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Division of Examinations (Division) released its 2025 examination priorities for investment advisers, investment companies, broker-dealers, and other market participants. The Division’s focus includes core areas, such as disclosure and governance practices, along with a focus on compliance with new rules, the increased role of technology, and the adequacy of controls in place to protect assets and investor information. Additionally, examinations will continue to emphasize “emerging risk areas,” including fiduciary duties, standards of conduct, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI). Read more.
New HSR Rules Significantly Increase Filing Burden
Mark R. Butscha, Jr. and Thomas F. Zych
On October 10, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued its long-awaited final rule implementing changes to the rules, forms and instructions for filings under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act. These rules will take effect 90 days after their publication in the Federal Register—likely by mid-January 2025. Continue reading.
Key Changes in SBA’s Proposed Rule: HUBZone Program
Edward T. DeLisle and Andrés M. Vera
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently published a proposed rule, “HUBZone Program Updates and Clarifications, and Clarifications to Other Small Business Programs” (Proposed Rule), which will substantially alter how small business federal contractors navigate participation in SBA’s set-aside contracting programs. In this second installment in our series of client alerts examining the Proposed Rule, we focus on key proposed changes affecting the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program. Below we discuss updates and clarifications to the regulations governing HUBZone eligibility, recertification, and additional compliance requirements. Learn more.
USTR Opens Section 301 Tariff Exclusion Process for Certain Machinery from China Used in Domestic Manufacturing
David M. Schwartz, Samir D. Varma, Aaron C. Mandelbaum and Scott E. Diamond*
On October 15, 2024, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced that it has opened a process for interested parties to request that certain machinery from China be temporarily excluded from Section 301 duties in the “Investigation of China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation”. Upon concluding its statutorily-mandated, four-year review of the China Section 301 tariffs, President Joseph Biden directed the USTR to establish a product exclusion process for machinery from China used in domestic manufacturing and to prioritize exclusions for certain solar manufacturing equipment from China. Read more.
*Not licensed to practice law.
EPA Releases Meeting Minutes and Final Report from Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals DIDP and DINP Review
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
As published on their website, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently published meeting minutes and a final report from its Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) public meetings, held virtually from July 30 to August 1, 2024. These sessions reviewed the 2024 draft risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for two plasticizers, Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP) and Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP), as well as the hazard analysis informing these evaluations.
Both DIDP and DINP are primarily used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products for various consumer, commercial, and industrial purposes. DIDP serves in the production of building materials, automotive products, and a range of consumer items like adhesives, paints, and electronic products. DINP, also a PVC plasticizer, is similarly applied in building materials, automotive goods, and various consumer and commercial products. Learn more.
Check out the latest Employment Legislation Outlook. This monthly digest is designed to keep you apprised of upcoming major state law changes in areas including paid sick and safe leave laws, family and parental leave, recreational and medicinal marijuana use, workplace gun laws, asking candidates about salary history and unpredictable scheduling.
Looking for Adhesive & Sealant Training?
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Chemical Industry Regulatory Update is compiled by Thompson Hine lawyers on behalf of The Adhesive and Sealant Council. It should not be construed as legal advice, and the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the ASC or its members.
For more information, contact the editor, Devin A. Barry, or any of the authors.