Regulatory Radar

REGULATORY RADAR - In an effort to protect consumers and reduce electronic waste on the environment, the July 4, 2017 resolution requires manufacturers to design products that are durable and repair-friendly.

REGULATORY RADAR - To promote green and sustainable business practices, Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) has announced on June 5, 2017 a new mandatory supply chain law requiring companies to report their packaging data and submit packaging reduction plans by 2021.

REGULATORY RADAR - As part of a broader effort to improve air quality in the environment, the goal of the July 26, 2017 decision is to reduce nitrogen dioxide pollution levels below EU limits in the shortest possible time in order to curb climate change.

REGULATORY RADAR - The country's government has announced a sustainability plan to eliminate single-use plastics by 2021 which would promote recycling, making it the first country with a comprehensive national strategy to do so.

REGULATORY RADAR - On August 23, 2017, the states belonging to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) reached an agreement to reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions further.

REGULATORY RADAR - The U.S. issued an executive order on August 15, 2017 directing federal agencies to review more quickly the environmental effects of infrastructure projects in an attempt to speed up the construction of the roads, bridges, pipelines, and rails throughout the country.

REGULATORY RADAR - The U.K. has replaced the Data Protection Act of 1998 with a new law that provides a modern framework. The bill includes safeguards to ensure freedom of the press, and allow for confidential scientific research.

REGULATORY RADAR - The regulation requires large Irish companies to publish non-financial information about their company policies, and it applies to financial years beginning on or after August 1, 2017.

REGULATORY RADAR - The world’s largest auto market announced on September 9, 2017 that it plans to end the production and sale of cars that use only traditional fuels. China’s decision to phase out fossil-fuel powered cars follows similar bans set by the U.K. and France earlier this year.

REGULATORY RADAR - On October 9, 2017, Scott Pruitt, the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announced that the United States will issue a proposal fully repealing the Clean Power Plan.

REGULATORY RADAR - In compliance with EU Directive 2014/95, the Belgian government has decreed that large Belgian companies must draw up a non-financial statement aimed at providing the market with information on certain social, employment, and environmental matters deemed relevant in light of the company's operations.

REGULATORY RADAR - The United States Treasury Department released a Capital Markets report on October 6, 2017, that recommends a vast reworking of Wall Street rules adopted in response to the financial crisis.