[Policy Daily] April 20, 2026: New Materials Industry Regulatory Monitor (EU REACH SVHC / Auto Tariffs)

📅 Report Date: April 20, 2026

🏷️ Policy Area: Chemical Compliance Monitoring | 🛡️ Risk Level: Medium-High

1. Major Policy Changes This Period

🚨 [HIGH PRIORITY] EU REACH SVHC Candidate List Updated to 253 Substances

Effective Date: February 4, 2026

Changes: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) added the following 2 substances to the SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) Candidate List:

• n-Hexane
• Bisphenol AF (BP-AF) and its salts — 4,4′-[2,2,2-Trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]diphenol

The SVHC Candidate List has expanded from 241 to 253 substances in total (12 additions including the 32nd batch and prior batches).

Action Items for Exporters:

• Immediately screen all exported articles for n-Hexane and Bisphenol AF
• Articles containing SVHC above 0.1% must provide downstream safety use instructions
• SVHC notifications must be submitted within 6 months for newly listed substances
• Products containing SVHC above 0.1% require SCIP notification before placing on the EU market

⚠️ [HIGH PRIORITY] US Imposes 100% Tariffs on Chinese Autos & Parts

Effective Date: April 15, 2026 (USTR announcement April 10, 2026)

Changes: The Trump administration officially announced 100% tariffs on all Chinese-made passenger vehicles, NEVs, and key automotive components — the highest single-industry tariff rate in US-China trade history.

Impact Analysis:

• Chinese NEV exports to the US market effectively blocked
• Automotive supply chain forced to restructure
• Current tariff rates: General goods 37.3% (10% baseline + fentanyl tariff + historical duties); Automotive sector 100%

📋 [MEDIUM PRIORITY] US EPA Third Delay of PFAS Reporting Deadline

Announcement: April 8, 2026 — Administrator Lee Zeldin signed final rule

Changes: EPA has postponed the TSCA Section 8(a)(7) PFAS reporting start date to January 31, 2027 — the third extension since the rule was established in 2023.

Timeline: 2023 (rule established) → July 2025 (1st delay) → April 2026 (2nd delay) → January 2027 (3rd delay).

2. Baseline Status — No Major Changes

✅ EU RoHS

No significant amendments in the past 30 days. RoHS currently restricts 10 hazardous substances. Annex III exemption 42 extended to June 30, 2026. EU Bisphenol ban (EU) 2024/3190 amendment (EU) 2026/250 effective February 23, 2026; FCM bisphenol detection limit remains at 1μg/kg.

✅ China GB Standards

Key upcoming standards:

• GB 18580-2025: Formaldehyde emission limits for interior materials — Effective June 1, 2026; E0 grade (≤0.050mg/m³) first included as mandatory
• GB 47372-2026: Safety technical specification for power banks — Effective April 1, 2027

3. Recommended Actions

Sources: ECHA, US EPA, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation | Prepared by: Market Intelligence Officer