From Molecules to Mandates: Insights from the CIRS Global Chemical Regulation Conference 2025
This blog was originally posted on 30th September, 2025. Further regulatory developments may have occurred after publication. To keep up-to-date with the latest compliance news, sign up to our newsletter.
AUTHORED BY CHELSEA NÍ CHUINNEAGÁIN, SENIOR REGULATORY COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST AND KNOWLEDGE PARTNER COORDINATOR, COMPLIANCE & RISKS
Introduction
I recently attended the CIRS Global Chemical Regulation Conference in London on 24 September 2025, bringing together regulators, industry leaders, and compliance professionals for a one-day overview of global chemical policy.
The conference underscored the pivotal moment facing the chemicals sector with speakers exploring how resilience, sustainability, and innovation are driving transformation amid climate targets, technological disruption and global uncertainty.
Over the course of the day, speakers provided updates on regulatory developments across the EU, UK, China, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, and other jurisdictions. Topics covered included but were not limited to:
- Latest Developments in EU Chemical Policy
- Supply Chain Visibility
- Regulatory Transformation to Enable Animal-free Safety Assessment of Chemicals and Consumer Products
- Ukrainian REACH: Pre-registration in Practice
Latest Developments in EU Chemical Policy
Marko Susnik, Senior Advisor at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO), focused on recent EU chemical legislation developments, highlighting policy updates and initiatives shaping the future of chemical management to strengthen health and environmental protection.
The REACH revision was discussed in depth with Mr Susnik noting that it remains without a formal proposal or major adaptations. While discussions continue, clarity is lacking, with a proposal now expected in Q1 2026. The December CARACAL meeting has been postponed to January, reflecting ongoing uncertainty. Overall, the process is seen as unclear, with the essential use concept playing a reduced role and the generic risk management approach losing influence.
Want to stay ahead of regulatory developments in Chemicals across the globe? Register for our upcoming Chemicals Quarterly webinar, Q3 2025 regulatory update.
Supply Chain Visibility
Tim Doggett of the Chemical Business Association chaired a panel on ‘Securing the Chemical Supply Chain: Resilience, Regulation, and Risk Management in a Changing World,’ featuring Dr Liangyu Hawkes (Anstar Ltd), Alan Looney (NCC), Jonathan Lutwyche (Yordas Group), and Gerard McElwee (Squire Patton Boggs). The discussion highlighted that despite technological disruption and global uncertainty, collaboration and innovation are critical for the chemicals sector’s continued success. Speakers noted how recent events exposed supply chain vulnerabilities, prompting companies to prioritize proactive planning, scenario analysis, and agile strategies.
Mr McElwee highlighted the challenges businesses face in keeping pace with evolving chemical regulations and achieving harmonized compliance across multiple jurisdictions to manage risk and maintain market access, while Dr Liangyu Hawkes stressed the vital importance of global collaboration, noting that open markets are now more critical than ever to ensure resilience and sustained growth in the sector.
Regulatory Transformation to Enable Animal-free Safety Assessment of Chemicals and Consumer Products
Jay Ingram, Managing Director at Chemicals at Humane World for Animals, presented on the need to advance regulatory frameworks for fully integrating Non-Animal Methods (NAMs) in chemical and product safety assessments.
He highlighted his work with the Animal-Free Safety Assessment (AFSA), a multi-sector partnership promoting global adoption of animal-free safety science by addressing regulatory gaps, implementing AFSA’s strategy, developing science-based guidance, integrating Next Generation Risk Assessment, and building capacity for consistent, ethical, and modern approaches. The presentation emphasized the importance of providing science-based guidance to support regulatory use of validated non-animal tools.
Ukrainian REACH: Pre-registration in Practice
Inessa Kiristaeva, Customer Happiness Manager at REGARTIS and team leader of REGARTIS Ukraine, presented practical insights on UA REACH, which came into force on 26 January 2025. She highlighted key aspects of pre-registration including use of the Excel form, submitting data to the extent known and the importance of keeping accessible, up-to-date records. Ms Kiristaeva noted that submissions must be sent via email or paper, as no IT system is in place, and foreign manufacturers can appoint an Only Representative (OR) in Ukraine to fulfil obligations on behalf of importers. In practice, substances must be fully registered by 26 January 2026.
The session reinforced the principle of ‘one country, one authority’ with customs inspectors prepared to enforce compliance from January 2026. Key topics also included core legal responsibilities, pre-registration timelines, common submission errors, and insights from the first cohort of registrations.
Conference Takeaways
The CIRS Global Chemical Regulation Conference highlighted the need for collaboration, innovation, and resilience across the chemicals sector. Key insights emphasized adapting to evolving regulations, strengthening supply chain visibility, advancing animal-free safety assessments, and navigating UA REACH.
Speakers reinforced that proactive compliance, sustainable practices, and international cooperation are essential for long-term sector growth in an increasingly complex global landscape. We are delighted to continue our ongoing partnership with CIRS as a valued member of our Knowledge Partner Network at Compliance & Risks.
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