New RPS: Storing waste PFOA-containing firefighting foams
The Environment Agency has published a new Storing waste PFOA-containing firefighting foams and wastes from their decontamination and replacement Regulatory Position Statement (RPS 376). It lets you store these wastes at the site of production for up to 12 months, provided you rely on the non-waste framework directive exemptions NWFD 2 or NWFD 3. This does not remove your existing duty to hold an environmental permit where one is otherwise required, or to comply with the UK POPs Regulation. If you hold or are decommissioning legacy Class B firefighting foam stocks, this RPS is worth reviewing.
RPS 264 updated: Shredding waste upholstered domestic seating containing POPs
The Environment Agency has updated its Shredding waste upholstered domestic seating containing POPs Regulatory Position Statement (RPS 264), clarifying the requirement to notify the Environment Agency before using it and cross-referencing the newer RPS 373 on blending this waste stream. If you shred waste upholstered domestic seating at a permitted waste treatment site, you should check the updated notification wording.
Proposed expansion of the UK’s banned persistent organic pollutants list
Defra has published its response to last spring’s consultation on Amendments to the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation 2026, confirming it will proceed with adding medium-chain chlorinated paraffins, long-chain PFCAs, UV-328, Dechlorane Plus and chlorpyrifos to the list of substances banned under the UK POPs Regulation, alongside a revised limit for PFOS. The amending regulations are proposed for adoption on 14th October 2026, with entry into force expected on 16th December 2026, so they are not yet in force. If you manufacture, use or import products that could contain these substances, you should start checking your supply chain now.
Proposed cobalt exemption for certain toys
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has notified the World Trade Organization of the draft Toys (Safety) (Permitted Uses for Cobalt) (England and Wales and Scotland) Regulations 2026, which would permit limited cobalt content in three specific toy applications: stainless steel components where cobalt is present only as an impurity, electrically conductive toy components, and neodymium magnets that cannot be swallowed or inhaled. This mirrors a similar EU exemption. The regulations are still in draft and not yet made. If you manufacture or import toys, this is worth tracking ahead of formal adoption.
HSE safety notice: drilling drawworks fail-safe system disc brakes
The Health and Safety Executive has issued Operations Notice ED02-2026: Drilling drawworks fail-safe system disc brakes, warning that disc brakes on certain electrically motor-driven drawworks can pass static holding-capacity tests but fail to arrest a load dynamically in an emergency, risking uncontrolled descent of the top drive. If you operate or maintain this equipment offshore, you should review your case for safety against the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, check the manufacturer’s evidence of dynamic braking performance, and inspect the full braking system for wear, corrosion and moisture ingress.
Government confirms plug-in solar regulatory changes following consultation
Following its Plug-in solar: regulatory amendment and interim product specification consultation, the government is proceeding with an amendment to the Plugs and Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994 to permit BS 1363 plugs for plug-in solar devices, alongside a mandatory interim product specification, following over 85% support across 466 responses. If you manufacture, import or install plug-in solar equipment, you should prepare for the amended plug requirements.
