New Environmental Regulations: Key Q4 2023 Consultations in G-20 Countries

Introduction:

In today’s fast-paced and environmentally conscious world, staying abreast of the latest environmental regulations is not just a responsibility but a strategic imperative for businesses. With the global economy intricately linked, the G-20 economies play a pivotal role in shaping environmental policies and regulations. For corporations operating within these economies, understanding and adapting to these regulations is crucial for legal compliance, sustainable operation, and maintaining a positive corporate image. This is especially significant as environmental concerns increasingly influence consumer behavior, stakeholder expectations, and investment decisions. Our focus on the environmental consultations launched in Q4 2023 by regulatory bodies across G-20 countries provides an essential guide for businesses striving to navigate and comply with these evolving regulatory landscapes.

Consultation Summaries and Corporate Implications:

• Italy – EoW Textile Public Consultation:

1. • Regulatory Body: Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security
   • Focus: Environmental management of end-of-waste (EoW) textiles
   • Deadline: 29 December 2023
   • Operational Impact: Textile and fashion industries may need to revise their waste management processes.
   • Compliance: Businesses will have to align with new end-of-waste criteria, potentially affecting supply chain strategies.
   • Link: End-of-Waste (EoW) textiles 

• United Kingdom – Electrical Waste:

1. • Regulatory Body: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
   • Focus: Reforming the producer responsibility system for electrical waste
   • Deadline: 28 December 2023
   • Cost Implications: Electronic manufacturers and retailers may see increased costs due to revised producer responsibility requirements.
   • Sustainability Strategy: Companies will need to integrate more sustainable practices in product life-cycle management.
   • Link: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2013 

• Brazil – Reverse Logistics Systems:

1. • Regulatory Body: Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
   • Focus: Public consultation on qualifying entities for managing reverse logistics systems
   • Deadline: 26 December 2023
   • Supply Chain Adjustments: Businesses in various sectors will have to adapt their supply chains to incorporate reverse logistics systems.
   • Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with these systems will be essential, requiring robust internal policy changes.
   • Link: Ordinance that determines the criteria

• USA – Safer Choice Standard Updates:

1. • Regulatory Body: Environmental Protection Agency
   • Focus: Proposals to strengthen the Safer Choice Standard
   • Deadline: 13 November 2023
   • Product Reformulation: Companies may need to reformulate products to meet the updated Safer Choice standards.
   • Market Positioning: Complying with these standards can be leveraged for marketing, enhancing brand reputation for environmental responsibility.
   • Link: Safer Choice Standard

• United Kingdom – Persistent Organic Pollutants:

1. • Regulatory Body: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
   • Focus: Information request on substances proposed as persistent organic pollutants for 2023
   • Deadline: 27 October 2023
   • Risk Management: Businesses dealing with chemicals will need to reassess and manage risks associated with persistent organic pollutants.
   • Regulatory Reporting: Increased reporting requirements may necessitate upgrades in data management and reporting systems.
   • Link: Draft risk management evaluation for chlorpyrifos

• USA – EPA Proposes Rule to Strengthen TSCA Risk Evaluation Process:

1. • Regulatory Body: Environmental Protection Agency
   • Focus: Strengthening the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Risk Evaluation Process to protect workers and communities
   • Deadline: 19 October 2023
   • Workplace Safety: Businesses may need to enhance safety measures and procedures to comply with new risk evaluations.
   • Community Engagement: Strengthened rules will require companies to consider broader community health impacts in their operations.
   • Link: EPA TSCA Update

• United Kingdom – WEEE Compliance Fee Methodology 2023:

1. • Regulatory Body: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
   • Focus: Compliance fee methodology for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
   • Deadline: 16 October 2023
   • Compliance Costs: Businesses may see changes in compliance costs associated with electronic waste disposal.
   • Environmental Compliance: Enhanced methodology aims at more effective electronic waste management.
   • Link: WEEE Compliance Fee

• United Kingdom – Wet Wipes Containing Plastic Ban:

1. • Regulatory Body: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
   • Focus: Proposed ban on the manufacture, supply, and sale of wet wipes containing plastic
   • Deadline: 14 October 2023
   • Product Redesign: Manufacturers will need to reformulate products to eliminate plastic components.
   • Consumer Awareness: Increasing consumer awareness regarding plastic pollution could impact brand loyalty.
   • Link: Wet Wipes Ban Consultation

• United Kingdom – Draft Guidance on Environmental Sustainability Agreements:

1. • Regulatory Body: Competition and Markets Authority
   • Focus: Draft guidance for environmental sustainability agreements
   • Deadline: 12 October 2023
   • Compliance with Competition Law: Businesses must ensure environmental agreements comply with competition laws.
   • Sustainable Practices: Encourages businesses to adopt more environmentally friendly practices within legal frameworks.
   • Link: Environmental Sustainability Agreements

• United Kingdom – Reducing Crime at Waste Sites and Fixed Penalties:

1. • Regulatory Body: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
   • Focus: Measures to reduce crime at waste handling sites and introduce fixed penalties for waste duty of care
   • Deadline: 6 October 2023
   • Security Enhancements: Businesses may need to invest in security measures at waste handling sites.
   • Regulatory Compliance: Fixed penalties will require stricter adherence to waste management regulations.
   • Link: Waste Site Crime Reduction

• France – Exclusive Research Permits by SAS Vulcan Energie France:

1. • Regulatory Body: Ministry of Economy
   • Focus: Granting of exclusive research permits in the Haut-Rhin department
   • Deadline: 2 October 2023
   • Research Opportunities: Opens avenues for environmental research and development projects.
   • Local Collaboration: Encourages collaboration with local authorities and communities in environmental research.
   • Link: SAS Vulcan Energie France Permits

Tips for Compliance

Navigating the evolving landscape of environmental regulations requires a strategic approach. Here are some tips for companies to prepare for and comply with these changes:

1. Conduct Internal Audits: Regularly audit your company’s current practices against the new regulatory requirements. Identify areas needing improvement or adjustment.
2. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest developments in environmental regulations. Subscribe to updates from regulatory bodies and industry news.
3. Engage with Legal and Environmental Experts: Consult with legal experts specializing in environmental law to understand the implications of these changes for your business. Environmental consultants can offer practical solutions for compliance.
4. Employee Training: Educate your workforce about the new regulations and their importance. Ensure everyone is aware of their roles in achieving compliance.
5. Policy Review and Update: Review and update your company’s environmental policies to align with the new regulations. Incorporate sustainable practices into your business model.
6. Stakeholder Communication: Communicate with stakeholders, including suppliers and customers, about how these changes might affect your business operations and collaborations.
7. Leverage Technology: Use technology to monitor and manage compliance effectively. Digital tools can streamline processes like waste tracking and emissions reporting.

Conclusion

The array of environmental consultations launched in Q4 2023 across G-20 economies underscores the importance of proactive adaptation to regulatory changes. For businesses, staying ahead of these developments is not just about compliance; it’s about demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, which is increasingly valued by customers, investors, and the broader community. We encourage companies to access the full consultation documents for detailed information and to follow the suggested guidelines to ensure thorough compliance. Adapting to these changes is not only a legal necessity but also an opportunity to lead in environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices.