[Policy Monitor] August 1, 2026 – New Materials Industry Policy Update

📋 Policy Monitoring Daily Report

Report Date: August 1, 2026 (Saturday)
Coverage: China GB Standards / EU REACH / US EPA TSCA
Risk Level: 🟡 Medium-High (Major new standard takes effect today)

⚠️ Critical Update: GB 46520-2025 Takes Effect Today

Event: GB 46520-2025 Mandatory National Standard for Combustion Performance of Building Thermal Insulation Materials officially enters into force on August 1, 2026.

1. Key Requirements

• Scope: Building thermal insulation materials (EPS, XPS, rock wool, PU foam, etc.)
• Core Changes: New combustion performance classification; stricter heat release rate and smoke toxicity limits
• Compliance Obligation: All insulation materials produced, sold, or used domestically in China must meet the new standard
• Enforcement: Non-compliant products cannot be released, sold, or used; violations subject to administrative penalties and product recalls

2. Impact on Exporters

If your company manufactures insulation materials in China and exports internationally:

• Domestic sales: Effective immediately — all products must comply as of today
• EU exports: Must still meet EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR) EN 13501-1 fire classification; different framework — dual compliance assessment recommended
• US exports: Check NFPA 285 requirements for exterior wall assemblies; coordinate with your US customers on updated specs
• Raw material sourcing: Verify that upstream suppliers’ test reports have been updated to the new standard version

3. Recommended Actions

1. ✅ IMMEDIATE: Audit current inventory — confirm test reports meet GB 46520-2025
2. ✅ Within 7 days: Engage an accredited testing lab for re-certification if not yet completed
3. ✅ Within 30 days: Update product labels and packaging compliance markings
4. ✅ Ongoing: Build supply chain compliance traceability; retain test reports for at least 5 years

📌 Other Policy Updates (No Major Changes)

1. EU REACH SVHC Candidate List

• Status: Total ~251 substances; no significant additions in July 2026
• Monitoring: Continue watching ECHA announcements for potential additions

2. US EPA TSCA

• Status: No major new regulations targeting the new materials sector in July 2026
• Monitoring: Track EPA’s ongoing PBT chemical substance actions

3. Other Recent China GB Standards

• GB 30981.1/2-2025 (Hazardous substance limits in coatings): Effective June 1, 2026 — ongoing compliance period
• GB/T 46992-2025 (Rare earth recycling): Effective July 1, 2026
• GB/T 29862-2026 (Textile fiber labeling): Published July 2, 2026; effective August 1, 2027 — early awareness recommended

📊 Daily Baseline Summary

Report generated: 2026-08-01 01:15 (Beijing Time)
Source: Public policy information compilation | For reference only; consult official sources for regulatory decisions.