Prepare for regulations across EMEA

2024 witnessed huge regulatory change around the world, with global governments accelerating efforts to restrict harmful chemicals, reduce waste and environmental damage, and support the investment into more sustainable products and materials. 

In this article, we highlight the top developments in chemicals management affecting businesses in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. For a more detailed analysis of all regulatory updates in this region, catch up on the recording of our Global Outlook webinar.

Europe

Protecting the environment became a major focus in Europe in 2019 when a new European Commission entered with an ‘environment-first’ approach. Public concerns on the ongoing risks of climate change ultimately triggered the publication of the European Green Deal. 

While the European Green Deal continues to play a leading role in legislation, the Commission’s new mandate on ‘competitiveness’ will shape the direction of the region going forward. A chemicals industry package is expected in 2025, alongside the long-awaited REACH revision, to focus on simplifying legislation for faster decision-making, competitiveness in industry, and improved sustainability.
 

Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) 

Entering into force on 11 February 2025, the PPWR (now published as Regulation (EU) 2025/40 in the Official Journal) introduces significant changes for packaging producers, manufacturers, and distributors.  

The PPWR outlines: 

• Upcoming requirements for recyclability from 2030, including designing or redesigning packaging solutions 

• Specific targets for reducing packaging waste, including minimizing volume and weight 

• Stipulated requirements for incorporating recycled materials and content, particularly in plastic packaging 

• New labeling requirements to improve consumer understanding 

• New targets for reusability by 2030 and 2040 

• An obligation to appoint an authorized representative for placing products on the market 

The final version of the PPWR will apply from 12 August 2026.
 

Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulations (ESPR) 

The ESPR entered into force on 18 July 2024 and functions as a major contributor to the Commission’s goal of achieving a circular economy by enhancing the sustainability of products in the country. 

In the first half of 2025, the Commission will adopt the first ESPR working plan, establishing which products will be prioritized. After the product categories have been decided, the development of product rules will begin. 

A dedicated Ecodesign Forum includes 123 members, which are mostly appointed from industry, NGOs, Member States, and some observers.
 

Construction Products Regulation (CPR) 

The EU’s new CPR entered into force on 7 January 2025 to align with the EU’s long-term goals on enhancing safety and sustainability. The CPR is operating on a phased implementation timeline: 

• 7 February 2025: Standardization related articles 

• 7 January 2026: General provisions and adoption of DPPs 

• 7 January 2027: Penalties 

The new CPR introduces significant changes for companies working in the construction sector, including the introduction of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) to enable better data sharing across the supply chain, and encouraging the adoption of prefabrication and modular construction methods to reduce construction waste by 10-15% and lower the cost of accelerating construction timelines.  

The CPR also aims to enhance market access, boost innovation and sustainability, and increase product transparency for consumers.

Middle East

In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has been focusing regulatory efforts on improving product safety with two recent legislative reforms implemented to strengthen standards. In July 2024, the Council of Ministers approved these two laws, which will come into effect within the next 90 days — The Product Safety Law and The Standards and Quality Law.
 

The Product Safety Law 

The Product Safety Law in Saudi Arabia introduces mandatory requirements for manufacturers, importers, and distributors. It focuses on ensuring only safe products reach consumers on the market. Published on November 29, businesses can expect to see the below measures enforced by the end of February 2025.  

Companies will be liable to meet certain obligations. For example, any manufacturers or importers of products into the country must: 

• Conduct risk assessments on product safety 

• Notify authorities of any safety issues within 5 days of identifying them 

• Verify product compliance before placing on the market 

• Maintain correct labeling, storage, and reporting of unsafe products 

Distributors will have to: 

• Verify product compliance before offering them 

• Halt sales and report unsafe products 

Economic operators must: 

• Maintain traceability records for suppliers, components, and buyers 

• Affix compliant conformity marks on their products 

The Product Safety Law also introduces a scale to assess the risk of non-compliance, from low to medium to high risk violations.  

• Medium risk violations: Fines start from SAR 10,001 

• High risk violations: Fines can reach up to SAR 10,000,000 

In addition to financial penalties, businesses can also face closure for up to 1 year for severe or repeat offences.

Africa

In Africa, five nations are uniting to address the harm caused by persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in plastics. Together, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe aim to leverage their individual schemes to strengthen regulatory frameworks, promote sustainable consumption and production of plastics, improve waste management practices, support innovation, and foster regional cooperation. 

This collaboration is expected to reduce hazardous chemical exposure, minimize plastic pollution and waste, and support the sustainable advancement of recyclable materials and infrastructure.
 

Kenya 

Kenya is planning to utilize its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme to aid in enhancing community-based recycling measures, alongside banning single-use plastics on the market.
 

Nigeria 

In Nigeria, the government is focusing its efforts on cleaning up coastal pollution, managing marine litter, and fostering biodegradable alternatives to ultimately reduce plastic use and waste.
 

South Africa 

South Africa is supporting its advancement toward a circular economy with recycling technologies.
 

Uganda 

In Uganda, sustainability begins with educating the public on the dangers of POPs and other pollution, encouraging reusable bags, and supporting community waste management efforts.
 

Zimbabwe 

And in Zimbabwe, the country is planning to implement municipal waste plans, worker training and education, and supporting the use of compostable alternatives to combat plastic pollution.