As global product regulations continue to evolve, 2026 marks a transition year for many manufacturers. Regulatory frameworks that have been developing over the past several years are now moving into active implementation, with greater expectations around data quality, supply chain transparency, and accountability.
Manufacturers selling products into highly regulated global markets should expect increased scrutiny in 2026, particularly for products placed on the EU market and in certain U.S. states. While some deadlines have been adjusted, compliance readiness remains critical.
Below are key product compliance trends to watch in 2026 and what they mean for manufacturers.
CBAM Enters Its Definitive Phase With Updated Deadlines
The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, CBAM, entered its definitive phase on January 1, 2026. This marks the transition from the transitional reporting period to a more formal compliance regime for covered goods imported into the EU.
Recent regulatory updates adjusted several key CBAM deadlines. While importers must collect and report verified emissions data for 2026 imports, the purchase and surrender of CBAM certificates has been deferred. Certificates will become available beginning February 1, 2027, and the first annual CBAM declaration, covering 2026 imports, will be due by September 30, 2027. Authorized CBAM declarant status becomes essential for importing CBAM goods from 2026.
For manufacturers with CBAM covered materials in their supply chains, 2026 is primarily a data readiness year. Companies should focus on identifying covered materials, confirming importer of record responsibilities, and ensuring emissions data is accurate, traceable, and auditable across global supply chains. Although financial obligations are delayed, emissions reporting and data validation requirements are not.
Supply Chain Data Pressure Continues to Increase
Manufacturers continue to face growing compliance and customer driven data requirements across multiple regulatory and reporting systems, including material declarations, substance disclosures, and emissions reporting. In 2026, expectations continue to shift away from basic data submission toward data quality, consistency, and defensibility.
Customers are increasingly focused on complete declarations, timely updates, and credible supplier data. As a result, companies should expect less tolerance for incomplete submissions or placeholder information and greater emphasis on internal data governance and supplier engagement.
PFAS Regulations Influence Product Market Access
Regulatory scrutiny of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS, continues to expand in 2026, particularly at the U.S. state level. With additional product categories subject to sales prohibitions and reporting requirements, PFAS compliance is increasingly affecting where products can be sold, not just how they are reported.
This trend is especially relevant for products that rely on specialized coatings, cables, seals, or surface treatments. Manufacturers should expect increased customer inquiries, state specific sellability considerations, and growing pressure to understand PFAS content at the material and component level.
Packaging Compliance Moves Into an Operational Phase
Packaging compliance requirements will also become more operational in 2026. In the EU, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, PPWR, moves closer to application. In the U.S., multiple state extended producer responsibility, EPR, programs shift from legislation into registration, reporting, and fee collection.
For manufacturers selling packaged products, 2026 is a key year to align packaging data, supplier declarations, and internal responsibilities. Companies operating across multiple jurisdictions may also face increased complexity as packaging requirements continue to vary by market.
REACH and SCIP Remain Ongoing Compliance Priorities
REACH obligations, including Candidate List updates and Article 33 communication requirements, remain a significant compliance effort in 2026. Although discussions around administrative simplification continue at the EU level, SCIP reporting requirements remain in force, and customer expectations for timely, accurate SVHC disclosures continue to rise.
Manufacturers placing articles on the EU market should plan for continued pressure to respond quickly to substance inquiries and maintain strong supplier data processes.
RoHS Compliance Shifts Toward Exemption Planning
For companies relying on RoHS exemptions, 2026 brings increased attention to exemption validity and upcoming expiration dates. Several exemptions are scheduled to expire in 2026 and 2027, making this an important year to assess redesign timelines, alternative materials, and supporting documentation.
Proactive exemption lifecycle management can help reduce compliance risk and avoid last-minute product disruptions.
Looking Ahead
Across industries, 2026 is less about reacting to entirely new regulations and more about strengthening the systems that support long-term product compliance. Data quality, supply chain engagement, and cross-functional coordination will be essential as regulatory expectations continue to increase.
Manufacturers that invest in scalable, defensible compliance processes now will be better positioned to manage both current obligations and future regulatory change, while maintaining access to key global markets.
How Tetra Tech Can Help
Our team helps manufacturers navigate evolving product compliance requirements by supporting data collection, supplier engagement, and regulatory reporting across global markets. From CBAM readiness and substance compliance to packaging and material data management, our team works with companies to build practical, defensible compliance programs that support long term market access.
To learn more about how Tetra Tech can support your product compliance efforts in 2026 and beyond, explore our compliance services or contact our team today to learn more.
