On Oct. 6, 2026, the European Parliament approved the sixth revision of the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances Directive (CMRD). The new rules set occupational exposure limits for certain hazardous chemicals based on the latest scientific data.
The directive introduces limits for cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds, which are used in battery production, along with other substances covered by the revision. The measure was listed among recent trade and regulatory updates compiled by China's Ministry of Commerce trade information portal.
Member states will be required to transpose the revised directive into national law within the timeframe set out in the legislation. Employers in chemical production, battery manufacturing and related sectors will need to review workplace monitoring and control measures.
The revision comes as the EU continues to tighten chemicals regulation under the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, even while the comprehensive REACH revision remains paused. ECHA's Candidate List of substances of very high concern now includes 253 entries.
