Insights from the Chemical Industry Regulations Conference 2025

Over two packed days, regulators, scientists, legal experts and industry leaders came together to discuss how the global framework for chemical regulation is evolving and how to keep innovation, compliance, and sustainability in balance. 

The opening day focused on the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) and Plant Protection Products (PPP) under Regulation 1107/2009. The sessions blended technical updates with big-picture policy discussions: 

• BPR Implementation and Review: Speakers from ECHA, CEFIC, and industry reflected on a decade of BPR in action. Progress has been made in streamlining authorisations but proving product efficacy while maintaining safety remains a challenge. 

• PPP Renewal Programme: Key topics included Annex II revisions, new co-formulant requirements, and approaches to managing regulatory timelines without hindering innovation. The overall takeaway was that renewal processes face mounting regulatory complexity, with slow guidance evolution and data harmonisation gaps among Member States. Companies should therefore plan strategically, invest in data readiness, and engage early with regulators.  

• Innovation in Biocides & Agriculture: Updates from both EU and UK regulators highlighted changes to post-Brexit UK biocides rules and the growing role of biological plant protection products, fertilisers, and biostimulants in sustainable agriculture. 

• Endocrine Disruptors & Pollinators: Alice delivered a talk titled “Endocrine Disruptors in Pesticides: Latest Assessment Criteria”, sharing practical insights into the ED assessment strategy for PPPs with hands-on recommendations for effective literature review and weight-of-evidence evaluations. To follow, pollinator protection guidelines for agrochemicals were reviewed, underscoring ecological and regulatory intersections. 

• Global Harmonisation: The day closed with discussions on the ongoing efforts to align the EU Biocidal Products Regulation with US FIFRA and other international regulatory frameworks. While for PPPs, speakers explored challenges and expected developments for co-formulants, nanomaterials and microplastics, as well as the regulatory treatment of low-risk pesticides, highlighting both barriers and opportunities for safety, transparency, and harmonization. 

The second day focused on streamlining authorisation processes, addressing emerging regulatory challenges, and exploring future regulatory pathways. 

• Regulatory Efficiency: Experts explored routes like Union Authorisation and Same Biocidal Product procedures to simplify biocide approvals. PPP discussions emphasised the integration of real-time groundwater monitoring into authorisation, presenting the Dutch framework as a model for data-driven regulatory evolution. 

• Emerging Challenges: Topics like dietary risk assessment (DRA), MRLs, and non-animal testing took centre stage. Ukraine’s transition to a new PPP registration system was shared as a case study with lessons for international stakeholders. 

• Borderline & Complex Cases: Legal experts addressed regulatory overlaps between plant growth regulators, biostimulants and pesticides, stressing the importance of product claims and classification. 

• Forward-Looking Discussions: Discussions turned to the new CLP hazard classes for endocrine disruptors and how they interact with REACH, BPR, and PPP. The day wrapped up with an open panel debate on the future of chemical regulation, exploring how to balance safety, sustainability, and competitiveness in an increasingly globalised market. 

Across both days, the conference provided deep insights into the current state and future direction of EU and global chemical regulations. From renewal programmes and endocrine disruptor criteria to efficiency gains and global harmonisation, the event highlighted the urgent need for collaboration between regulators, industry, and science. The overall message from CIR 2025 was clear: the next decade will demand flexibility, innovation, and collaboration to ensure regulations support both public safety and industrial competitiveness. 

At Enviresearch, we are proud to be at the forefront of these changes – helping clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes with confidence. Our team combines deep scientific expertise with hands-on regulatory insight to support everything from Plant Protection Products and Biocide authorisations, endocrine disruptor assessments, and data strategy planning, to global harmonisation efforts and sustainable product innovation. 

Whether you are preparing for upcoming regulatory shifts, tackling challenging data requirements, or seeking strategic guidance, we’re here to help you stay informed, compliant, and ahead of the curve. Get in touch to explore how we can support your next steps