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Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 8 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTHTM – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

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The chemical industry is subject to complex and ever-evolving laws and regulations. New standards governing the production and use of chemicals are implemented every year worldwide, and existing laws and regulations are constantly changing to keep pace with new information and scientific advancements. Chemical Industry Regulatory Update provides a monthly digest of recent legislative and regulatory developments and related industry news.

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Don’t Miss Critical Regulatory, Policy &amp; Sustainability Updates—April in Nashville

Regulatory and policy requirements are evolving faster than ever—and the implications for the adhesive and sealant industry are significant. At ASC’s Convention &amp; EXPO this April in Nashville, you’ll hear directly from experts on the latest regulatory, safety, and sustainability developments shaping our industry. Get the insights you need to stay compliant, manage risk, and plan ahead for your business.

<a href="https://www.ascouncil.org/events/2026-annual-convention-and-expo">Register now</a> to secure your place and keep your team informed.

H-1B and H-4 Applicants Face Visa Appointment Delays Under Expanded Social Media Review

Effective December 15, the U.S. Department of State is <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/announcement-of-expanded-screening-and-vetting-for-h-1b-and-dependent-h-4-visa-applicants.html">expanding its online presence</a> review to include all H-1B principal applicants and their H-4 dependents, in addition to categories (such as students and exchange visitors) already subject to such screening. As a result, beginning December 8, many applicants with otherwise routine visa interview appointments have received cancellation or rescheduling notices. Consular posts have indicated that, due to operational constraints associated with the enhanced vetting and to ensure that no applicant poses a threat to U.S. national security or public safety, daily applicant volumes are being reduced. This reduction is causing some previously scheduled appointments to be canceled. <a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/insights/h-1b-and-h-4-applicants-face-visa-appointment-delays-under-expanded-social-media-review/">Read more</a>.

Patent Office Invites Petitioners to Trade Disclosures for Favorable Treatment in Post-Grant Proceedings

USPTO Introduces New Optional Disclosure to Improve Examination Quality

In an <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/vsdd_as_a_favorable_factor_in_institution_decisions.pdf">open memorandum</a> to “all PTAB users,” USPTO Director John A. Squires introduced a new mechanism for IPR and PGR petitioners to submit information concerning their prior art search efforts. These submissions, called “Search Disclosure Declarations,” or SDDs for short, aim to “meaningfully improve Office search practices and, over time, improve examination quality” by discovering “sophisticated search methodologies, repository knowledge, and/or analytics not routinely used by the Office.” <a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/insights/patent-office-invites-petitioners-to-trade-disclosures-for-favorable-treatment-in-post-grant-proceedings/">Read further</a>.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Apply for Merger Approval: What Shippers Need to Know

Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) have <a href="https://www.up-nstranscontinental.com/surface-transportation-board-filing-hub">applied</a> to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for approval to merge their networks, a move that would create a single transcontinental railroad. If approved, the merger would reshape competition, service, and pricing across the national freight rail network. The STB’s review presents a critical but narrow window for shippers to protect their freight options. <a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/insights/union-pacific-and-norfolk-southern-apply-for-merger-approval-what-shippers-need-to-know/">Learn more</a>.

SBA Clarifies Scope of 8(a) Program Document Requests, Extends Submission Deadline

In our previous client <a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/insights/sba-requires-significant-documentation-from-8a-contractors-as-part-of-program-audit/">alert</a>, we discussed the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) unprecedented audit of its 8(a) Business Development Program and the related data call it issued to all 8(a) firms. The SBA has since quietly issued additional guidance in <a href="https://sbaone.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/UCPUKB/pages/4134469635/SBA+8+A+Data+Call+-+FAQs">FAQs</a> posted on its <a href="https://certifications.sba.gov/">MySBACertifications</a> page, in which it provides several clarifications and, perhaps most importantly, extends the deadline for responding to the program-wide data call. While these developments provide helpful clarification, they do not reduce the scope or severity of the audit. <a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/insights/sba-clarifies-scope-of-8a-program-document-requests-extends-submission-deadline/">Explore further</a>.

USTR Announces Section 301 Tariffs on Nicaragua

On December 10, 2025, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) issued a Federal Register notice announcing actions under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to address Nicaragua’s acts, policies, and practices related to abuses of labor rights, abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the dismantling of the rule of law. Effective January 1, 2026, the United States will impose a tariff that is phased-in over three years on all imported Nicaraguan goods that are not originating under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). <a href="https://www.thompsonhinesmartrade.com/2025/12/ustr-announces-section-301-tariffs-on-nicaragua/">Continue reading</a>.

United States Retroactively Implements Reduced Tariff Rates for Imports from Switzerland

On December 18, 2025, the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) issued a notice that the United States was implementing certain tariff-related elements of the Framework for a United States-Switzerland-Liechtenstein Agreement on Fair, Balanced, and Reciprocal Trade. The framework for this agreement was announced in mid-November 2025 and covered various areas of negotiations addressing trade between the countries, including tariff and non-tariff trade barriers. See Thompson Hine Update of <a href="https://www.thompsonhinesmartrade.com/2025/11/united-states-switzerland-and-liechtenstein-agree-to-framework-agreement-on-reciprocal-trade/">November 17, 2025</a>, for additional details on the framework agreement. <a href="https://www.thompsonhinesmartrade.com/2025/12/u-s-retroactively-implements-reduced-tariff-rates-for-imports-from-switzerland/">Keep reading</a>.

Check out the latest <a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/insights/employment-legislation-outlook-january-2026/">Employment Legislation Outlook</a>. This monthly digest is designed to keep you apprised of upcoming major state law changes in areas including paid sick and safe leave laws, family and parental leave, recreational and medicinal marijuana use, workplace gun laws, asking candidates about salary history and unpredictable scheduling.

Looking for Adhesive &amp; Sealant Training?

ASC’s <a href="https://www.ascouncil.org/certificate-program">Training Academy Certificate Program</a> offers a convenient and cost-effective, web-based method of workforce training ideal for new or new to a role staff and professionals. A variety of flexible and affordable subscription options are available.

For more information, contact the editor, <a href="https://www.thompsonhine.com/professionals/devin-a-barry/">Devin A. Barry</a>.

Chemical Industry Regulatory Update is compiled by Thompson Hine lawyers on behalf of <a href="https://www.ascouncil.org/">The Adhesive and Sealant Council</a>. It should not be construed as legal advice, and the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the ASC or its members.

Chemical Industry Regulatory Update – January 2026

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