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.
Sustainability Summit Keynotes & Preliminary Schedule Announced
The 2025 ASC Sustainability Summit in September will deliver critical awareness, engagement and alignment with stakeholders within the adhesive & sealant industry. Keynotes topics will include: ‘Building and Leveraging Smart Sustainability Chemistry Strategies to Ensure Resilience’ and ‘The Future Packaging Landscape – What Should We Strive Towards and How Can Our Industry Help to Achieve it’. View the preliminary topics & schedule online.
Top Five Takeaways from DOJ’s Newest Guidance for Investigation and Prosecution of White Collar Crimes
On May 12, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued updated policy memoranda relating to the investigation and prosecution of white collar crimes, including its White-Collar Enforcement Plan, Revised Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy, Memorandum on Selection of Monitors in Criminal Division Matters, and the Criminal Division’s Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program Revisited. These memoranda should guide companies, executives, and compliance professionals in handling matters relating to their operations, compliance, reporting obligations, and potential investigations and prosecution. Following are our top five takeaways from the memoranda. Read more.
New DOJ Civil Rights Fraud Initiative Targets Federal Contractors’ DEI Programs
On May 18, the Department of Justice issued a memorandum stating that it will use the False Claims Act (FCA) to target recipients of federal funds (including contractors) that the agency determines engage in providing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) preferences that violate federal civil rights laws. This continues the Trump administration’s efforts to eliminate the use of DEI policies in federal contracting or by the recipients of federal funds and requires contractors to certify compliance with federal civil rights laws. Contractors should review their policies and practices to identify potential risks arising from the new administration’s focus on DEI practices in federal contracting. Continue reading.
CIT Enjoins IEEPA Tariffs but CAFC Issues Temporary Stay
On May 28, the CIT entered judgment in two related cases against the United States and permanently enjoined certain EOs imposing the Trafficking Tariffs and the Worldwide and Retaliatory Tariffs enacted under IEEPA. The CIT determined that “the words ‘regulate … importation’ cannot grant the President unlimited tariff authority,” and found that the Trafficking Tariffs “fail because they do not deal with the threats set forth in those orders” and that the Worldwide and Retaliatory Tariffs fail because they “exceed any authority granted to the President by IEEPA to regulate importation by means of tariffs.” Continue reading.
Employment Legislation Outlook
Check out the latest Employment Legislation Outlook. 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 & Sealant Training?
ASC’s Training Academy Certificate Program 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, Devin A. Barry, or any of the authors.
Chemical Industry Regulatory Update is compiled by Thompson Hine lawyers on behalf of The Adhesive and Sealant Council. 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.
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