US Environmental Protection Agency's Key Regulatory Moves in 2026

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is significantly strengthening regulations related to chemicals and pesticides in 2026. Notably, the agency has begun a national security-focused approach by expanding enforcement against illegal imports.

Pesticide Registration Maintenance Fee Deadline Approaching

The EPA released information in December 2025 regarding pesticide registration maintenance fee payments for fiscal year 2026 (FY 2026). The payment deadline is January 15, 2026.

Under Section 4(i)(1)(A) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), all registrants holding active or suspended pesticide registrations granted under FIFRA Sections 3 and 24(c) (Special Local Needs) must pay annual maintenance fees to keep their registrations valid. This does not apply to supplemental distributor registrations identified by three-element registration numbers.

Registrants will receive email notifications from the EPA regarding FY 2026 maintenance fees. The EPA does not send maintenance fee information by mail, and all procedures are conducted electronically. Completed forms and supporting documents after payment must be submitted via email to maintfee@epa.gov.

Dramatic Expansion of Illegal Pesticide and Chemical Smuggling Enforcement

On December 23, 2025, the EPA announced a dramatic expansion of import investigation capabilities and enforcement scope under the Trump administration. This signifies the launch of extensive investigations targeting illegal pesticide and chemical smuggling operations across multiple sectors to protect communities, agricultural integrity, and national security.

On December 19, 2025, newly appointed EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) Assistant Administrator Jeffrey Hall and Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator Craig Pritzlaff visited Southern California. Assistant Administrator Hall met with Port Director Africa R. Bell of the Los Angeles/Long Beach Port and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials to discuss expanding information sharing essential for inspection, enforcement, and coordination.

This action represents a comprehensive crackdown on illegal chemical imports, moving beyond the limited efforts of the previous administration.

Pesticide Registration Notification Process Improvement Proposal Released

On January 5, 2026, the EPA announced the publication of a draft Pesticide Registration (PR) Notice titled "Pesticide Registration Notice 2026-NEW: Notifications, Non-Notifications, and Minor Formulation Amendments."

The EPA stated that this draft PR Notice aims to align with FIFRA changes through the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA) and streamline the scope of registration changes approved as notifications, non-notifications, and minor formulation amendments for all pesticide products. This was previously outlined in PR Notice 98-10 dated October 22, 1998.

The EPA indicated that upon finalization, PR Notice 2026-NEW will take effect immediately and completely replace PR Notice 98-10. The comment submission deadline is February 19, 2026.

Final Risk Assessment for 1,3-Butadiene Released

The EPA released a final risk assessment for 1,3-Butadiene and announced regulations for 11 uses. Specific regulatory details will be disclosed in the future.

Background of Strengthened Chemical Regulations

This series of EPA actions demonstrates the US government's strengthened stance on chemical safety. The expansion of illegal import enforcement is particularly noteworthy as it represents a national security approach alongside domestic industry protection.

The digitalization of pesticide registration maintenance fee payment procedures and streamlined notification processes are interpreted as attempts to increase administrative efficiency while reducing compliance burdens on registrants. Meanwhile, risk assessments and regulations for specific chemicals like 1,3-butadiene represent strengthened science-based approaches to protect public health.