Asia-Pacific Regulatory Landscape

In 2025, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is expected to see a significant evolution in its chemical management frameworks, including the adoption of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), expanding control of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and increasingly stringent regulations modeled after the EU’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) system, among others.

“These changes reflect a global trend to improve chemical safety and protect human health and the environment,” said Chanyanis Utiskul, regulatory research analyst at 3E.

The APAC region is leading the world in chemical production, with most recent data showing combined countries selling nearly €3 trillion of chemicals in 2023. As nations in the region adopt more stringent measures, the focus on hazardous chemicals is intensifying, with a notable shift toward banning or restricting substances that pose significant risk. This proactive stance not only aligns with global trends toward enhanced chemical safety but also positions APAC nations as pivotal players in the international regulatory landscape.