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As we do every month, we present the key regulatory topics for April 2026 related to energy, the environment, and safety and security.
The list below is an excerpt from the April 2026 issues of the French and European official journals.
ENVIRONMENT
Updates on the PFAS monitoring campaign at municipal wastewater treatment plants
Decree of September 3, 2025, on the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the influent and effluent of urban wastewater treatment plants, AMENDED BY Decree of April 20, 2026 [Official Journal of the French Republic, April 29, 2026]
The order of April 20, 2026, adds the measurement of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) to the monitoring programs for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the influent and effluent of urban wastewater treatment plants.
A specific exemption for TFA has been added regarding the number of measurements. Thus, for this substance, at least two inlet measurements and two outlet measurements must be performed (rather than three). These two measurements may be performed separately from the measurements of other PFAS.
The deadline for completing the campaign, originally set for December 31, 2026, has been extended to June 30, 2027. A new deadline of September 1, 2027, has been added specifically for urban wastewater treatment plants that experience annual peak loads during the summer months.
Update to the list of woodlands and forests at risk of wildfire
Decree of February 6, 2024, classifying woodlands and forests at risk of fire pursuant to Articles L. 132-1 and L. 133-1 of the Forest Code, AMENDED BY Decree of April 13 [Official Journal of the French Republic of April 28, 2026]
The decree of April 13, 2026, updates the list of woodlands and forests that are not located in departments particularly exposed to the risk of wildfire but are individually classified as being at risk of wildfire (Appendix 1), as well as the list of forest areas with a lower risk that are not considered to be particularly exposed to this risk (Appendix 2).
This text is issued pursuant to the Forest Act, which aims to strengthen efforts to prevent and combat the intensification and spread of fire risk, and is related to the legal requirements for brush clearing.
Update on EU Member States’ policies regarding water pollution, and review of the lists of substances requiring monitoring and the associated environmental quality standards
Directive 2000/60/EC of October 23, 2000, establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, AS AMENDED BY Directive (EU) 2026/805 of March 30, 2026, amending Directive 2000/60/EC, Directive 2006/118/EC on the protection of groundwater against pollution and deterioration, and Directive 2008/105/EC establishing environmental quality standards in the field of water [OJEU of April 20, 2026]
Directive 2026/805 aims to improve the monitoring of certain substances, in particular PFAS (including trifluoroacetic acid—TFA), certain pharmaceuticals, pesticide residues, as well as microplastics and “indicators of antimicrobial resistance.” It revises the lists of pollutants to be monitored, certain environmental quality standards, and pollution indicators.
ENERGY
Incorporation of the expanded scope of RE2020 into the methods for calculating energy and environmental performance for the buildings in question and the required certifications
Decree of August 4, 2021, regarding energy and environmental performance requirements for building construction in metropolitan France and approving the calculation method provided for in Article R. 172-6 of the Building and Housing CodeHousing AND Decree of December 9, 2021, regarding certificates of compliance with energy and environmental performance requirements for building construction in metropolitan France and amending the Decree of October 11, 2011, regarding certificates of compliance with thermal regulations for new buildings or new parts of buildings AMENDED BY the Decree of March 19, 2026 [Official Journal of the French Republic of April 29, 2026]
As a reminder, the scope of application of the regulations on the energy and environmental performance of buildings (“RE2020”) has been extended to include structures for which an application for a building permit or a prior declaration is filed on or after May 1, 2026, for the following types of buildings or parts of buildings, including industrial and commercial buildings; restaurants; retail establishments; stand-alone changing rooms; healthcare facilities with accommodations; healthcare facilities …
The order of March 19, 2026, allows for this expansion of the scope of RE2020 to be taken into account:
- by defining the methods for calculating energy and environmental performance in mainland France for the types of buildings currently subject to these regulations.
- as part of the process for certifying compliance with RE2020 requirements, to be included with building permit applications and notices of completion.
SAFETY
Changes to the OELs and OEL-B for lead, diisocyanates, and diesel engine exhaust emissions
Labor Code, Articles R. 4412-1 through R. 4412-160 159: Measures for the prevention of chemical risks AND Order of June 30, 2004, establishing the list of indicative occupational exposure limit values pursuant to Article R.4412-150 of the Labor Code, AS AMENDED BY Decree No. 2026-253 of April 8, 2026 [Official Journal of the French Republic of April 9, 2026]
Two new mandatory OELs have been added for:
- Diisocyanates effective January1, 2029 (addition of an indicative OEL for diisocyanates by that date)
- Diesel engine exhaust emissions as of April 10, 2026
Amendment to the mandatory OEL regarding:
- metallic lead and its compounds, which are replaced by inorganic lead and its compounds—reduced to 0.03 mg/m³ (previously 0.1 mg/m³) as of April 9, 2026.
The biological limit values for lead are also being lowered.
Medical monitoring of workers exposed to lead is changing (removal of exposure and blood lead level thresholds for enhanced individual monitoring)
SECURITY
Procedures for submitting applications for approval, registration, or classification of mixtures containing drug precursors
Customs Code, Articles A. 241-1 through A. 243-18: Specific regulations applicable to drug precursors ESTABLISHED by the Order of April 8, 2026, regarding the Orders section of the Customs Code [Official Journal of the French Republic, April 11, 2026]
This section of the Customs Code, established by the decree of April 8, 2026, sets forth the administrative procedures and obligations of operators handling drug precursors.
Prior to submitting any application for approval or registration, any operator may request the creation of an account in the “DELPHES” online service by providing its business name, unique identification number, operator category, contact information, and the contact information of the designated responsible person.
In addition, all applications for the classification of mixtures or natural products must be submitted to the National Office for the Control of Chemical Precursors.