Biodiversity Net Gain exemptions expanded
The Biodiversity Gain (Town and Country Planning) (Amendments and Transitional Provisions) (England) Regulations 2026 came into force on 6 August 2026.
The amendment introduces a number of changes to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements. Most notably:
- Certain temporary developments with a duration of up to five years are now exempt from BNG requirements.
- Developments of 0.2 hectares or less where no priority habitats are affected are also exempt from BNG requirements.
These changes may be particularly relevant to smaller-scale developments and projects with a temporary planning lifespan.
New requirements for marine genetic resources
The Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Act 2026 (Commencement and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026 came into force on 9 August 2026.
The regulation implements key requirements of the international Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and introduces:
- Reporting requirements relating to marine genetic resources.
- Information-sharing obligations.
- Licensing requirements covering the collection, use and commercialisation of marine genetic resources obtained from areas beyond national jurisdiction.
The changes form part of the UK's implementation of international biodiversity commitments relating to the protection and sustainable use of marine resources.
UK REACH deadlines extended
The REACH (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2026 came into force on 6 August 2026 and apply across England, Scotland and Wales.
The amendment makes several changes to the UK REACH regime, including:
- Extending key deadlines for businesses to submit chemical registration data.
- Allowing certain imports from the EU to continue under provisional arrangements for a longer period.
- Providing the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) with additional time to undertake compliance checks.
These changes are intended to support the ongoing implementation of the UK chemicals regulatory framework.
Looking ahead
With continued regulatory activity across biodiversity, environmental protection and chemical management, organisations should ensure they remain aware of developments that could affect future projects, compliance obligations and reporting requirements.
As further guidance and implementation details emerge, businesses may wish to review their existing processes to ensure they remain aligned with the latest legislative requirements.
