Swiss Chinese Law Association — Geneva
SCLA Legal Observatory
Follow legal developments in China, Switzerland and the European Union. Understand what has changed, who may be affected and why it matters for cross-border cooperation, responsible business and public rights. Every explanation connects you to its original sources.
Topic: Sustainability and Responsibility · show all topics
Hong Kong SAR's Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and Singapore's Energy Market Authority have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation in energy systems, low-carbon technologies, AI, and multilateral forums.
Status unclear13 October 2026
On 12 October 2026, European Commissioner Hoekstra delivered press remarks in Luxembourg following the Environment Council meeting, thanking the Irish Presidency and two ministers for their work on climate commitment.
Status unclear13 October 2026
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published two thematic guidance notes outlining practical do's and don'ts for financial market participants making positive impact and climate transition claims in non-regulatory communications.
Regulatory guidance12 October 2026
Following Mario Draghi’s report on European competitiveness, the European Union has begun process steps to simplify its legal framework, aiming to reduce administrative burdens on companies and foster a more favourable business environment.
Status unclear11 October 2026
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has called on governments and international policy processes to deliver clear and sustained policy signals on clean energy transition, mitigation, adaptation, and finance ahead of COP31.
Status unclear10 October 2026
At the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment, members discussed practical interoperability for trade-related climate measures, reviewed non-binding guidance on measuring embedded carbon emissions, and received an update on the UK Carbon Border Adjustment…
Status unclear8 October 2026
In a Legislative Council reply, Hong Kong SAR Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan detailed safety assessments regarding PFAS in non-plastic tableware alternatives, quality verification procedures under the Green Tableware Platform, and the…
Rules in force7 October 2026
Co-Convenors Canada and Costa Rica, alongside workstream co-facilitators, have announced an updated TESSD work plan targeting MC15. The initiative focuses on trade-related climate measures, environmental goods and services, the circular economy, and exploratory discussions…
Status unclear7 October 2026
The General Office of the State Council of the PRC has made public an action plan targeting water pollution in rivers, ponds, ditches, and industrial parks near communities, extending environmental oversight to counties, rural…
Regulatory guidance3 October 2026
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree promulgating a revised 38-article regulation on emergency response to and investigation and handling of electric power safety accidents, taking effect on January 1, 2027.
Adopted legislation3 October 2026
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree revising 12 administrative regulations and revoking three others to align national administrative rules with China's landmark Ecological and Environmental Code.
Adopted legislation1 October 2026
Market access, bilateral investment, company governance and cross-border transactions.
Imports, exports, tariffs, product rules and the movement of goods.
Financial regulation, payment systems and the protection of financial consumers.
Artificial intelligence, privacy, data transfers and digital responsibility.
Environmental rules, supply chains and the social responsibilities of business.
Creative work, brands, geographical indications and cultural knowledge.
Mediation, arbitration, court processes and the prevention of disputes.
Work, consumer protection and legal questions in daily and cross-border life.
We identify the jurisdiction, publication date and legal status of the developments we cover. Articles distinguish between proposals, adopted measures and rules in force. Where information changes, we update the article and record material corrections.
