These regulations, effective January 21, 2026, amend UK law to restrict the use of 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone/Oxybenzone (Oxybenzone) in cosmetic products due to potential health concerns.

The regulations specify different maximum concentrations depending on the product type and incorporate a transition period until July 21, 2026, for products already on the market.

The changes are based on scientific advice and aim to ensure public health and safety while providing a transition period for businesses.

The Postal Services (Universal Postal Service) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2025 amends the 2012 Postal Services (Universal Postal Service) Order.

Key changes include updated definitions to reflect the UK's departure from the EU, revised routing times for standard and priority letters, and adjustments to delivery and collection schedules, aiming for greater clarity and efficiency in the postal system.

The Order also revokes a previous, incomplete amendment Order.

OFCOM conducted a user needs review before implementing these changes.

The Aviation Safety (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 amend several EU regulations concerning civil aviation safety.

Key changes include modifications to pilot licensing (specifically the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence), training requirements for pilots and organizations, and air operations, particularly concerning cost-shared flights.

The regulations also introduce a new balloon pilot license structure and clarify the roles and requirements for flight instructors and examiners.

Several corrections to previous regulations are also included.

This order amends existing orders governing nine Combined Authorities in England, granting them powers under the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 to provide financial resources for approved technical education qualifications and steps towards occupational competence.

These powers are not applicable to apprenticeships or individuals under 19 or under 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan.

The order received approval from each House of Parliament and involved prior public consultation.

This order amends the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, increasing the money laundering threshold from £1,000 to £3,000 for transactions under section 339A(2) and (6A).

This affects banks and firms handling accounts, and businesses in the regulated sector returning property to customers.

The increase aims to reduce administrative burdens on businesses while preserving the focus on significant money laundering activities.

The amendment followed parliamentary review and approval.

This order, effective September 1, 2025, increases charges at the Dartford Crossing.

It amends the 2013 charging scheme by raising the charges by 40% across all categories.

The legal basis for the variation is cited, and an explanatory note clarifies that a full impact assessment wasn't conducted due to the nature of the amendment.

The Thames Estuary Cockle Fishery (No. 2) (Variation) Order 2025 modifies the 2024 Order, altering article 5(12) regarding licence eligibility.

Specifically, it makes individuals who were shareholders or officers of certain companies ineligible for licenses or renewals until December 2031.

The order, enacted under the Sea Fisheries (Shellfish) Act 1967, aims to improve the regulation of cockle fishing in the Thames Estuary.

The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Markets in Financial Instruments) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2017 regulations, expanding the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) ability to request information and intervene in matters concerning commodity derivatives to encompass 'applicable OTC commodity derivatives'.

The amendments extend the FCA's powers to include options, futures, and contracts for difference relating to commodities traded on UK trading venues, but which are not classified as financial instruments.

These changes came into effect immediately after relevant paragraphs in Schedule 2 of the 2023 Financial Services and Markets Act were enacted, applying to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.