Auto Care Association Regulatory Update – Monday, October 5, 2026
There is one new action of interest this week.
New Actions
Fuel Economy Standards - NHTSA issued modified Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for light-duty vehicles for MY 2022-2026 and 2027-2031. The standards continue to go higher but at a much slower rate than they were scheduled to do under the Biden administration rule. This is expected to reduce the need for electric vehicles to meet the standards.
More Information: Final Rule
Ongoing Activity
Black Mass and Tungsten Export - The Bureau of Industry and Security issued a temporary final rule restricting export of black mass and tungsten and is seeking comments on making permanent that restriction. Comments are due Nov. 4, 2026.
More Information: Temporary Final Rule
More Information: Guidance Notice
If you have questions about any of these items, please contact Grant MacIntyre, director, regulatory affairs and senior attorney, Auto Care Association.

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Market Insights with Mike is a series presented by the Auto Care Association's Director of Market Intelligence, Mike Chung, that is dedicated to analyzing market-influencing trends as they happen and their potential effects on your business and the auto care industry.
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