Tightening the Grip: Hungary strengthens rules on workplace exposure to hazardous substances
On 10 July 2026, the Hungarian Minister of Social Affairs and Family Policy published Decree 2/2026 (VII. 10.) SZCSM (the “Decree”) that amends several occupational safety regulations. The Decree transposes Directive (EU) 2024/869 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 March 2024, which amends Directives 2004/37/EC and 98/24/EC regarding limit values for lead and its inorganic compounds, and for diisocyanates; and it updates certain occupational exposure limit values.
The Decree amends Decree 5/2020 (II. 6.) ITM on the protection of employees exposed to chemical agents, updating the list of transposed EU directives, revising the occupational exposure limit tables, and lowering biological monitoring thresholds. It also amends Decree 32/2021 (VII. 26.) ITM on the amendment of certain ministerial decrees concerning occupational safety and health, and provides that certain provisions of that earlier instrument will not enter into force.
Decree 55/2023 (XII. 28.) GFM on protection against occupational carcinogens, mutagens, or reprotoxic substances has also been amended. Key changes include, among others, a revised definition of “mutagenic substance” referencing the classification criteria under the CLP Regulation.
The Decree adopts a staggered entry-into-force structure reflecting the transitional periods under Directive (EU) 2024/869. Most provisions went into effect on 11 July 2026. Beryllium-related provisions entered into force on 12 July 2026; cadmium-related provisions will enter into force on 12 July 2027; and the tightened limits for lead biological monitoring and diisocyanates will enter into force on 1 January 2029.
Takeaway for employers
Employers with operations in Hungary involving lead, diisocyanates, beryllium, cadmium, or hardwood dust should review their workplace exposure assessments and biological monitoring programmes against the new thresholds well before each phase-in date. Particular attention should be paid to greatly reduced blood-lead biological exposure indicators, which will require enhanced health surveillance of exposed workers.
For more information on these changes to Hungarian employment law, contact your CMS client partner or the CMS experts who contributed to this article.
Hungary’s legal, tax and regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly following the change of government. Stay informed with timely updates and expert analysis from our dedicated hub, Hungary Forward: Hungary Forward | CMS Hungary
The article was co-authored by Viktor Kovács.
