Coping with Regulatory Moving Targets

I agree Test & Measurement is an essential reference to keep you up to date - John Trottier - Member IEEE standards association

What to do is i.e. direct your R&D towards making it viable to stop using substances known (I'd go as far as adding 'suspected') to be hazardous, if the technical option exists to replace them with less/ non-hazardous (there will never be a regulation preventing you to use the latter).

'Vision' is the operative word. You need second-guess no-one.

Be proactive in anticipating and committing to what is good for society and end-users, or you will always be dragged around by regulations, complaining how expensive it gets. By being constructive and part of the developments, you can even get a chance to help make the standards reflected in the regulations (and beat your less proactive competition- be a market leader and let them do the complaining). A healthy relationship to society is not only fundamental but also, when handled/ marketed right, potentially rewarding. I don't mean joining in on the 'green hyperbole', I mean joining the essence.

Or you can disregard/ fight social interests in the name of your own.

I agree with all of the above comments, be aware of new standards in your field and more importantly take part in the standards writing process and thus get what you want not what a test house wants or a politiian or a green scientist. Don't stand on the outside complaining, stand inside and fight your corner