Why It Matters

Henkel of America Inc. faces critical regulatory, tax, and trade challenges threatening its competitive position. The EPA’s TSCA fee authority expires September 2026, triggering congressional debate over chemical safety modernization—with lawmakers split between demanding faster approvals for U.S. competitiveness against China and resisting industry influence on safety standards. Federal packaging legislation threatens to preempt the state-by-state regulatory patchwork Henkel navigates, while volatile tariff policies have driven import duties to 17 percent.

By the Numbers

Henkel of America Inc. reported $160,000 in final quarter 2025 lobbying expenditures through in-house efforts. The company has maintained continuous federal lobbying since 2017, filing 34 disclosures worth over $3.2 million.

In-house lobbyist Kevin Patrick McKenney leads Henkel’s federal engagement, bringing sector experience from representing the Window and Door Manufacturers Association and National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association.

The company’s current priorities mirror historical patterns across 29 disclosures on consumer safety, 24 on taxation, and 11 on chemical compliance.

The Agenda

Henkel of America Inc. lobbies on four core issues tied to its chemical and consumer goods businesses.

Chemical Safety: Engaging in TSCA compliance as Congress debates modernizing chemical safety laws. A January 2026 Senate hearing advanced proposals to strengthen chemical supply chains and domestic manufacturing.

Packaging Standards: Lobbying on the PACK Act (H.R. 6832), which addresses packaging claims and recycling standards through federal preemption of conflicting state regulations.

Tax Policy: Advocating for clean energy tax incentives, manufacturing investment credits, and repealing the Superfund chemical excise tax—a bipartisan priority championed by Senator Ted Cruz.

Trade and Tariffs: Monitoring tariff policies and supply chain resilience amid Trump’s escalating tariff regime and tracking the planned 2026 USMCA review.

Broader Context

Henkel engages amid significant legislative momentum reshaping its priority areas. The EPA’s TSCA fee authority expires September 30, 2026. Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) has expressed concern that lengthy EPA reviews undermine U.S. competitiveness against China.

Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas) introduced the PACK Act in December 2025, seeking federal standards to preempt conflicting state regulations. The chemical excise tax faces bipartisan repeal efforts, with Cruz reintroducing the Chemical Tax Repeal Act in February 2025.

Trade policy remains turbulent. Average import tariffs reached 17 percent by mid-November, though the Supreme Court signaled skepticism about tariff authority, creating uncertainty.

Competitive Landscape

Henkel operates within an intensely competitive policy environment shaped by industry-wide advocacy. The Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates Inc. heavily lobbies on TSCA compliance and Superfund programs, while the American Chemistry Council has made Superfund tax repeal a top priority.

On packaging, the Ameripen coalition—including Nestlé, General Mills, and Kraft Heinz—championed the PACK Act. This reflects coordinated industry advocacy for federal preemption of state regulations.

The Bottom Line

Henkel’s $160,000 final quarter 2025 lobbying spend targets high-stakes debates reshaping chemical and consumer goods industries. With TSCA fee authority expiring, federal packaging legislation advancing, and 17 percent average tariff rates, Henkel’s lobbying positions the company to influence outcomes with direct bottom-line implications.

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