The Chemical Business Association (CBA), the voice of the chemical supply chain, is pleased to welcome the launch (16th May 2024) of a public consultation by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on UK REACH and the alternative transitional registration model (ATRm).
Following years of extensive representation and lobbying with Government on behalf of its members and wider industry, the CBA, alongside its partners, is encouraged to see this next step towards creating a workable and viable model for UK REACH.
The consultation includes gathering stakeholders’ views on proposals to amend the current transitional model under UK REACH, particularly regarding registration submissions to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The proposals aim to uphold existing human health and environmental protections, while reducing costs to businesses during the transition from EU REACH to UK REACH. It also hopes to explore protections against unnecessary animal testing.
The consultation will give stakeholders the opportunity to contribute their views on the current proposed model, including any impacts to trade they are experiencing.
Tim Doggett, Chemical Business Association’s CEO said: “From the outset, we highlighted the issues that UK REACH created, it was a huge barrier to trade, business and investment given its fundamental flaw in lack of access to data, and I have to say, progress has been frustrating and painfully slow”.
We’re not there yet, but having made the first real breakthrough all the way back in December 2021, at last there is something tangible to work on and we welcome this development.”
He continues: “Whilst we welcome the progress, there is still much work to be done. We must also recognise that the implementation of any model will require time and this is very relevant given that the first registration deadline is in October 2026. This is further complicated by the upcoming General Election. The CBA will continue to push forward on this with our partners and all stakeholders in the interests of the entire chemical supply chain.”
