Concerns that a ‘no deal’ scenario in Brexit negotiations could threaten chemical regulation have been voiced by the Law Society of England and Wales.
The legal body recently said that reciprocal chemical regulation agreements between the UK and the EU could come to an end should the UK fail to negotiate a deal when it leaves Europe.
As a result, concerns are brewing over the safety and security of the chemical industry and the effects on related sectors, such as toll processing.
Data protection, policing and security collaboration could also come under threat, the society has warned.
Christina Blacklaws, vice president of the Law Society, said that a tremendous volume of litigation is likely to ensue amid the confusion caused by leaving the EU as companies seek clarification on their legal rights, putting strain on the country’s legal system.
“Companies operating in the UK and EU will also face the challenge of dual regulation, a burden which will fall hardest on small and medium-sized businesses,” she said.
“Many companies will struggle to function when they are forced to wait months to understand their legal rights under a new framework.”
With regards to Brexit, the Chemical Industries Association called on the government earlier this year to prioritise regulatory consistency and continuity when negotiating the country’s exit from Europe.
The organisation has said that a transitional period in the single market would support investment and economic growth and called on ministers to ensure key concerns such as tariff-free access to the single market and to appropriately skilled people be made priorities during the negotiation process.
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