The government has just announced that it has put new guidance in place to help any businesses that use chemicals if the UK exits the EU without a deal in place.
If, by the deadline for Brexit of March 29th, the UK does leave without a deal companies will need to register their chemicals on a new regulatory system – UK REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) – which has been set up to replace EU REACH.
Chemical manufacturers will have to validate existing registration with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) within 60 days of Brexit, while those that import chemical substances from the EU will have to notify the HSE within 180 days of the UK leaving the EU.
“Delivering a negotiated deal with the EU remains the government’s top priority, but it is the job of a responsible government to ensure we are prepared for all scenarios, including no deal.
“It is not just chemicals producers that could be affected by this change, so I encourage all businesses that use chemicals to read the guidance on the HSE website and check whether they need to take action,” environment minister Therese Coffey said.
With just 65 days or so to go before the UK leaves the EU, businesses should now make sure they’ve registered for a UK Economic Operator Registration and Identification number if they trade with the EU and haven’t already registered for customs.
They should also find out if they need to supply further information to complete safety and security declarations, or if they need to submit these themselves.