Today, 24 September 2018, saw the release of the Government’s ‘no-deal’ Brexit guidance on regulating chemicals (REACH) and how this would affect businesses producing, registering, importing or exporting chemicals. 

The Chemical Industries Association (CIA) appreciates that this is not an easy task and will continue to work with the UK Government and the EU27 to ensure the best possible outcome. However, reacting to the technical notices, the CIA said: “businesses have already spent in excess of £550 million investing in registrations under EU-REACH; sharing information and communicating safe use in exchange for a license to market chemicals in European countries, including the UK. Requiring companies to duplicate pre-existing registration duties for a UK-REACH will not only weaken our international competitiveness but more importantly, offers nothing more to strengthen health and safety.

As a consequence, we urge that a more efficient and less costly option to both businesses and the regulator is considered over re-registrations whereby all existing REACH registrations are recognised in the UK.”

ENDS

NOTES

For further information, please contact Simon Marsh on 07951 389197 or [email protected].

• The chemical and pharmaceutical industry adds £18 billion of value to the UK economy every year from total annual turnover of £50 billion.
• In addition to gross value added, the sector also contributes to the UK economy in its position at the head of many supply chains within manufacturing and its employment of a well remunerated, high-skilled workforce. We support 500,000 jobs both directly and indirectly Chemical manufacturing adds £9 billion in gross value added annually and pharmaceutical manufacturing £9 billion.
• The wider chemical and pharmaceutical sector (manufacturing plus distribution) is the largest exporter of manufactured goods with annual exports of over £50 billion. The export of motor vehicle, trailers and semi-trailers is the sector with next highest exports of £35 billion. Aerospace is £32 billion.
• 63% of companies in the sector export what they make to the world, the highest proportion of any goods manufacturing sector in the UK economy. 60% of our exports go to the European Union and 75% of our imports and raw materials come from the European Union.
• The sector’s level of business investment is £4.3 billion, compared to automotive £2.7 billion and aerospace £2.1 billion, while the expenditure on research & development is £5.0 billion (automotive £2.7 billion and aerospace £2.1 billion).
• The products and technologies of the Chemical industry are essential parts of medicines, food & drink, telecommunications, energy-saving, I.T, clothing and much more.
• For every tonne of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emitted, our products and technologies enable over 2 tonnes of GHG emissions savings.