When the UK left the European Union (EU) a Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) was signed by both jurisdictions. This committed both parties to better cooperation, yet for the chemicals sector that has its own dedicated Annex under the TCA, this commitment has yet to be turned into a real functional mechanism.

The UK and EU chemical and cosmetics industries believe this Annex offers a practical mechanism that would strengthen regulatory cooperation, reduce duplication, and provide a more predictable, efficient and resilient foundation for the highly integrated chemicals markets on both sides of the English Channel. Implementation of the provisions in the Annex on chemicals would provide a solid legal and organisational basis for this.

Such cooperation would likely help lower regulatory costs and administrative burdens to not only industry but also authorities by reducing duplication of data generation, review and assessment in both jurisdictions. Ultimately its implementation will help boost trade and investment between the EU and the UK, supporting the chemical and cosmetics sectors’ competitiveness.

 

ACTIONS:

Implement the Chemicals Annex in the TCA by:

  • Collaborating to find the best regulatory management options for protecting the environment and human health through sharing of non-confidential information, evidence, knowledge and best practice as indicated under Article 7 paragraphs 2 and 5 of the Chemicals Annex within the TCA. This could include opinions and assessments for harmonised classification of chemicals, monitoring and identification of emerging chemical risks.
  • Maintaining compatible high standards in both markets.
  • Holding regular and structured meetings between relevant regulators and agencies in both jurisdictions including, but not limited to Defra, HSE, Environment Agency, Department for Business and Trade and ECHA, DG GROW and DG Environment.
  • Cooperating on monitoring and enforcement of environmental protection legislation as stated in Article 395 of the EU-UK TCA.
  • Giving consideration to non-animal New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for determining chemical safety, seeking to harmonise and standardise such methods for regulatory adoption and acceptance in both markets.

For further information see our Position statement.

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