New UK REACH Regulation in Force Since 1st January 2021
With the advent of Brexit, chemical compliance for supplying or purchasing substances, mixtures or articles to and from the European Union will be subject to new regulations known as UK REACH, which came into force on 1st January 2021. Brands, retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors will need to ensure compliance with UK REACH.
What is UK REACH?
UK REACH is a piece of chemical compliance legislation that was brought into law on 1st January 2021.
Now that the UK has left the EU, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) will no longer participate in European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) decision making or the EU regulatory framework for chemicals. The HSE will now be established as the UK Chemicals Authority, with a view to conducting similar functions to ECHA.
So alternatively, the UK government will be implementing UK REACH which still requires the compliance of companies trading goods throughout the UK and EU.
Is UK REACH the same as EU REACH?
The UK government has answered calls for UK REACH to be as close as possible in alignment to EU REACH, however, there could be an annex on chemicals with provisions for data sharing and cooperation with the EU. UK REACH attempts to support trade by maintaining regulatory consistency with EU REACH.
How can I verify that my products are compliant with both UK and EU REACH?
At Eurofins | BLC, we can provide chemical testing services to ensure compliance with either or both the UK and EU REACH regulation. This includes testing for SVHCs and the legally required Annex XVII substances.
Further information on REACH testing and screening services.
UK REACH Support for Members
Eurofins | BLC Members can benefit from support with testing, chemical compliance, training and specifications. Contact your account manager or email [email protected] for further information.
Useful Links & Further Reading on UK REACH
12 February 2021