Today saw the publication of a draft Political Declaration, setting out the framework for a future relationship between the EU and the UK. The declaration, which will guide negotiations following the UK's departure from the EU, includes a commitment to 'explore the possibility of co-operation of the UK with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)', and states that the UK 'will … [Read more...] about Brexit progress? Draft Political Declaration mentions EU chemicals agency ECHA
Brexit
Scary stuff: UK highly dependent on other EU countries for assurance that toys are safe
Every day people across the UK and Europe buy millions of products, taking for granted that these goods are safe, free from illegal levels of hazardous chemicals. Authorities across the EU test products like toys, to check if laws are being broken, and if they are then they notify an EU-wide safety service, RAPEX. For example, the halloween mask above, packed full of the banned … [Read more...] about Scary stuff: UK highly dependent on other EU countries for assurance that toys are safe
Conservative Party Conference: What does it mean for chemical policy and Brexit?
The UK Conservative Party Conference this week was dominated by the major hurdles of Brexit, chiefly the Irish border, immigration policy and trade. However, chemicals continued to feature in discussions across the conference, from small fringe events on environment and trade up to the main stage address from Environment Minister Michael Gove. The deep divisions … [Read more...] about Conservative Party Conference: What does it mean for chemical policy and Brexit?
UK Government publishes preparations for chemical regulation in event of ‘no-deal’ Brexit
Today, Monday 24th of September, the UK Government published papers on how the UK plans to transfer EU chemicals law REACH into UK law in the event of a no-deal exit from the EU. In line with other policy areas, on REACH the UK Government plans to copy across the EU law and only modify it to ensure workability. At first glance this might be assumed to ensure that such an … [Read more...] about UK Government publishes preparations for chemical regulation in event of ‘no-deal’ Brexit
UK Government White Paper on Brexit includes a wish to stay in EU chemicals law, but are its commitments enough?
The UK Government today published a White Paper spelling out its Brexit strategy and CHEM Trust welcomes its reaffirmation that the UK will be seeking ‘active’ participation in the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the linked REACH chemicals regulatory system. The UK Government's proposals address two of the three preconditions that we believe will be necessary for the UK … [Read more...] about UK Government White Paper on Brexit includes a wish to stay in EU chemicals law, but are its commitments enough?
Should the UK stay in the EU Chemical Agency Post-Brexit? Latest from UK Parliament, Cefic and Article 50 Taskforce
In CHEM Trust's view the UK should aim to remain in the EU's world-leading chemicals regulatory system REACH and the EU Chemicals Agency ECHA, whatever the final outcome of Brexit. The UK Prime Minister has spoken of 'Associate Membership' of ECHA, but it's not yet clear what this means. The UK Parliament has just finished a complex set of votes on a range of Brexit-related … [Read more...] about Should the UK stay in the EU Chemical Agency Post-Brexit? Latest from UK Parliament, Cefic and Article 50 Taskforce
UK confirms it would like to remain in EU chemicals law REACH, but will it meet the EU’s conditions?
In a speech on Friday March 2nd the UK Prime Minister Theresa May stated that the UK wished to discuss the possibility of remaining part of the EU chemicals agency ECHA after Brexit. CHEM Trust welcomes this announcement, but it is important to realise that the other EU governments (the EU27) will inevitably set specific conditions for such participation, and that the risk … [Read more...] about UK confirms it would like to remain in EU chemicals law REACH, but will it meet the EU’s conditions?
UK politicians debate EU chemical laws and Brexit; it is argued that new UK chemical regulation would be an “ideological indulgence”
On Thursday 1st February, UK politicians gathered in Westminster Hall to debate the future of UK chemical regulations after Brexit. A strong case was made for the business, health and environmental benefits of staying in the EU's world-leading chemicals regulation system REACH. The Chair of the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee (EAC), Mary Creagh argued that … [Read more...] about UK politicians debate EU chemical laws and Brexit; it is argued that new UK chemical regulation would be an “ideological indulgence”
MPs to vote on retaining REACH chemical laws after Brexit, as industry and NGOs step up the pressure
On Wednesday 20th December, UK Members of Parliament will vote on an amendment calling on the UK Government to remain in the EU's REACH chemicals regulations after Brexit. The amendment (NC61), which has been tabled by the Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, Mary Creagh MP, comes after both industry and civil society groups made it clear that they believe that the UK … [Read more...] about MPs to vote on retaining REACH chemical laws after Brexit, as industry and NGOs step up the pressure
Regulating hazardous chemicals after Brexit: Poor Government response to letter from 19 organisations
The European Union has created the most sophisticated system for regulating hazardous chemicals in the world, called REACH. CHEM Trust is very concerned that the UK could lose access to this system on Brexit, and we joined with 18 other organisations, from Trade Unions to the Women's Institute, to send a joint letter to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and … [Read more...] about Regulating hazardous chemicals after Brexit: Poor Government response to letter from 19 organisations