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Written question asked by Alex Cunningham (Labour) on Thursday, 21 July 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 September 2022 (named day). It was answered by Steve Double (Conservative) on Tuesday, 6 September 2022 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Chemicals: Regulation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions his Department has had with downstream users across industries when developing (a) UK REACH, and (b) UK Chemical classification, labelling and packaging policy.

Answer

We are developing an Alternative Transitional Registration (ATR) model to address industry concerns about costs of transitioning to UK REACH, while still ensuring high levels of environmental and health protection. Alongside this work, Defra and the Devolved Administrations are beginning a project to consider how best to improve UK REACH and enable it to deliver UK priorities effectively.

We continue to engage with stakeholders throughout the chemicals supply chain as this work develops, for example through a small consultative Oversight Group on the ATR work. We are also engaging more widely with a broad range of stakeholders with relevant experience on a range of technical considerations as we develop the ATR model in more detail. Although it is too early to commit to a new model, any changes to the UK REACH legislation would also require public consultation as part of the legislative process.

The Health and Safety Executive holds the policy lead across government for the GB CLP Regulation and continues regular contact with stakeholders in the UK chemicals industry through GB CLP e-Bulletins as well as close engagement with stakeholders, including trade associations and duty holders, on the process for the GB mandatory classification and labelling of hazardous substances.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
42035
Session
2022-23
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Chemicals Regulation
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk