Government Confirms New Approach to UK REACH Chemical Registrations

The Government has confirmed its proposed approach to changing the transitional registration requirements under UK REACH - the regulatory framework governing the manufacture, import, supply and use of chemicals across Great Britain.

Following a public consultation, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has set out plans for an Alternative Transitional Registration Model, known as the ATRm.

Why Is UK REACH Changing?

Before the UK left the European Union, approximately 20,000 chemicals available on the Great Britain market were registered under EU REACH.

However, the underlying registration data was not automatically transferred to the Health and Safety Executive when the UK established its own regulatory system. This created a requirement for businesses to register information again under UK REACH.

The Government recognised that asking companies to recreate full registration dossiers could lead to significant expense and unnecessary duplication, particularly where substances had already been assessed under EU REACH.

The new model is intended to create a more proportionate system while preserving the principle of “no data, no market”.

What Will the New Model Include?

Under the proposed approach, registrants will still be required to provide important information about chemical hazards, uses and exposure.

However, the amount of information required upfront will be reduced compared with the original transitional arrangements.

Key elements include:

• Registrants submitting conclusions about the hazards associated with a substance
• Existing UK REACH requirements for use and exposure information being retained
• Chemical safety assessments and reports being required where relevant
• Businesses joining substance groups to support data sharing and joint submissions
• The regulator retaining powers to request additional information when necessary

The Government has also confirmed that registration requirements will continue to vary according to the quantity supplied and the hazard classification of the substance.

What Does This Mean for Spray Businesses?

Most independent spraying businesses will not be directly responsible for registering individual chemicals. However, the wider changes remain relevant to the coatings and spray-finishing industry.

Businesses importing coatings, cleaning products, thinners or other chemical mixtures directly into Great Britain may have additional responsibilities depending on their position within the supply chain.

Sprayers should continue to:

• Purchase products from reputable suppliers
• Keep current safety data sheets for all chemical products
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and identified control measures
• Maintain suitable COSHH assessments
• Check whether direct imports create additional regulatory responsibilities
• Monitor changes to product availability, composition and safety information

The announcement does not remove employers’ existing duties under COSHH or other workplace health and safety legislation.

A More Proportionate Chemicals Framework

The Government says the revised model will reduce unnecessary costs while still providing regulators with the information needed to protect people and the environment.

Legislation will be required to implement the updated arrangements and confirm the relevant registration deadlines.

UKSA will continue to monitor developments under UK REACH and share any changes that could affect professional sprayers, coating suppliers or businesses importing chemical products.

Further information is available in the Government’s UK REACH consultation response.