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United Kingdom - REACH

The UK has left the EU and as such new regulations will be required when exporting chemicals to the Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales).

As a member of the EU the UK require the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).  During the transition period the regulations still apply until December 31, 2020. After this period the EU chemicals legislation, which includes REACH, will no longer apply to the Great Britain and the UK will no longer be a member of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). From 1 January 2021, the UK will introduce a parallel system UK REACH. The UK REACH will be aligned to the EU version from the start and maintain EU REACH’s aims and principles. However, going forward there might be differences between the two. The adoption of new standards is being phased and companies have now available new guidance published by the UK Government:

  • See the landing page for all relevant information for chemical companies. 
  • See the following link for UK REACH. 
  • See guidance for U.S. companies that want to export chemical substances to the Great Britain.

Note: Northern Ireland is currently expected to be aligned with existing EU regulations.

For questions please contact Kristina.Schaferova@trade.gov.