The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has issued guidance for companies in the glass and glazing industry that import chemicals from the EU. The guidance is available online, here.
“For companies importing chemicals over one tonne, the challenges of this transition have been compared to the UKCA transfer from CE marking,” said James MacPherson, the GGF’s health, safety and environment manager, who produced the new guidance. “If you are importing chemicals over one tonne into the UK from the EU or from outside Great Britain, it’s a legal requirement to register that chemical. This will incur costs, time and administration.
“Our advice is, if you are purchasing chemicals from a company that is based outside of Great Britain, then you should immediately engage with your provider and ask them what they are doing regarding the UK Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (Reach) regulation, and then check what you have to do ensure you are operating legally.”
The new guidance explains which companies are responsible for registering under UK Reach. It also covers the criteria needed for registration, and aims to show how UK Reach affects downstream companies buying from registered importers. Additionally, the GGF has created a flowchart to help companies understand their obligations and pathways to registration.
John Agnew, GGF Group’s managing director, said: “British companies importing chemicals from outside Great Britain must make themselves aware of the obligations under Reach, and the impact of the transition to UK Reach. The GGF has been raising awareness regarding UK Reach for a few months nowm with little feedback. However it has come to our attention that there are significant business risks that a lot of companies may not be aware of. Therefore, we have produced guidance for our members to review and advise those who are importing to act immediately.”
The EU Reach Regulation was brought into UK law on 1 January 2021, and is now in operation; it is known as UK Reach. The key principles of the EU Reach regulation have been retained, but UK Reach and the EU Reach regulations operate independently. Companies that are supplying and purchasing substances, mixtures, or articles to and from the EU/EEA/Northern Ireland and Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) will need to ensure that the relevant duties are met under both pieces of legislation. Under the Northern Ireland Protocol, the EU Reach regulation continues to apply to Northern Ireland, while UK Reach provides the regulatory framework for chemicals in Great Britain.
