The politicians and think tank wonks espousing ‘regulatory divergence’ from Europe to facilitate trade deals with the United States and other free market centres claim to be acting in the interests of British businesses, including chemicals companies. But when I reached out to the directors of those companies and the associations that represent them, the response was emphatic.
British companies want to stay within REACH, and Brexit is already creating market uncertainty that is damaging business and threatens a future regulatory environment that is confused, duplicated, complex and expensive. It is estimated UK companies have already spent £250 million complying with REACH in time for last year’s 31st May deadline - money wasted if the country opts to become ‘out-of-REACH’.
Peter Newport, chief executive of the Chemical Business Association (CBA), told openDemocracy: “The CBA does not want to see divergence from REACH, and the overwhelming majority of our members want to stay in REACH. A survey a year ago revealed 20 percent of CBA members wanted divergence from REACH, but this has reduced dramatically as companies understand the implications.”
