A commitment for Britain and the EU to explore the possibility of “cooperation” between UK authorities and Echa has been included in the draft Brexit political declaration.
Agreed in principle on 22 November, the declaration sets out the framework for a future relationship between the two sides and will guide negotiations following the UK’s departure.
In a joint statement, Cefic and the UK’s Chemical Industries Association (CIA) welcomed the news and said the political declaration “continues to keep alive a successful resolution” to industry concerns.
“Given this commitment, chemical businesses in the EU27 and the UK will be working with negotiators to ensure the UK’s continued participation in the European chemicals agency.”
NGO CHEM Trust also welcomed the draft declaration. There are “clear benefits” to both the EU and the UK of the UK remaining within the REACH system, including protection of human health and the environment, preventing damaging deregulation and facilitating trade, it said.
“However, there is more work to be done to develop the vague language into solid commitments, and to agree which chemical-related laws the UK will need to remain aligned.”
The final Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration could be agreed by EU27 and UK governments on 25 November.