Cefic: 48% of UK firms not transferred REACH registration

Brussels – Some 48% of UK companies have not yet transferred their registrations under REACH to EU-based entities, according to a 4-Sept statement by the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic).

Cefic said it was working with the UK's Chemical Industries Association (CIA) to advise and encourage businesses on preparing for Brexit, including a potential no deal outcome.

Citing figures from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Cefic said the situation could mean that over 700 chemical substances risk not being available on the EU market after the UK’s scheduled departure from the European Union at the end of October.

Earlier this year, the ECHA opened a “Brexit window” for the transfer of UK registrations for REACH to an EU 27-based company before the UK’s departure from the EU.

The agency also urged companies not to leave the transaction “to the last minute”.

By the end of March, more than 4,800 registrations had either been transferred or were awaiting a legal entity change, according to the ECHA.

REACH has approximately 12,000 UK registrations in total.