Overview
Partner Darren Abrahams and associate Tom Gillett were recently quoted by ENDS Report and Chemical Watch discussing the UK REACH 'Alternative Transitional Registration model' (ATRm) proposal.
During the discussion with ENDS Report, Abrahams said that, "While it will be necessary to carefully scrutinize and pressure test DEFRA’s proposal, it is already clear that the current deadlock over UK REACH registrations is in nobody’s interest. A solution on the data requirements could provide much needed certainty to business."
Also speaking with ENDS Report, Gillett added that, "an agreement could allow regulators to focus on their main task, which is to ensure REACH delivers on its goals and objectives – to improve the protection of human health and the environment, while enhancing the competitiveness of the chemicals industry. Our sense is that this may be the moment when the various stakeholders will come together and thrash out a solution."
Speaking with Chemical Watch Gillett noted that while Defra's efforts to reduce costs for accessing the GB market are welcome, "there may still be some work to do in reassuring data owners that the fruits of their labor are being used and referred to legitimately."
In addition to substance registration, the consultation also seeks to tackle issues with the restriction process, regulatory reporting requirements and further protections against unnecessary animal testing. Abrahams and Gillett commented that: "Each such change will represent further divergence from the EU model and highlights the importance of a global market access strategy that allows developments in both the GB and EU markets to be tracked independently."
Read "Industry Welcomes 'Tangible’ UK REACH Alternative Registration Model Proposal" at Chemical Watch. (subscription required)
