PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Chemicals: Regulation (10 May 2018)

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to ensure that the framework for the regulation of chemicals provided by the EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation & Restriction of Chemicals regulation will be replicated in the UK after it leaves the EU.

Asked by:
Helen Hayes (Labour)

The Government’s priority is to maintain an effective regulatory system for managing and controlling chemicals to safeguard human health and the environment, responding to emerging risks and allowing trade with the EU that is as smooth as possible. The Withdrawal Bill will convert current EU law into domestic law wherever practical, giving consumers and businesses as much certainty as possible. This includes laws relating to chemicals. REACH will continue to apply while the UK remains in the EU, and during the implementation period.

As the Prime Minister set out in her Mansion House speech, we will want to explore with the EU the terms on which we could remain part of EU agencies, such as the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). While it would not be appropriate to pre-judge the outcome of the negotiations we are discussing with the EU and Member States how best to continue cooperation in chemicals regulation in the best interests of both the UK and the EU.

Answered by:
George Eustice (Conservative)
22 May 2018