The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), alongside the Scottish and Welsh Governments, has unveiled the priorities for the UK REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) work programme for the fiscal year 2023 to 2024. This announcement, made on 15 February 2024, marks a pivotal moment for environmental and public health protection in Great Britain, covering England, Scotland, and Wales.
UK REACH, a cornerstone of Great Britain's independent chemical regulatory regime, aims to ensure a high level of safety for human health and the environment. This year's programme, supported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency, will focus on assessing and managing the risks associated with certain chemicals and substances.
Priorities for Action
The programme highlights five substances and groups of substances for priority action:
- Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Plans include developing a restriction dossier for PFAS in fire-fighting foams and assessing potential restrictions on other uses.
- Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers: Continued evaluation of formaldehyde emissions from consumer articles, with a focus on improving indoor air quality.
- Bisphenols in Thermal Paper: Ongoing analysis to expand restrictions on bisphenol-A in thermal paper to other bisphenols, addressing endocrine disruption concerns.
- Hazardous Flame Retardants: Further development of risk assessments on flame retardants used in consumer products to recommend potential restrictions.
- Intentionally Added Microplastics: Monitoring progress on the evidence project initiated to review the environmental and health risks posed by microplastics.
A Collaborative Effort
This year's priorities were identified through a collaborative process involving government departments, regulatory bodies, non-governmental organizations, and industry stakeholders. This process emphasized the importance of addressing chemicals that pose the most significant risks to human health and the environment.
Proposals Not Prioritized
Defra also outlines proposals not considered a priority for this year, including restrictions on certain cobalt salts and dimethylformamide, among others. These decisions were based on existing regulations and measures already in place to manage these risks effectively.
Looking Forward
The UK REACH work programme represents a multi-annual approach, with ongoing projects such as the development of restriction dossiers on PFAS expected to occupy a significant portion of regulatory efforts in the coming years. The programme demonstrates the UK's commitment to maintaining a high level of chemical safety, aligning with the Environmental Improvement Plan and the UK's 25 Year Environment Plan.
For more information on the UK REACH work programme and the prioritized substances for 2023 to 2024, or to participate in future consultations, stakeholders are encouraged to contact reachworkprogramme@defra.gov.uk.
