The UK government has announced changes to UK REACH fees and charges, set to take effect on 1 April 2025. These amendments, made under the REACH Fees and Charges (Amendment of Commission Regulation (EC) No 340/2008) Regulations 2025, will alter compliance costs for manufacturers, importers, and downstream users across the chemical supply chain. Fees for low-tonnage registrations will rise significantly, while larger businesses and SMEs may see reductions.
The revised fee structure reflects inflation adjustments and the operational costs of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which oversees UK REACH compliance. Companies handling chemical registrations must prepare for these changes to avoid unexpected financial burdens.
Key Changes to UK REACH Fees
Higher Registration Costs for Small-Volume Substances
Businesses registering chemicals under UK REACH will see significant adjustments in costs:
- 1–10 tonne registrations: Fees increase by 46% to 95%.
- Higher tonnage bands (10–1,000+ tonnes): Fees decrease by 27% to 92%.
This shift could discourage smaller registrations while benefiting larger-scale manufacturers.
SME Discounts Revised
Instead of basing discounts on submission type (individual vs. joint), the new structure considers company size:
- Micro enterprises: Pay 90% less than standard rates.
- Small enterprises: Pay 55% less.
- Medium enterprises: Pay 25% less.
This change aims to ease the financial burden on smaller businesses.
Updates to Registrations See Cost Reductions
Updating tonnage ranges will now be cheaper for most businesses, with fees dropping by up to 92%. The cost of updating a registrant’s legal identity will also be reduced by 80%.
Changes to PPORD and Authorisation Fees
- PPORD (Product and Process Oriented Research and Development) notifications: Fees increase by 58%.
- PPORD exemption extensions: Fees decrease by 21%.
- Applications for authorisation and review fees: Increased by 22%.
Implications for the Manufacturing Industry
Manufacturers Must Budget for Higher Compliance Costs
For businesses registering low-volume substances, the fee increase means higher regulatory costs. Some companies may reconsider their UK REACH strategies, potentially reducing the number of substances they register.
Potential Opportunities for Larger Enterprises
Larger manufacturers and SMEs with higher tonnage registrations may benefit from fee reductions, making compliance more cost-effective. The revised structure also promotes joint registrations, reducing financial strain on individual companies.
