The UK Government has launched a public consultation proposing a significant extension to the UK REACH transitional registration deadlines. Defra’s proposal, open until 8 September 2025, could shift key chemical compliance dates as far forward as 2033, impacting manufacturers, importers, and downstream users across Great Britain.
Deadline Extensions and Compliance Reforms Proposed
Defra, in collaboration with the devolved administrations, is consulting on three new options to extend the transitional registration deadlines under UK REACH. These currently fall in October 2026, 2028, and 2030. The preferred option would revise these to October 2029, 2030, and 2031, respectively, introducing a one-year interval between deadlines.
The current consultation proposes three options for revised deadlines:
- Option 1 (Government's Preferred Option): October 2029, October 2030, October 2031 – providing a two-year transition period post-ATRm finalisation and a streamlined one-year gap between deadlines.
- Option 2: April 2029, April 2031, April 2033 – maintaining the original two-year gaps but extending the overall registration period.
- Option 3: April 2029, April 2030, April 2031 – offering an earlier completion date while retaining one-year intervals.
The extension is designed to provide industry with more time to prepare for the upcoming Alternative Transitional Registration Model (ATRm)—a new framework intended to reduce data collection costs and administrative burden without compromising on health and environmental protections.
Why UK REACH Needs More Time
Since Brexit, UK REACH has replaced EU REACH in Great Britain, with businesses required to register substances with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). However, the UK did not retain detailed EU REACH registration data. To fill this gap, transitional arrangements were put in place, phased by substance tonnage and hazard profile.
The government has acknowledged that the ATRm cannot be fully legislated before the first 2026 deadline. Therefore, revised timelines are necessary to ensure businesses aren’t forced to comply with requirements that may soon be outdated or replaced.
Stakeholder Implications Across the Supply Chain
This development is critical not just for manufacturers and importers, but also for formulators, recyclers, distributors, and professional users of chemicals. The extended deadlines will allow continued access to critical substances—used in sectors from pharmaceuticals to water treatment—while reducing potential supply disruptions.
Moreover, the consultation includes a proposal to adjust compliance check obligations under Article 41(5) of UK REACH. HSE would still need to inspect 20% of registration dossiers, but now in line with the new submission dates.
Maintaining Protection Through Interim Measures
Despite the longer timeline, Defra emphasises that the UK REACH framework remains underpinned by the precautionary principle. HSE will continue using EU REACH data and safety data sheets as proxies, and UK-specific risk assessments will be supported through other sources such as academic research and stakeholder engagement.
