Defra publishes consultation outcome on extending UK REACH transitional registration deadlines
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published the outcome of its consultation on extending UK REACH transitional registration dossier submission deadlines and aligning the Health and Safety Executive’s compliance check timelines. Following 210 responses, the government confirmed its intention to legislate in 2026, subject to the consent of Scottish and Welsh Ministers, to extend the current deadlines in order to allow sufficient time to finalise, legislate for and implement the Alternative Transitional Registration Model (ATRm), and to avoid unnecessary or premature costs for businesses. The consultation demonstrated strong rejection of retaining the existing deadlines, widespread support for extending them, and broad agreement that an extension would not materially reduce protection for human health or the environment, given the continued application of EU REACH data, existing safety controls and ongoing legal duties during the transitional period.