NGOs write in protest against UK approach to SVHCs

Article summary

It has been reported that a number of NGOs have written to government ministers with serious concerns over the government’s change in approach, as published on 9 December 2021, regarding the regulation of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) in Great Britain. The NGOs’ letter expresses a strong opinion that the ‘interim principles’ that require the collation of additional evidence before regulatory action will weaken and slow down the approach to identifying and controlling SVHCs. The NGOs express concern that the developing chemical regulatory system post-Brexit may give rise to greater exposure to harmful chemicals for the environment, consumers and workers within GB than within the EU. The NGOs are reported to ask that Retained Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (UK REACH) aligns with the European Chemical Agency (ECHA)’s Candidate List given ECHA’s access to full hazard data and ability to properly evaluate any risks. The NGOs note this recommendation would minimise costs on business...