REACH

ALMETRON LTD UK REACH PROGRESS

Following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and the subsequent transition period, the EU REACH Regulation has been brought into UK law on 1st January 2021 under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. REACH, and related legislation, have been replicated in the UK with the necessary changes to make it operable in a domestic context. The key principles of the EU REACH Regulation have been retained. The new domestic regime is known as UK REACH.

In UK REACH (as in EU REACH) the authorisation process aims to ensure that substances of very high concern (SVHCs) are progressively replaced by less dangerous substances or technologies where feasible alternatives exist. The UK REACH process for identifying SVHCs will be similar to the EU REACH process. The list of substances in Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 Annex XIV https://www.hse.gov.uk/reach/authorisation-list.htm

Almetron Ltd have formulated a range of speciality products to replace those containing chemistry that is currently on the Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) list.

As of 1 January 2021, the UK REACH and the EU REACH regulations operate independently from each other. Companies that supply and purchase substances, mixtures, or articles to and from the EU/EEA/Northern Ireland and Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) need to ensure that the relevant duties are met under both pieces of legislation.

Under the Northern Ireland Protocol the EU REACH Regulation continues to apply to Northern Ireland, while UK REACH will regulate the access of substances to the GB market.

Almetron Ltd has prepared itself for the implementation of the legislative changes for sourcing chemicals from EU27/EEA and are classed under this legislation as a Downstream User.

HSE have been notified that Almetron Ltd are a downstream user and received its unique Downstream User Import Notification (DUIN) /Registration Number UK-20-7589506359-4-0000.

We are therefore kept up to date with any changes or obligations under UK REACH.

Downstream users: are companies or individual workers who directly handle chemical substances in the course of their business activities and are not themselves the GB-based manufacturer or importer of the substances. Some businesses who were classed as downstream users under EU REACH may find that they are classed as importers under UK REACH if they are sourcing substances directly from the EU/EEA. This will mean they may have new registration responsibilities.

Formulators: companies that produce mixtures and supply them further down the supply chain or directly to consumers. They mix together substances and/or mixtures, with no chemical reaction taking place during the process. Providing they do not have importer responsibilities; they do not need to register with REACH.

Third party representative: A third party representative may be appointed by a manufacturer or importer, or even a downstream user, to take part in discussions and negotiations over data and cost sharing with other potential registrants, so that the company can remain anonymous.

How we support our customers

Now registered as a downstream user we now have time to either seek the EU manufacturer or Importer to appoint a UK “Only representative” or  if this is not possible Almetron Ltd would consider submitting the lead registration substance dossier.

We have a list of substances and mixtures sourced from the EU27/EEA and we are working with our supply partners to ensure the continued supply of Almetron Ltd’s speciality products.

We will continue to update you during this transitional period and rest assured Almetron Ltd products will continue to be available to our UK and EU customers