The UK’s chemicals regulatory framework is set for reform following the laying of new legislation before Parliament, with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publishing responses to a major public consultation that informed the changes.

The Department for Work and Pensions has introduced the Chemicals (Health and Safety) (Amendment, Consequential and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026, marking a significant step in updating Great Britain’s chemicals regime post-EU exit.

The new Regulations draw on powers established under the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 and will amend three key regimes overseen by HSE: the GB Biocidal Products Regulation (GB BPR), the GB Classification, Labelling and Packaging (GB CLP) framework, and the GB Prior Informed Consent (PIC) regime governing the export and import of hazardous chemicals.

Consultation responses published

The legislative changes follow a public consultation conducted by HSE between 23 June and 18 August 2025, which sought views on proposed reforms to chemicals legislation in Great Britain.

The HSE has now published a summary of responses via its Consultation Hub, outlining feedback from industry stakeholders, professional bodies and other interested parties. The responses highlight broad support for modernising the regulatory framework, alongside concerns about transition timelines, clarity of guidance, and potential impacts on business compliance costs.

Respondents also emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards of health and environmental protection while ensuring the UK system remains workable and internationally aligned.

Key areas of reform

The 2026 Regulations introduce amendments intended to streamline processes, improve regulatory flexibility, and address operational challenges identified since the UK established its standalone chemicals regime.

Changes span across:

• GB BPR, including adjustments to approval and authorisation processes for biocidal products
• GB CLP, with updates to classification and labelling requirements
• GB PIC, refining procedures for the trade of hazardous chemicals

The government says the reforms are designed to make the system more efficient while preserving protections for workers, the public and the environment.

Parliamentary scrutiny ahead

The draft Regulations will now be subject to scrutiny and debate in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords before they can come into force.

The HSE is expected to publish further guidance to support dutyholders in understanding and implementing the changes, particularly during any transitional periods.

The reforms represent one of the most significant updates to Great Britain’s chemicals regulatory regime since its establishment following EU exit, with stakeholders now awaiting further detail on how the changes will be applied in practice.

Source: IOSH Magazine

Comment: "No comment."