UK REACH: Defra Releases Proposal for Alternative Transitional Registration Model (ATRm) – Open for Public Consultation until 11 July 2024
23 May 2024
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published its anticipated proposal for an Alternative Transitional Registration Model (ATRm) along with proposals to improve the current UK REACH system.
The main objective is to reduce the extremely high costs that the chemical industry would incur for accessing EU hazard data as part of the transition from EU to UK REACH (estimated to be around £2bn until 2030), especially as these costs will entail the risk that companies will not register their chemical substances under UK REACH, resulting in fewer substances on the UK market.
The elements of the ATRm covered by the consultation are registration requirements focussing on hazard data, use and exposure, substance group organisation with a view to data sharing and joint submission, as well as powers and duties e.g. concerning compliance checks, transitional evaluations, and data publications.
In addition, proposals are also made to improve the UK REACH regulation to speed up processes, e.g. regarding restrictions and reporting by the agency, and further support for the principle of animal testing as a last resort.
From 16 May 2024 to 11 July 2024, this proposal can be commented on as part of a public consultation. Detailed information can be accessed at the ATRm consultation website.