UK chemicals boss blasts Brexit strategy amid ‘perfect storm’

London – The chairman of the UK Chemical Business Association (CBA) Darren Budd has voiced his dismay at the government’s Brexit policies, advising members to take action in order to secure EU market access.

In a 28 April message which replaced his speech to the association’s annual lunch, Budd described the challenges of Covid-19 and Brexit as ‘perfect storm’ for many companies. 

“CBA has continued to call for an end to uncertainty and, like most of UK business, close regulatory alignment and continuing frictionless trade with the European Union,” said the official. 

However, he went on to say, “the UK government has made it clear that it has no intention of even attempting to achieve regulatory alignment with the European Union as far as chemicals are concerned.” 

To secure market access, CBA advised member companies to use an existing subsidiary or create a new one in the EU to transfer any EU REACH registrations to, before the end of transition period at the end of the year.

Alternatively, CBA suggested that UK companies could establish a partnership with a company in the EU and transfer any EU REACH registrations to that company. 

“CBA remains absolutely committed to providing you with practical information, support, and solutions to help your business navigate the post-Brexit regulatory and trading environment,” he added.