UK Regulatory News

On 10 April 2025, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) of the UK Parliament launched a new inquiry to investigate the environmental and health risks posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PF...

On 10 April 2025, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) of the UK Parliament launched a new inquiry to investigate the environmental and health risks posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals”. The inquiry will also assess the robustness of the UK’s current regulatory approach to managing these substances.

Why PFAS Are a Concern

PFAS are widely used in consumer products such as waterproof clothing, non-stick cookware, cosmetics, and food packaging due to their resistance to heat, water, and grease. However, these substances are highly persistent in the environment and in the human body. Scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to:

• Reduced fertility and developmental issues.

• Certain cancers.

• Hormone disruption.

• Immune system suppression.

Their widespread use and long-lasting nature have led to growing public and political concern in the UK and around the world.

Objectives of the Inquiry

The EAC inquiry will examine:

• The extent and sources of PFAS contamination in the UK.

• The current capabilities of UK regulators to detect, monitor, and manage PFAS risks.

• The adequacy of existing laws and guidance on the manufacture, use, and disposal of PFAS.

• How the UK’s regulatory approach compares with that of other jurisdictions, particularly the EU and the US.

Call for Evidence: What Submissions Should Cover

The Committee invites written submissions from stakeholders, including scientists, regulators, industry representatives, environmental groups, and members of the public. Submissions may address:

• The extent of PFAS use in the UK and in specific sectors.

• Known or potential environmental and health impacts of PFAS.

• The effectiveness of the current UK regulatory controls (including REACH under UK law).

• Challenges in monitoring PFAS in the environment and in consumer products.

• The role of alternatives and opportunities for phase-out or substitution.

• International best practice that could inform UK regulation.

• Public awareness and risk communication of PFAS exposure.

Deadline for Submissions

Written submissions must be received by 17:00 BST on Monday, 26 May 2025. Full details and the submission portal are available on the UK Parliament website here.

On 10 March 2025, the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) launched two public consultations on proposed exemptions under the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substan...

On 10 March 2025, the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) launched two public consultations on proposed exemptions under the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012 (RoHS) in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). Stakeholders are invited to submit comments by 4 May 2025.

About the RoHS Regulation

The RoHS Regulation restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) placed on the market. Originally derived from EU legislation, it aims to reduce the environmental and health risks posed by substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and certain flame retardants.

Under the UK RoHS framework, industry can apply for exemptions to allow the use of restricted substances above the specified limits if certain criteria are met. Applications are assessed through a formal evaluation process and, if granted, exemptions apply to the whole - not just the applicant.

Consultation 1: Lead in Engine Control Units

The first consultation concerns a proposed renewal of an exemption allowing the use of lead in solder used in sensors, actuators, and engine control units (ECUs) for combustion engines. The applicant argues that no reliable alternatives are currently available for these components. If granted, the exemption would be valid until 1 January 2027 and would allow the introduction of approximately 0.123 kg of lead per year into the GB market. The consultation is available here.

Consultation 2: Mercury in Discharge Lamps

The second consultation concerns a request for an exemption for the use of mercury in certain discharge lamps designed for special purpose applications. Mercury is currently restricted under RoHS due to its toxicity, but exemptions may apply where no viable alternatives exist, particularly in specialised lighting systems. The consultation can be accessed here.

These consultations are part of DEFRA’s statutory duty to assess requests for exemptions and to ensure that any continued use of restricted substances is technically justified and time-limited. Industry stakeholders, environmental organizations, and other interested parties are encouraged to provide evidence-based feedback. Comments can be submitted until 4 May 2025 via DEFRA’s consultation portal here.

The UK has introduced the Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025 (SI 2025 No. 413), which will come into force on 30 September 2025. This regulation amends Annex 3 of ...

The UK has introduced the Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025 (SI 2025 No. 413), which will come into force on 30 September 2025. This regulation amends Annex 3 of the UK Cosmetics Regulation (retained from Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009), following the consultation launched earlier this year. The new rules set specific concentration limits, particularly for products intended for young children.

Key Details:

• Substance Affected: Methyl salicylate (CAS No. 119-36-8)

• Regulatory Changes: The amendment introduces concentration limits for methyl salicylate across various product categories, particularly those intended for children aged between 0.5 to 1 year.

• Transitional Provisions: Cosmetic products containing methyl salicylate that are placed on the market on or before 30 September 2025 may continue to be sold until 31 March 2026.

The amendment aligns with the scientific advice provided by the UK’s Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety.

For full details, the official legislation is available here.

UK Environment Secretary Steve Reed has announced a national shift toward a circular economy, placing chemicals and plastics at the heart of the government’s strategy to reduce waste, improve resour...

UK Environment Secretary Steve Reed has announced a national shift toward a circular economy, placing chemicals and plastics at the heart of the government’s strategy to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and drive green investment. The announcement was made during a speech on 27 March 2025 in London.

Chemicals and Plastics Among Priority Sectors

The chemicals and plastics sector is one of five priority industries identified for targeted action under the upcoming Circular Economy Strategy, alongside textiles, transport, construction, and agri-food. These sectors have been chosen for their high material use and environmental impact, as well as their potential to benefit from greater circularity.

An independent Circular Economy Taskforce will collaborate with these sectors to develop roadmaps aimed at reducing waste and improving materials management. In the case of chemicals and plastics, this includes encouraging innovation in design, reuse, and recycling.

Support for Chemical Recycling and Infrastructure

The strategy, expected later in 2025, will include long-term regulatory roadmaps designed to stimulate investment in chemical recycling technologies and infrastructure. The government also aims to support domestic processing of recycled plastics, particularly for food-grade use, helping reduce reliance on virgin materials.

Work is already underway to improve verification of recycling processes, including through collaboration with the Food Standards Agency to certify food-grade recycled plastics. These measures are intended to retain the value of recycled materials in both domestic and export markets.

Policy Signals for Industry Engagement

The initiative is part of a broader effort to end the linear, throwaway economy by supporting product redesign, better waste collection, and recycling infrastructure. For the chemicals sector, this translates to stronger policy signals and regulatory stability, creating an environment that encourages the development and scaling of advanced recycling technologies.

The government estimates that circular economy reforms could unlock more than £10 billion in private sector investment. A significant share of this is expected to benefit waste treatment and recycling facilities, including those using chemical processes to recover valuable materials.

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its annual UK REACH Article 83 Report (2023–2024) and Work Programme for 2024–2025, highlighting ongoing regulatory work and outlining upcomi...

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published its annual UK REACH Article 83 Report (2023–2024) and Work Programme for 2024–2025, highlighting ongoing regulatory work and outlining upcoming priorities under the UK REACH framework.

PFAS and Lead Under Regulatory Focus

HSE continues to assess the risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), with work ongoing to investigate their use as processing aids in the manufacture of fluoropolymers. In parallel, the Agency is preparing a restriction dossier on PFAS in firefighting foams, which is expected to be submitted for public consultation in 2024/25.

The HSE is also finalising its restriction opinion on lead in ammunition used in outdoor shooting, covering both human health and environmental risks. This follows a public consultation completed in 2023.

Upcoming Work in 2024–2025

The Work Programme outlines the continuation of nine Regulatory Management Options Analyses (RMOAs), including substances such as:

• Benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid 1,2-anhydride (trimellitic anhydride) – investigated for respiratory sensitisation risks.

• Bisphenol S (BPS) and Bisphenol F (BPF) – evaluated for endocrine disrupting properties.

• Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) – investigated for persistence and potential environmental concerns.

No new RMOAs are planned for 2024/25.

Additionally, the HSE will assess up to six substances proposed as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) under EU REACH for their relevance to the UK market. One such substance that has already been evaluated in 2023/24 was melamine, due to concerns over reproductive toxicity and widespread use.

Key Activities in 2023-2024

During 2023/24, the HSE:

• Processed all new UK REACH registrations and Article 26 inquiries within the statutory three-week timeframe.

• Carried out compliance checks on at least 20% of registration dossiers.

• Evaluated all submitted testing proposals to avoid unnecessary animal testing.

• Issued authorisation opinions on time, including assessments of trichloroethylene uses.

• Published the UK REACH evaluation report under Article 54 by the February 2024 deadline.

For 2024/25, the HSE will maintain these operational targets and continue to invest in IT systems and stakeholder engagement efforts to support future evaluations and restrictions.

The work programme was developed in collaboration with the Environment Agency and the Appropriate Authorities (Defra, the Scottish Government, and the Welsh Government) and reflects previously established regulatory priorities.

Access the full 2023-2024 Annual Report here and the 2024-2025 Work Programme here.

The United Kingdom and the European Union have launched public consultations on draft risk profiles for polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs), including mixed polybrominated/chl...

The United Kingdom and the European Union have launched public consultations on draft risk profiles for polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs), including mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBCDD/Fs). These consultations are part of the process under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) to evaluate and possibly regulate these substances due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks.

Background on PBDD/Fs and PBCDD/Fs

PBDD/Fs and PBCDD/Fs are unintentional by-products of various industrial processes, including the combustion of materials containing brominated flame retardants and certain metallurgical processes. Due to their persistence in the environment and their potential to bioaccumulate, these substances are of concern for both the environment and human health.

UK Consultation Details

The UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has published a draft risk profile for PBDD/Fs and PBCDD/Fs and is inviting stakeholders to comment. The consultation period is open from 17 March to 19 May 2025. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft risk profile and provide feedback by email to POPs@defra.gov.uk within the specified timeframe.

EU Consultation Details

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has also published a draft risk profile for the same group of substances and is seeking input from interested parties. The EU consultation is open until 20 May 2025 and comments can be submitted here.

Next Steps in the Stockholm Convention Process

Feedback from these consultations will contribute to discussions at the upcoming 20th meeting of the Stockholm Convention POPs Review Committee (POPRC-20), scheduled for 29 September to 3 October 2025. The Committee will review the draft risk profiles and stakeholder comments to determine the need for global regulatory actions on these substances.

On 20 March 2025, the United Kingdom notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft regulation proposing to update the maximum levels for certain contaminants and pesticide residues in food. T...

On 20 March 2025, the United Kingdom notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft regulation proposing to update the maximum levels for certain contaminants and pesticide residues in food. The measure aims to better protect public health and reflects the latest scientific assessments.

Proposed Amendments to Contaminants and MRLs

The draft legislation introduces new and revised maximum levels (MLs) for various chemical contaminants in food and updates to the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for certain pesticides. Key changes include:

• Mycotoxins: Introduction of new MLs for deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone, and T-2/HT-2 toxins in cereals and cereal-based foods, especially those intended for infants and young children.

• Tropane alkaloids: New MLs for atropine and scopolamine in cereal-based products.

• Nitrate: Updates of the permitted levels in spinach and lettuce, including adjustments for seasonal variations.

• Pesticide residues: Adoption of 58 new or revised MRLs for active substances such as:

  • Abamectin, cyazofamid, fludioxonil, mandestrobin, and spinetoram.

  • Affected foods include a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices.

Implementation Timeline

• Deadline for comments: Stakeholders are encouraged to review the proposed changes and submit comments via the WTO ePing portal by 5 May 2025

• Planned adoption and entry into force: 30 June 2025

The proposed regulation will apply in England, with corresponding legislation to follow in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to ensure UK-wide alignment.

A detailed list of the proposed MRLs can be found here.