UK: Time to Notify the HSE of PIC Chemicals for 2025

On 16 August 2024, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published a bulletin on the export of hazardous chemicals under the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) Regulation. Companies are now invited to submit notifications of their planned exports of PIC chemicals for the year 2025.

Prior Informed Consent

The Prior Informed Consent (PIC) regime in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) regulates the export and import of certain hazardous chemicals on the PIC list. The HSE is the PIC Designated National Authority (DNA) for Great Britain and administers the GB PIC regime including the export notification system and providing information on GB PIC.

Export Notification Requirements

The GB PIC Regulation requires that the first export of a listed chemical to any country in any calendar year must be notified to the HSE at least 35 days before the planned date of export. This includes the transfer of a listed chemical from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Early notification allows the HSE to process requests and obtain the necessary consent from importing countries.

How to Submit Export Notifications

To submit export notifications, companies should:

• Complete the GB PIC export notification form, available on the HSE PIC website.

• Email the completed form to ukdna@hse.gov.uk.

• Include detailed information in the subject line of the email.

• Attach only one notification form and the relevant safety data sheet (SDS) per email. If available, provide an SDS official language or principal languages of the importing country.

• Describe in detail the intended use of the chemical to ensure proper handling by the importing country authority.

Special Reference Identification Numbers

For exports intended for research or analysis in quantities of 10kg or less, Special Reference Identification Numbers (RINs) are required. These RINs are also required if an importing country has waived its right to receive an export notification. For exports of PIC chemicals to the EU, each Special RIN covers exports of up to 10 kg of the substance for research and analysis purposes to each EU importing country.

Requests for Special RINs for 2025 can now be submitted as follows:

- Complete a Special RIN Request Form or use the BULK Special RIN option for multiple requests.

- Email the form to ukdna@hse.gov.uk with specific details (GB PIC  - Special RIN request - company name – chemical/mixture – importing country name – 2025) in the subject line.