Brexit
The UK left the European Union on January 31st 2020 and a transition period applied until December 31st 2020. That transition period has ended and the UK is now considered as a third country. As potentially significant implications are now anticipated for Irish companies, we urge businesses to continue to examine the impacts of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU on their business.
HSA preparations and support to stakeholders
The impacts of the UK withdrawal are anticipated on key policy and operational areas of the Authority and we continue to work on this. We have an internal committee to ensure that we are prepared for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and that our stakeholders and businesses also have the relevant information to assist them. We will provide information on this dedicated section of our website to keep stakeholders informed of developments.
Review the impact that the UK withdrawal may have on your business
If, as an Irish company based in the EU-27, you use chemicals, the obligations flowing from the EU chemicals legislation will continue to apply to you. However, your interactions with UK-based business partners will be impacted by the UK withdrawal. Consequently, Irish chemical companies now face new and different rules on the export, import and use of chemical substances and they also need to review their supply chains involving their UK-based business partners.
In addition, economic operators who source products for use or distribution from the UK and companies who rely on UK based product conformity assessment bodies should acquaint themselves with the implications for their business. Stakeholders should check these, and other relevant EU pages (see further information below), regularly for information and updates.
The Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland
The Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland makes certain provisions of EU law applicable also to and in the UK in respect of Northern Ireland. The Protocol means that separate arrangements apply on the island of Ireland and no new checks or controls will apply to goods moving between Ireland and Northern Ireland in either direction. As the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland is an integral part of the Withdrawal Agreement regardless of the outcome of the future partnership negotiations between the EU and the UK, the Protocol now applies. The implications of the Protocol are explained in each section of these webpages, as relevant.
ECHA updates Brexit Q&As to take account of IE/NI protocol
Easy to follow flowcharts outlining REACH, CLP and Detergents Regulations duties for Irish companies who will source chemicals from the UK from 2021 onwards
Flowchart of obligations under REACH and CLP Regulations for an Irish formulator of mixtures sourcing chemical substances from UK (Great Britain) after 1st Jan 2021
Flowchart of obligations under REACH, CLP & Detergents Regulations for an Irish distributor sourcing chemical products from UK (Great Britain) after 1st Jan 2021
Flowchart of obligations under REACH and CLP Regulations for an Irish end user of a chemical product sourced in the UK (Great Britain) after 1st Jan 2021
Flowchart of obligations for an Irish end user of a chemical product sourced in Northern Ireland after 1st Jan 2021
Contact us
Companies with particular concerns or questions as to the effect of the UK withdrawal from the EU on their business should contact us at 1890 289 389 (Monday to Friday 9.00 to 12.30) or by emailing wcu@hsa.ie
