BCF Survey Finds Increasing Concern Regarding UK REACH
COVENTRY, England — The latest survey of British Coatings Federation (BCF) members reveals UK coatings manufacturers are increasingly concerned about the effects of the new UK chemical regulations. Almost 80% of respondents believe UK REACH will impact negatively on their businesses, with the fear that there will be a significant reduction in the portfolio of available chemical substances in the UK compared to the EU, and 67% of respondents fear higher costs in the future where suppliers pass on the costs of complying with UK REACH. Worryingly, 19% of respondents are already reporting that EU suppliers no longer want to export to the UK.
The survey also reports challenges for the sector’s UK exporters — 60% fear that having to abide by EU REACH and CLP rules as a “third country” will impact their business competitiveness, and more than four in 10 respondents (43%) reported increased operating costs of over 5%, with one in 10 (9%) citing a figure of more than 10%. These additional cost estimates have increased considerably since the last BCF Brexit Impact Survey at the end of January. On top of these non-tariff costs, the majority of BCF members are still encountering delays to shipping between UK and the EU, and between GB and NI.