Page 55 - HW November 2019

What does Brexit
have to do with paint?
14 DAYS
Clean Removal
3 DAYS
Clean Removal
Static Film
Plenty, in a word. And it’s as much about the alignment of regulations as it is about issues of free trade or otherwise.
Following a recent survey of its members’ Brexit concerns in early October, the British Coatings Federation (BCF) says over 80% expressed concerns over new UK chemical regulations which would be needed in the event the UK does not have access to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
Almost 90% wanted the UK to stay within EU REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation & Restriction of Chemicals) and the EU regulatory framework while 83% wanted to see regulatory equivalence between the UK and the EU for chemicals.
Other major concerns included the cost and availability of raw materials, and tariff and non-tariff costs relating to additional bureaucracy and administrative costs related to a harder or No Deal Brexit.
When asked about longer term impacts, the number one issue was concern at possibly “being treated as a third country” by ECHA, which would require the UK to have its own duplicate system to register chemicals.
Other concerns listed were the possibility of reduced trade with the EU, how to deal with the UK being a less attractive manufacturing base and additional costs of doing business.
One may be forgiven for asking who actually voted to Brexit in the first place, when you see that over 90% of BCF members surveyed still want tariff-free access to the EU market and free movement of goods?
In anticipation of a No Deal Brexit eventuating, the BCF says close to 80% of members surveyed had built up their inventory of raw materials, 60% had already been working through contingency plans with logistics suppliers and around the same number said they were confident they could adapt their supply chains if it comes to a No Deal Brexit.
www.coatings.org.uk
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NOVEMBER 2019 | NZHJ 53
painting & decorating