UK REACH Consultation: Proposed Extension of Transitional Registration Deadlines

  • July 14, 2025
  • Pietro Di Tondo, Director, REACHLaw UK

The UK Government is currently consulting stakeholders on proposals to extend the transitional registration submission deadlines under UK REACH. These deadlines—originally set for October 2026, 2028, and 2030—are linked to the tonnage and hazard profile of chemical substances placed on the Great Britain (GB) market.

Background

When the UK exited the EU, information on chemical substances registered under EU REACH was not transferred to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which serves as the UK REACH Agency. Though these substances remained available on the GB market, businesses must now register this information under UK REACH.

To support this, the UK REACH Alternative Transitional Registration model (ATRm) was proposed, outlining how businesses should provide registration data. A consultation on the ATRm ran from May to July 2024, developed by Defra, HSE, and the Environment Agency under the previous administration.

The current government, in collaboration with the devolved governments of Scotland and Wales, is now reviewing these proposals. As the ATRm is still being finalized, the specific information requirements cannot yet be confirmed—but are expected to align with the 2024 consultation’s scope.

Why Deadline Extensions Are Needed

Due to ongoing development of the ATRm, the necessary legislative changes and transition arrangements cannot be completed before the current first deadline in October 2026. As a result, the government is proposing new, extended deadlines to ensure businesses have adequate time to prepare.

Proposed New Deadlines (Under Consultation)

  • Option 1 (Government’s Preferred): October 2029, October 2030, October 2031
  • Option 2: April 2029, April 2031, April 2033
  • Option 3: April 2029, April 2030, April 2031

Option 1 offers a two-year transition period and sufficient time for the finalization and implementation of ATRm.

The government is also seeking views on proposals to adjust the compliance check deadlines under Article 41(5) of UK REACH. Currently aligned with the original registration deadlines, these checks (covering 20% of dossiers) would also be rescheduled in line with any new submission dates.

Have Your Say

This consultation is open until 8th of September 2025 and welcomes input from all stakeholders affected by UK REACH. Your feedback will help shape the implementation timeline and ensure a practical, balanced approach for both regulators and industry.

REACHLaw will continue to monitor the evolving status of the regulations, if you need support with your UK REACH challenges, we would be delighted to support you! Contact us at sales@reachlaw.fi

Share this Post: