The Health and Safety Executive has set out plans to reform post-Brexit chemical regulations, adopting several recommendations put forward by the British Pest Control Association and signalling potential cost savings for biocide manufacturers.
The proposed changes follow a 2025 consultation on Great Britain’s versions of the Biocidal Products Regulation, Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation, and Prior Informed Consent regime.
BPCA submitted detailed feedback during the consultation, much of which appears to have been reflected in HSE’s response.
A key proposal is for HSE to recognise EU biocide approvals in Great Britain. The move is designed to reduce duplication, ease the current backlog of around 330 product and substance applications, and cut authorisation fees.
HSE estimates that substance approval costs could fall by up to 97%, with product authorisations reduced by between 96% and 99%.
The regulator also intends to replace fixed expiry dates for active substances with a risk-based “call-in” system.
While BPCA has cautiously supported the principle, it has raised questions about how decisions would be triggered and what data would be required from industry.
HSE has indicated that further consultation will follow and, in the meantime, plans to delay the expiry dates of 173 substances due to lapse from January 2027 for five years.
In addition, routine supplier notification requirements under GB CLP are set to be removed. HSE said this will cut administrative burdens while maintaining the ability to request safety information where needed.
Rosina Robson, BPCA chief executive, said the reforms address concerns raised by the association about the impact of post-Brexit regulation on product availability and innovation.
“Ultimately, this work not only protects members’ existing toolkits but also paves the way for future product innovation in Great Britain,” she said.
Many of the proposals will require primary legislation, meaning further parliamentary scrutiny and consultation before changes take effect.
