British Society holds successful bosses' night.

At its April meeting, the British Society for Coatings Technology welcomed members and their bosses to a special technical program. Tony Newbould, from the British Coatings Federation (BCF), spoke on "REACH and Its Implications for the Coatings Industry."

Mr. Newbould explained that the term REACH is taken from Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and restriction of CHemicals(substances). This legislative system is intended to enhance public health by instituting future controls of chemicals. Responsibility will shift from industry to member states/EC to have a final say, he stated.

According to the speaker, REACH is necessary based on evidence about the impact of chemicals on the environment. Current control systems are seen to be inefficient, reactive, inconsistent, and the groups involved are slow to make decisions. Mr. Newbould detailed what has taken place so far to change this situation.

Mr. Newbould then discussed areas of responsibility for specific aspects of the system. With Pre-registration, manufacturers and importers provide basic information about a substrate; with Registration, the manufacturer/importer provides a dossier of detailed information, including quantities manufactured/imported and risk assessments. Downstream users make note of any deviations. In the Evaluations area, member states determine the adequacy of the information provided by industry and determine whether there is a need for additional information. With Authorization, member states act on high concern substances. If industry does not demonstrate a safe use, the chemical is likely to be banned. With the mechanism of Restriction, member states can put restrictions on supply or use if they do not feel the authorization area has acted appropriately.

The impacts of REACH are not exclusive to the coatings industry, Mr. Newbould cautioned; it will apply to every substance and its European Union supply and use chain.

These impacts will involve more bureaucracy in the generation and handling of increasing amounts of data, implementation of risk controls, carrying out assessments and facing increasing costs being passed down the line. Another challenge will be finding replacements for lost raw materials due to authorization and/or restriction decisions. This may result in a loss of markets as availablility of chemicals is reduced and the possible migration of the customer base to outside of the EU. Mr. Newbould noted that industry does not yet know which chemicals and supply chains are at risk. He also warned that there will be no concessions.

A summary of what industry could better was provided, suggesting challenging fundamental objectives, ensuring the added costs are proportional in all areas of the supply chain, informing legislators so they are suitably briefed to make the right decision, lobbying Brussels, and preparing industry for this enormous change.

Mr. Newbould explained the the BCF is active in establishing contacts in DEFRA (environment), DTI (industry), and HSE (occupational health) for information on key issues. It has been involved in commenting on UK governmental issues, highlighting the cost impact and commenting on consultation papers. Cooperation from business has been helpful to raise awareness, he noted.

In conclusion, it was agreed that REACH should be taken very seriously. It is essential for companies to identify which chemicals are used, and how they impact the survival of your business. Mr. Newbould empasized the importance of understanding the costs of REACH to you and your customers.

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--Keith Simpson

British Society Secretary