What’s Going on with the Brexit Transition Period? — A Conversation with Jane S. Vergnes, Ph.D.

This week, I sat down with Dr. Jane Vergnes, Director of Toxicology here at B&C and Vice President, Scientific Affairs, and Director of Toxicology at B&C’s consulting affiliate, The Acta Group.  Jane has lead responsibility for our United Kingdom (UK) and Brussels offices and has been deeply engaged in Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and the impact of Brexit on our European Union (EU), UK, and U.S. clients.

Given the fast approaching end of the transition period between the UK and EU, I thought it would be timely to parachute in and see what is top of the mind for companies in the chemical space with regard to what to expect in the New Year, and to check in on what else is front and center across the Pond, as it were.  Jane and I discuss the transition period, the new UK REACH law, what is actually happening on the ground as we approach the end of the transition period, and a few other hot topics in the EU, including new obligations issued by the Commission recently of which EU REACH registrants must be aware.  As Brexit also applies to biocides and plant protection products, we also touch upon biocides and agricultural chemicals and what to expect at the end of the year.  Brexit has invited no small amount of uncertainty and anxiety for chemical stakeholders, especially against the backdrop of an already uncertain, pandemic-challenged world.  My conversation with Jane provides some comforting clarity and useful thoughts on what to do as the transition period comes to an end.

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