HSE Launches Consultation on Chemical Legislation

A new consultation has been launched by the HSE seeking opinions on proposed changes to the HSE’s chemicals policy, in particular on biocides, classification, labelling and packaging, and the export and import of hazardous chemicals (Prior Informed Consent).

Generally, the changes proposed are aimed at reducing costs and administrative burdens for businesses and improving the post-Brexit regulatory framework while maintaining high safety standards.

Specific proposed changes are as follows:

GB Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR)

• Allow approvals from other countries with similar safety standards to be recognised in the UK.
• Change how biocides are reviewed to a specific targeted system based on how risky substances are.
• Give the government the power to approve essential biocidal products when needed.
• Allowing future changes to the GB BPR system.

Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals, Substances, and Mixtures (GB CLP)

• Simplify the classification process for hazardous chemicals in GB. The HSE would no longer consider all EU opinions on this matter.
• Remove the requirement for businesses to submit chemical classification notices to the HSE.
• Move guidance on GB chemical classifications to the HSE website.
• Introduce powers to make further amendments to the GBCLP and supporting regulations.

Prior Informed Consent for the Export and Import of Certain Hazardous Chemicals (GB PIC)

• Remove unnecessary rules for small amounts of chemicals sent for researching or testing.
• Simplify the waiver process for exporting certain chemicals, allowing an authority to allow exports for 1 year without needing the importing country’s explicit approval first.
• Allow the government to update GB PIC rules in the future.

The consultation is available to respond to from 23/06/2025 to 18/08/2025 and people are able to respond through:

An online survey

Emailing a completed Word document version of the consultation to [email protected].

Or by printing the Word document, filling it out and mailing it to the HSE.

Following the end of the consultation, the HSE will consider the views expressed and may make relevant changes to the proposals.

If you have any questions or would like support with managing issues at your workplace, please speak to your usual contact or get in touch using the form below.