Page 21 - CTPA-Annual-Report-2019-book

FACILITATE evidence-led policymaking
As uncertainty over EU Exit continued across 2019,
we equipped members to prepare and adapt for the UK industry’s future outside the EU, whatever that future looked like. We convened workshops and conferences, holding regular advice sessions to help our members navigate thorny issues with confidence.
As the situation unfolded, CTPA remained agile, rapidly analysing developments, briefing members and making representations to new stakeholders. We engaged extensively with Government departments responsible
for Brexit on the future of UK cosmetics legislation, especially the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the Department for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS), to ensure the UK legislative framework for cosmetic products after we leave the EU continues to put safety first, based on sound risk-based, scientific principles.
The need for evidence-led policymaking was especially pronounced in environmental matters. We wholeheartedly support the drive towards net zero through our sustainability strategy and believe that the only way to achieve this is robust, evidence-based legislation that avoids any unforeseen consequences of a knee-jerk switch to alternatives.
CTPA submitted consultation responses to protect against potential threats and promote opportunities in legislation under the UK Government’s Waste and Resources Strategy, including the plastics tax, Extended Producer Responsibility and Deposit Return Schemes.
REACH
CTPA shared the concerns of many chemical-based industries over the seemingly unnecessary burdens being demanded by the UK REACH Statutory Instrument (SI),
with no benefit to the environment. The UK cosmetics industry strongly supports a regulatory framework for chemicals in the UK to protect human health and the environment; but while the UK REACH legislation is suitable for new chemicals, unfortunately it is not workable for
all existing chemicals that have already been registered under EU REACH.
CTPA held critical meetings with No 10, members of the House of Lords and the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee to highlight the major impacts of the SI as written. We continue to have constructive dialogue with Defra and BEIS on this important issue and are working with Government officials to help understand the needs and provide workable solutions for both sides, while maintaining health protection.
The importance of sharing available scientific information has been one of the crucial messages communicated by CTPA, facilitating discussions between the industry and Government regarding the sharing of data between regulatory agencies. Continued engagement with the Chemical Industries Association (CIA) and the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) to develop a risk-based, pragmatic and effective system will continue to be a key focus for CTPA.
There are also many challenges ahead as the Government negotiates its future relationship with the EU and third countries. When the transition period ends on 31 December 2020, CTPA will continue to work closely with our colleagues at Cosmetics Europe, the European personal care association, and associations around the world, facilitating cooperation on the big scientific and regulatory issues that transcend borders.
CTPA Annual Report 2019
As part of an agile response to the rapidly developing COVID-19 health emergency in early 2020, CTPA launched a series of dedicated advice tools for members and the industry as a whole.
This support will continue throughout the crisis and as the industry moves
to recover.
21