On December 1, 2025, the UK government released its Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), outlining key policy actions under “Goal 4: Chemicals and Pesticides.” The plan emphasizes reducing risks posed by chemicals and pesticides to both public health and the environment. Central initiatives include a major reform of the UK REACH framework and enhanced regulatory oversight of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
UK REACH
To support sustainable industrial growth, the EIP proposes a comprehensive reform of the UK’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (UK REACH). The reforms aim to strengthen alignment with major trading partners—particularly the EU—by December 2028, expedite the management of high-risk chemicals, and reduce regulatory burdens on businesses. Key actions include:
· Extending the deadline for companies to submit transitional registration data to October 2026.
· Working with the Scottish and Welsh governments to legislate restrictions on lead ammunition by August 2026.
· Adding high-risk substances to the UK REACH Authorization List by the end of 2027 to drive the adoption of safer alternatives.
· Reviewing and updating the interim principles for identifying new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) by December 2026, followed by updates to the candidate list.
· Publishing an annual UK REACH work plan to outline regulatory priorities.
PFAS
The UK has already prohibited three major PFAS chemicals under the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulations and is assessing whether further restrictions are needed for PFAS in firefighting foams. In 2026, the government will publish a comprehensive PFAS Action Plan covering monitoring, remediation, public awareness, and inter-agency coordination. A final decision on restricting PFAS in firefighting foams is expected by 2027.
Other Chemicals
To meet obligations under the Stockholm and Minamata Conventions, the UK will update its POPs control list by the end of 2025 and impose new restrictions on the manufacture, import, and export of mercury-containing products. The government also plans to fully phase out polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in existing equipment by the end of 2025 and enforce compliance against entities that fail to meet this requirement. By 2030, the UK aims to significantly increase the destruction of POPs-containing waste, helping to reduce long-term environmental contamination.
On December 1, 2025, the UK government released its Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), outlining key policy actions under “Goal 4: Chemicals and Pesticides.” The plan emphasizes reducing risks posed by chemicals and pesticides to both public health and the environment. Central initiatives include a major reform of the UK REACH framework and enhanced regulatory oversight of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
UK REACH
To support sustainable industrial growth, the EIP proposes a comprehensive reform of the UK’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (UK REACH). The reforms aim to strengthen alignment with major trading partners—particularly the EU—by December 2028, expedite the management of high-risk chemicals, and reduce regulatory burdens on businesses. Key actions include:
· Extending the deadline for companies to submit transitional registration data to October 2026.
· Working with the Scottish and Welsh governments to legislate restrictions on lead ammunition by August 2026.
· Adding high-risk substances to the UK REACH Authorization List by the end of 2027 to drive the adoption of safer alternatives.
· Reviewing and updating the interim principles for identifying new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) by December 2026, followed by updates to the candidate list.
· Publishing an annual UK REACH work plan to outline regulatory priorities.
PFAS
The UK has already prohibited three major PFAS chemicals under the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulations and is assessing whether further restrictions are needed for PFAS in firefighting foams. In 2026, the government will publish a comprehensive PFAS Action Plan covering monitoring, remediation, public awareness, and inter-agency coordination. A final decision on restricting PFAS in firefighting foams is expected by 2027.
Other Chemicals
To meet obligations under the Stockholm and Minamata Conventions, the UK will update its POPs control list by the end of 2025 and impose new restrictions on the manufacture, import, and export of mercury-containing products. The government also plans to fully phase out polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in existing equipment by the end of 2025 and enforce compliance against entities that fail to meet this requirement. By 2030, the UK aims to significantly increase the destruction of POPs-containing waste, helping to reduce long-term environmental contamination.
