Regulations & EHS&S

Cefic among voices calling for a smooth trade continuation after Brexit

Cefic and the Social Partners of the European chemical industry have signed a joint statement to stress the importance of a future post-Brexit relationship that would avoid adverse effects on the viability, the international competitiveness and employment within the chemical industry on both sides of the Channel.

The joint statement covers supply chains, tariffs, customs procedures, free movement of people, investment, regulatory consistency, social dialogue, transition and legal certainty.

More specifically, the three organisations notably call for:

  • An appropriate transition period with pragmatic and workable arrangements on legal jurisdiction and dispute resolution
  • A comprehensive an smooth future trade relationship between the EU27 and UK, to minimize disruption of chemical markets
  • An EU27-UK relationship that enables the easy flow of goods and the free movement of employees
  • The UK and the EU27 to remain attractive places to invest after Brexit through forward looking industrial policy strategies
  • Regulatory consistency to ensure that robust health and safety, social and environmental regulatory standards are upheld to equal levels throughout the EU27-UK.

Marco Mensink, Director General of Cefic said: “We call on both Parties to minimize trade disruptions and regulatory disparities to maintain the best opportunities to produce and trade for the chemicals industry on both sides of the Channel“.

Emma Argutyan, Director General of ECEG added: “Our goal is to preserve and further develop effective industrial relations and to contribute constructively to the economic and social challenges ahead”.

Luc Triangle, the Secretary General, industriAll Europe said: ‘’A bad Brexit deal is the last thing that anyone wants. We need a deal that protects the European chemical industry and its workers across Europe. Trade must be as frictionless as possible to keep European industry competitive and standards and workers’rights should remain high to maintain a level playing field.’’

The three partners are happy to work with the Commission to find the best possible solutions to achieve this trade continuity.