PROPOSED European legislation that could undermine the north west's chemical industry has sparked a campaign by MEP Brian Simpson and Business Link Cheshire and Warrington.

The legislation plans to merge existing laws protecting health and the environment by introducing a more stringent control system known as REACH.

Substances

This system could see up to 180,000 substances registered, evaluated and authorised regardless of their potential risk, and there are fears the legislation could mean job losses for the region.

The North West Chemical Initiative (NWCI) - a Government-backed body formed to capitalise on the strength of the 800 chemical related companies in the north west - supports the aims of REACH but believes that its implementation and enforcement are unworkable.

Tricia Francis, Business Link Cheshire and Warrington's international trade advisor, alerted the key stakeholders for the region to the potential consequences.

She said: "The chemical sector is the region's number one exporter, but the extra costs imposed by the legislation means that it will be more expensive to manufacture in the EU.

"This could hit future exports and reduce research spending.

"Overseas investors are likely to pull out of Europe and locate elsewhere to avoid the financial implications resulting in a loss of jobs and opportunities across the industry."

Mr Simpson has already pledged his commitment to support a lobbying team and the framework is in place to lobby both EU politicians and commissioners, in Brussels, prior to the EU Parliament starting the legislative process in January.

Companies who believe they may be affected by the legislation are urged to feed their comments into the lobbying campaign by contacting the North West Chemical Initiative at projects@nwci.org.uk

Companies can find out more about the REACH policy at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/chemicals/pdf/necs-ukposition.pdf

rfraser@guardiangrp.co.uk