The exact effects of Brexit will depend to a large extent on the existence and content of a ratified withdrawal agreement. At the time of writing it is uncertain whether such an agreement can be signed and ratified before the date of withdrawal of the UK from the EU. Preparation for a UK withdrawal, without such agreement, is therefore underway in both the EU-27 and the UK. One thing is certain: even if an agreement is reached, the UK will eventually lose its status as an EU ‘Member State’. This, in itself, has far reaching implications for the biocides sector and companies should act now to mitigate the risk of market disruption.
Hannah Widemann, LL.M and Member of the Brussels Bar, is an associate at Steptoe & Johnson LLP and advises clients on EU regulatory compliance questions in the areas of chemical and product regulations, including biocides, REACH, CLP and plant protection products. For correspondence: <mailto:hwidemann@steptoe.com>. Eléonore Mullier is a Member of the Brussels Bar and senior associate at Steptoe & Johnson LLP and is specialized in EU regulatory law and litigation. She advises clients on regulatory compliance, litigation strategies and product defense in the field of chemical law and product regulations, as well as related support on contracts and negotiations. For correspondence: <mailto:emullier@steptoe.com>. Darren Abrahams, is an English barrister, Avocat at the Brussels Bar and partner at Steptoe & Johnson LLP. He enables clients throughout the chemicals and life sciences supply chain to get and keep their products on the European Union market through strategic advice, advocacy before institutions and agencies, and litigation before EU and national courts and tribunals. For correspondence: <mailto:dabrahams@steptoe.com>. The views set forth in this article are the personal views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Steptoe & Johnson LLP or any of its clients. Nothing herein is intended to constitute legal advice.
