Biocides and Brexit: Hope for the Best - Prepare for the Worst

Abstract

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.