'Substances of Very High Concern'

Post-Brexit, the UK government appears to be quietly watering down its regulatory requirements on potential toxins; carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) and the 'forever' chemicals that persist in the environment (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/16/experts-warn-over-post-brexit-uk-rule-changes-on-chemicals). EU law requires potentially problematic chemicals to be identified and publically placed on a 'candidate list'. Chemicals on the 'candidate list' can be later banned or placed on a 'authorised list'. Items on the 'authorised list' can be used under defined circumstances. Companies in the EU have to inform regulators and their supply chain, if they use a chemical on the 'candidate list'. Under the UK government proposals, companies will not be obliged to submit information on their use of 'substances of very high concern' (the kind of chemicals found on the 'candidate list'). They will be allowed to do so on a voluntary basis. Such 'gentleman's agreements' have rarely worked in the UK. For example, the 'voluntary reporting' of sewage discharges by the Water Companies was not a success. The proposed changes will weaken the public's protections against exposure to harmful chemicals, by letting companies 'mark their own homework'.