UK and EU paint and coatings industry united ahead of Brexit talks

Both organisations say the UK’s intended departure from the EU has created uncertainty on both sides of the Channel. The UK and EU industries’ supply chains are heavily interconnected.

Europe is a key market for the UK paints, coatings and printing inks industry, which comprises over 60% of UK exports, whilst 80% of paint and ink imports to the UK are from the EU. Some 50% of BCF members are British, with the rest predominantly owned by European, American and Japanese parent companies, the vast majority having UK manufacturing facilities.

Both the BCF and CEPE welcomed the UK Prime Minister’s announcement that the UK has the ambition to stay within the European Chemicals Agency.

Both associations are also keen see the following come from the negotiations: a customs union or agreement between the UK and the EU to ensure frictionless trade; a harmonised chemical regulatory framework between the UK and the EU, including REACH, BPR and CLP; no deviation from the high level of environmental standards; 0% tariffs on finished goods and raw materials.