The British Plastics Federation (BPF, London / UK; www.bpf.co.uk) has released a 32-page publication meant as a practical guide to help plastics companies plan for Brexit. “Preparing for Brexit: Practical Guidance for the Plastics Industry” was developed with the support of Keith Freegard Consulting, law firm Squire Patton Boggs and the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and is aimed at UK-based plastics processors and distributors as well as UK branches of European companies. Supported by a fund from BEIS, Squire Patton Boggs is also offering BPF members up to 60 minutes of free legal advice related to Brexit.

Among other topics, the report is concerned with effects on regulations including REACH, VAT and tariffs, rules of origin, CE-marked products and plastics recycling issues. It also includes frequently asked questions and a Brexit readiness checklist.

The BPF’s latest member survey (November 2019) shows that 78% of the 163 companies have made contingency plans in preparation for a no-deal Brexit. Compared to the BPF survey done in December 2018 – see Plasteurope.com of 16.01.2019 – the proportion of positive answers to this question rose from 54%. Most respondents (80%) have also used the UK government’s Brexit website to access information. Around 55% of those surveyed think the best outcome for their company would be to remain in the EU.

BPF director-general Philip Law notes the UK plastics industry is diverse, comprising more than 6,000 companies, with over 98% being SMEs, and around 20,000 EU workers. Each year, plastics and plastic products valued at GBP 15 bn (EUR 17.5 bn) are traded between the UK and the EU.