Lead ammunition is set to be subject to the first restriction under the UK REACH chemicals regulation, which took effect on 1 January, with the former EU member set to follow Brussels’ example again with measures targeting PFAS and certain tattoo inks expected.

Industry proposals that the UK’s post-Brexit chemicals regulator should rely on “basic and publicly available data” would be a “major weakening” of the chemicals regulation regime, a coalition of green groups and cancer charities has warned.

Two dozen industry associations have demanded fundamental change to the post-Brexit version of REACH now in force in the UK, pleading for a “more proportionate, effective, and efficient” system.

At least 2,900 REACH registrations made by UK entities, around 3% of the total number, are now void due to Brexit and will be revoked, the European Chemicals Agency has said.

Environmental groups in London and Brussels have warned that the post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and the EU may fail to ensure green standards are upheld despite including a commitment not to undermine existing protections.