The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is holding a webinar on the restriction proposal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Experts will present the Risk Assessment Committee’s final opinion and the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee’s draft opinion. The event will explain the conclusions reached so far by the two Committees on the hazards, emissions, and risks of […]

The UK Gasket & Sealing Association (UKGSA) is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dennis Millward. Our heartfelt condolences are with his family at this difficult time. The funeral will take place on Wednesday, 29th April 2026 at 12:00pm at Northop Crematorium. An obituary will appear in the next issue of our e-newsletter, […]

Chemours is hosting a webinar on 13 April 2026, 2pm to 3pm CET on navigating the SEAC PFAS Consultation. The 60 day consultation on the draft opinion on the proposed restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA’s) Socio-economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) launched on 26 March 2026 and is open […]

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is inviting organisations to provide information on the draft opinion of their Socio-economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) on the proposed restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The consultation launches on 26 March 2026 and is open until 25 May 2026 and takes the form of a survey asking participants to […]

Line managers in SMEs across England can now access the IOSH Managing Occupational Health and Wellbeing course, fully funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Delivered by International Workplace with Reed Learning, the programme helps managers develop practical skills to support staff health and wellbeing, encourage more people to enter and stay in […]

Chemours will be holding their next webinar – Fluoropolymers: Foundational to the European Economy – next month, in April 2026. The session will focus on the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) draft opinion. The consultation on the draft opinion is expected to be launched after the SEAC meeting in mid-March. Read more about the ECHA’s consultation. […]

Update from the Department for Work and Pensions. Across the UK, people with learning disabilities still face barriers to finding and staying in work. Recent research shows that although individuals with learning disabilities can and do thrive in the workplace, many employers feel unsure about how best to recruit or support them. At the same […]

The government has announced free occupational health training for line managers in small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) across England. The support, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), comes as part of the government’s drive to tackle workplace sickness and is available between January and March 2026. The training, led by the […]

Employers across the UK have a unique opportunity to drive social change, support vulnerable groups, and build inclusive workplaces by engaging with a growing network of Covenants and pledges. These voluntary commitments, supported by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), enable organisations to demonstrate leadership in areas such as armed forces support, care leavers, domestic […]

Chemours is hosting a webinar on the role of fluoropolymers in Europe’s economy, their safety profile, and how the materials are responsibly manufactured. The webinar will: address the European Chemical Agency’s (ECHA’s) PFAS Restriction Dossier the recommendations highlighted in the recent study commissioned by the European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy (IRE) Committee on PFAS […]

The proposal to restrict PFAS in the EU/EEA was prepared by authorities in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. It was submitted to ECHA on 13 January 2023. It aims to reduce PFAS emissions into the environment and make products and processes safer for people Since then, several rounds of consultation and review have […]

The Competition and Markets Authority has published new guidance on beneficial collaboration which helps businesses understand how they can work together effectively without breaching competition law. The CMA is also hosting a webinar on 1 October as part of Business Finance Week. Date: Wednesday 1 October 2025 Time: 10:00am to 10:45am Location: Microsoft Teams About: […]

The UK Gasket & Sealing Association (UKGSA) is pleased to announce it has become an industry partner of Adhesives & Bonding Expo Europe, taking place at Messe Stuttgart from 11-13 November 2025. Recognised as one of Europe’s leading events dedicated to adhesive and bonding technologies, the Expo brings together manufacturers, suppliers and technical experts to showcase the latest innovations […]

Russ Pimblett, Member Representative on the UKGSA Committee and Sales Manager at DLR Elastomer, provides a short guide to PFAS and Seals, following the recent updated proposal to restrict PFAS under the EU’s chemical regulation, REACH. What is/are PFAS? PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances which are a large group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide […]

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published the following reports and work programmes: UK REACH Report, which outlines activities covering 2024-25 work programme period UK REACH Report, which describes the operational work for 2025-26 View Report and Work Programme UK REACH Substance Evaluation Rolling Action Plan for the period 2025-27. View the rolling action […]

The UK Gasket & Sealing Association (UKGSA), the leading trade association representing the UK’s gasket and sealing industry,  is delighted to announce a new partnership with the Gasket & Seals Show, the premier event for professionals in the sealing technology industry. This strategic collaboration will see the UKGSA join The Gasket and Seals Show as […]

UK businesses will be hit with increased exporting costs following new US custom charges. The De Minimis Tax Exemption is a law that allows shipments for American businesses and consumers valued under $800 (per person, per day) to enter the US free of duty and tax. Shipments are still subject to screening by the US […]

The June 2025 meetings of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) of the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) progressed with their evaluation of the proposed restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The committees reached provisional conclusions for PFAS uses in medical devices. In addition, the RAC reached provisional conclusions for […]

The March 2025 meetings of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) of the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) progressed with their evaluation of the proposed restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), reaching provisional conclusions for applications of fluorinated gases. The RAC reached provisional conclusions for Transport and energy applications. More […]

The November 2024 meetings of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) of the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) reached provisional conclusions on the proposed restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in three sectors. These sectors are: Construction products; Textiles, upholstery, leather, apparel and carpets; and Food contact materials and packaging. […]