The Graphics and Print Media Alliance (GPMA) has confirmed that government ministers have agreed to revoke the Misuse Of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations 2021 without replacing them immediately. This means that in England, Wales and Scotland, those in the print supply chain will not now require a licence for substances containing GBL on 15 June, when the 2021 Regulations were otherwise due to come into force.
This follows extensive representation to the Home Office carried out by the members of the GPMA together with the wider chemicals supply chain, notably the Chemicals Business Association and the Alliance of Chemical Associations.
Charles Jarrold, chair of the GPMA and chief executive of the BPIF said: “We are relieved that the proposed legislation has been withdrawn, and that a full consultation will now be carried out to determine the best way forward. We were particularly encouraged by, and appreciative of, the support that the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy gave us in this process, and the level of engagement from the Home Office. Not only did we coordinate through the GPMA across the entire print supply chain, but we worked closely with the wider chemicals supply chain throughout this process”.
Tom Bowtell, chair of the Alliance of Chemical Associations and chief executive of the British Coatings Federation, added: “We welcome that Government has listened to the concerns of industry and agreed to redraft the required regulations. This creates space for proper consultation with businesses as new legislation is drafted over the coming months. We hope these discussions will lead to a more proportionate and effective law, one which delivers on the Government's aims but which does not unduly penalise legitimate users of these substances across the chemical supply chain, nor in the manufacturing or other sectors.”
The Home Office will now conduct a public consultation on how best to achieve the intended outcome of preventing the sale of bogus industrial products intended for illicit use. Subject to consultation and ministerial agreement, their intention is to seek views on the introduction of a licensing requirement which may contain some exemptions. Existing applicants for a licence will be contacted by the Home Office’s Drugs and Firearms Licensing to explain the next steps in relation to their application, with a view to new legislation coming into force in March 2023.