UNCERTAINTY and confusion about new regulations about the use of chemicals is causing major problems for businesses, according to the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The regulations come from a European directive known as REACH (regulation, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals).

They have been designed to eliminate multiple sets of regulation and control and be replaced with one unified structure.

The aim is to ensure that substances are used in ways that are understood while the impact on people and on the environment is controlled, and to ensure that where possible, substitutes are found for particularly dangerous substances.

The chamber organised a meeting for a number of member businesses concerned about the legislation, together with Malcolm Harbour MEP, who had been involved when the legislation was going through European parliament. Also at the meeting were senior members of staff from the Health and Safety Executive, who have responsibility for the legislation's implementation in the UK.

Christopher Harvey, head of policy and representation at the chamber, said: "This is a complex piece of legislation that affects a great many businesses. it does not just affect those in the chemicals industry, but may affect any who use anything that may be called a substance'. It is not just concerned with hazardous substances.

"This chamber was very active in lobbying on the issue in Brussels when the directive was going through parliament and we were able to achieve some important changes. However, there is widespread confusion among businesses about how to implement it and more needs to be done to raise awareness. Equally, some organisations, including some major retailers, have misunderstood the legislation and are now causing major problems for other companies in their supply chain.

"The chamber, working with the British Chambers of Commerce, will be seeking a meeting with the retail consortium, the body that represents the major retail chains, to clarify the position.

"The legislation potentially affects all businesses and requires new ways of working with customers and with suppliers. There is a great danger that if we do not address the problems that we see arising now, it will add an unnecessary burden of cost and administration to businesses in this country and across the EU.

"The chambers of commerce were active in lobbying when the legislation was being framed and we will continue to work on this now to try to improve the current situation."