I take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy New Year and to thank all Mara members as well as some SIEF members for their support during 2018 - a year that marked an end to the REACH  registration arm.

May 31, 2018 marked the end of the REACH registration process with the highest number of registrations seen since the implementation of the regulation. This increase in registrations was reflected in the increased consortium workload with regards to LoA sales, selling studies and general SIEF support if compared to the previous 5 years. Work related to dossier updates did not see a decrease due to compliance checks request, ECHA’s release of guidance documents and changes to CLP adaptation to technical protocols. 

2019 is anticipated to focus on completing all compliance check work which began some 2 years ago and update of those dossiers that have not been updated since 2010. Outside ensuring the smooth running of the consortium, dossier updates and technical work, the consortium will seek to develop and execute strategists that will enable it work in a faster and more efficient manner in the matters related to the following:

o   K-REACH and the need for OECD studies

o   UK- REACH/Brexit implications to chemical regulations in relation to registration and data-sharing

o   ECHA’s Integrated Regulatory Strategy - Meeting the 2020 goals of the world summit

o   The Metals and Inorganics Sectorial Approach (MISA) – Identifying registration shortcomings by 2020

o   Strategic approach to internal chemicals management (SAICM)- Implementation towards the achievement of the 2020 goal

o   Any changes to CLP technical adaptions to protocol and its implications to Mn-based registrations.

o   Finalise the Reimbursement aspect of the data-sharing regulations to zero accounts with members and the SIEF at large

From a financial stand point, the aim is to continue along the same lines as 2018 by -

o   Reducing 2019 expenses (general and operating cost) via more stringent management of Mara suppliers, use of cheaper online tools for meetings and shopping for cheaper but more efficient suppliers.

o   Improving on the SG’s consulting aspect of my role

o   Increasing the sales of studies for REACH or non-REACH requirements by proactively reaching out and negotiating aggressively with companies or consortia that need them

….and finally, I wish you all the best in 2019 as well as a productive and profitable year.