Brexit deal: 7 facts you need to know
On 24 December 2020, the agreement for a new partnership between the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) was announced. The text of the deal is available to everyone, but the 1,246 page document does not make for light reading. In this article you find 7 facts about the agreement that you absolutely need to know.
The deal includes agreements on technical barriers to trade (TBT) and the relaxation of procedures on product safety and market compliance. However, there is no mutual recognition of certificates for industrial products. This means that products for which a certificate is required can only be placed on the market in the EU with a certificate issued by an EU-notified body. A certificate issued by a UK-based notified body is not valid. If products already have a UK notified body certificate, that was issued before 1 January 2021, an EU notified body can take this into account when assessing an application for a valid EU certificate.
A supplier may issue their own declaration on conformity. This is called self declaration. It is only possible for pre-defined product categories, which carry little risk. In addition, agreements have been made on the conditions for recognition of Good Manufacturing Practices inspections for medicines and active ingredients.
- In the 30 December Brexitloket webinar, experts tell you more about the effects of the deal on customs matters, import and export, taxes and insurances (in Dutch).
- Would you like to read the withdrawal agreement? Download it via the EU website.
- Or check the effects on your trade sector in a pdf prepared by the European Commission.Q&A about the Brexit
Q&A about the Brexit
There is an extensive Q&A about the Brexit Trade Agreement available on the website of the European Commission. It explains what the new rules mean for different sectors, such as trade in goods, fisheries and road transport. There are nine chapters in total and you can search per sector. At the top you can choose your language. You can find answers to questions such as: What was agreed to facilitate trade in automotive? How does the Agreement contribute to trade and sustainable development? Will air carriers still have the same rights to operate between and within the EU and the UK? Note that this Q&A was published in December 2020 and therefore speaks of a draft agreement.