Guidance

State aid: the basics

A basic guide to state aid rules.

This publication was withdrawn on

The Brexit transition period has ended and new rules on subsidy control now apply.

For current information read: Complying with the UK’s international obligations on subsidy control

EU State aid rules only apply in certain limited circumstances:

Documents

[Withdrawn] State Aid: the basics

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@beis.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

The UK and EU have agreed to terms on a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, which came into force on 1 January 2021. This agreement contains provisions related to subsidy control.

This guide is intended to help public bodies understand what state aid is, and whether it might affect their policies. Those whose work might be subject to state aid rules will find signposts to more detailed information and contact details for those who can provide advice.

Read the state aid manual.

Updates to this page

Published 27 November 2013
Last updated 10 July 2015 + show all updates
  1. Updated version of 'State aid: the basics guide'.

  2. First published.

Sign up for emails or print this page