Guidance
Trading under the mutual recognition principle if there’s no Brexit deal
How importing and exporting non-harmonised goods would be affected if the UK leaves the EU with no deal.
Documents
Details
If the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 29 March 2019, the requirements for placing certain products on the UK and EU markets, including the arrangements for non-harmonised goods imported and exported under the mutual recognition principle, will change.
This notice explains the future arrangements for the import and export of non-harmonised goods under the mutual recognition principle in a ‘no deal’ scenario.
Actions for businesses and other stakeholders
Manufacturers placing products on the UK market on or after 29 March 2019 should note:
- UK businesses who import non-harmonised goods into the UK will need to ensure they meet UK national requirements, even if their goods were previously lawfully marketed in another EU country or in the UK.
- Non-UK businesses exporting non-harmonised goods to the UK will need to ensure that the goods meet UK national requirements, regardless of whether they were previously lawfully marketed in another EU country or in the UK.
Manufacturers placing products on or after 29 March 2019 the EU market should note:
- UK businesses who have already exported a non-harmonised good to an EU country by meeting the relevant national requirements will still be able market their product in other EU countries and will not need to take any specific action.
- UK businesses exporting non-harmonised goods to the EU market will need to meet the national requirements of the EU country where they first intend to place the goods on the market.
Updates to this page
Published 13 September 2018