European industry calls for an EU–UK mutual recognition agreement on conformity assessment

UKAS is delighted to welcome the publication of an industry call to action for the development of a framework for an EU-UK mutual recognition agreement on conformity assessment.  

As the EU and the UK seek practical steps to build on the 2025 Common Understanding, this paper outlines the benefits that an agreement would bring to industry across Europe: 

• Streamlining market access by eliminating the prospect of duplicative conformity assessments. 

• Providing long-term stability and predictability for manufacturers, building business confidence. 

• Granting EU industry access to the UK’s conformity assessment market, boosting competition, resource availability and supply chain resilience. 

Matt Gantley, Chief Executive, UKAS commented: “With testimonials from business associations across Europe, this paper is clear recognition of the benefits for EU-UK trade of a mutual recognition agreement on conformity assessment.  

UKAS continues to hear concerns from industry about barriers to EU-UK trade arising from duplicated conformity assessment and was therefore pleased to convene these associations to allow them to explain the importance of utilising the cross-border agreements on accreditation.  

As is testified in this paper, EU-UK conformity assessment recognition would bring significant mutual economic benefit, improving regulatory cooperation, strengthening supply chain integration and reducing costs for businesses.” 

You can read the paper here.