Leading business organisations from the EU and the UK convened in February 2025 to explore practical solutions to reduce technical trade barriers and enhance economic co-operation post-Brexit. Central to the dialogue was a strong joint call for a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on conformity assessment – a move seen as both pragmatic and achievable in the current regulatory landscape. A public statement calling for the MRA has now been made available.
Participants acknowledged the similar challenges faced by industries on both sides of the Channel and agreed that a mutual recognition agreement on conformity assessment would provide substantial mutual benefits.
Among the key advantages identified are:
• Regulatory stability and investment confidence: An MRA would bring predictability to compliance processes, encouraging long-term investment and enabling businesses to scale operations with assurance.
• Reduced duplication and compliance costs: By removing the need for duplicative conformity assessments, businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, would benefit from lower administrative burdens and improved access to both EU and UK markets.
• Enhanced capacity and competition: Recognising all conformity assessment bodies would expand access to these services, build capacity, and drive healthy competition, ultimately benefiting exporters.
Business organisations agreed that an MRA is not only desirable but also practical and deliverable. It can be pursued independently of the broader EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement, allowing for more agile progress. Additionally, it can start with selected industries and be expanded over time, ensuring a manageable and results-driven approach.
Furthermore, existing technical foundations are in place. The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is assessed to the same standards as EU Member State Accreditation Bodies. This alignment provides a strong technical basis for mutual recognition.
The initiative has received strong backing from the UK construction products sector, including the BMA, a member of the Construction Products Association, one of the signatory bodies.
“A mutual recognition agreement on conformity assessment is a common-sense step that will significantly reduce unnecessary costs and red tape for our industry,” said Tom Reynolds, chief executive of the BMA. “As proud members of the Construction Products Association, we strongly welcome this initiative and urge political leaders on both sides of the Channel to take heed of this clear message from industry. Enabling smoother access to each other’s markets is key to supporting growth and innovation.”
