(07.12.2022) A new bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom will be effective as of January 1, 2023. Different product categories will benefit from a simplified conformity assessment procedure.
Exporters are required to submit evidence that their products comply with the relevant regulations and technical requirements of the country to which they are being exported. In the absence of a bilateral agreement, assessments are performed by agencies based in the importing country - an often lengthy and costly process.
The Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), signed on November 17, 2022, complements the trade agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (MRA). It will allow Swiss export companies to have their products assessed for compliance with British rules in five additional product categories in Switzerland directly - and vice versa.
The following product categories are affected: transportable pressure equipment, telecommunications equipment, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), noise emissions from outdoor equipment and measuring instruments. The products concerned include, among others, tanks, gas containers, radioelectric installations and precision scales.
From 2023, the approval procedure will therefore be simplified for almost 75% of the volume of trade in goods between Switzerland and the UK. According to Economiesuisse, "the new agreement will help strengthen the international competitiveness of both countries".
Last modification 07.12.2022
