September 11, 2017

The study, which is entitled “Legal Implications of Brexit: Customs Union, Internal Market Acquis for Goods and Services, Consumer Protection Law, Public Procurement” addresses the implications of the UK withdrawing from the EU in relation to the Customs Union, EU law governing goods and services, and consumer protection law.

The study identifies the main challenges that have to be addressed irrespective of the policy choices that will be made. The analysis takes fully-fledged EU membership as a starting point and compares it to three alternative scenarios: (i) UK as a member of the European Economic Area (EEA); (ii) a tailor-made free trade agreement between the EU and the UK; and (iii) no agreement where the trading relationship is governed by WTO law.

The study analyses the legal impact of the different Brexit scenarios on the policy areas that fall within the remit of the IMCO Committee. It finds, for example, that the impact of Brexit on consumer protection is relatively limited, but that the impact of Brexit on other areas, such cover standards and product safety rules, will be significant. It also finds that, in relation to goods, the impact of Brexit is significant. Trade cooperation between the EU and the UK would, in the event of a Brexit without any arrangements concerning the future relationship, not only fall back on WTO law, but the UK would also have to re-negotiate its schedules and commitments under WTO law that are currently held by the EU on behalf of the UK. Not only would a separation of the EU28 schedules require consent from the EU, but also by all the other WTO members. To access the study in full, click here.