UK-Switzerland Mutual Recognition Agreement
The UK and Switzerland have signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) to reduce non-tariff barriers related to conformity assessment in 5 sectors.
Summary of the agreement
The UK-Switzerland MRA contains the conditions under which each country will accept conformity assessment results from the other.
The MRA covers:
-
electrical equipment and electromagnetic compatibility (The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 and The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016)
-
measuring instruments (The Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016 and The Non-automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations 2016)
-
radio equipment (The Radio Equipment Regulations 2017)
-
transportable pressure equipment (The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009)
-
noise emitting equipment for use outdoors (The Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001)
The MRA allows for these goods to be tested in the UK against Swiss regulations. They can then be sold in Switzerland without additional testing in Switzerland.
Equally, the MRA sets out how relevant goods can be tested in Switzerland against UK regulations. They can then be sold in the UK without additional testing.
The UK and Switzerland have another MRA which covers good manufacturing practice (GMP) of pharmaceuticals, good laboratory practice (GLP) of chemicals and motor vehicles. Read more about this MRA.
Search the UK Market Conformity Assessment Bodies (UKMCAB) database to source UK government appointed CABs.
Treaty text and explanatory memorandum
The treaty establishes mutual recognition of conformity assessment between the UK and Switzerland.
The explanatory memorandum has information on the agreement, including:
- ministerial responsibility
- policy considerations
- implementation
The agreement will be applied provisionally from 1 January 2023, pending Parliamentary approval.
Last updated 1 May 2024 + show all updates
-
Addition of links to UK regulations covered by the MRA.
-
Updated to reflect that the treaty text and explanatory memorandum have been laid in parliament.
-
First published.