Guidance

Bidding for overseas contracts: what to expect if there’s a no-deal Brexit

Information for UK businesses about the UK’s participation in the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) if there’s a no-deal Brexit.

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The UK will leave the EU on 31 October. This page tells you how to prepare for Brexit. It will be updated if anything changes, including if a deal is agreed.

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The Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) allows UK businesses to bid for government contracts in other countries, and foreign businesses to bid for contracts in the UK.

At present, the UK is signed up to the GPA through EU membership. If there’s a no-deal Brexit, the UK expects to join the GPA on substantially the same terms.

It may take up to 30 days to comes into force, after exit day. The impact of this on businesses should be minimal. UK businesses will still have access to government procurements in many overseas markets. They may temporarily lose some rights provided by the GPA.

If you’re concerned about bidding on a foreign government procurement shortly after exit day, please get in touch.

The GPA is an agreement between 20 members of the World Trade Organization.

Read the government guidance on public-sector procurement after a no-deal Brexit.

Contact us if you have any questions.

Published 16 August 2019
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