UK-USA Mutual Recognition Agreement

Documents relating to the UK-USA Mutual Recognition Agreement.

New rules for January 2021

The UK has left the EU, and the transition period after Brexit comes to an end this year.

This page tells you what you’ll need to do from 1 January 2021. It will be updated if anything changes.

You can also read about the transition period.

Summary of the agreement

The UK-USA Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) contains the conditions under which each country will accept conformity assessment results from the other. It maintains the effects of the operational aspects of the EU-USA agreement in a bilateral context.

The UK-USA MRA covers:

  • electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
  • telecommunication equipment
  • good manufacturing practice (GMP) of pharmaceuticals

These UK goods can be tested in the UK against USA regulations. The goods can then be sold in the USA without additional testing in the USA.

These goods from the USA can be tested in the USA against UK regulations. The goods can then be sold in the UK without additional testing in the UK.

The UK and USA also have a separate MRA which covers marine equipment.

When the agreement is active

This agreement can take effect from 1 January 2021, when the EU-USA agreement no longer applies to the UK.

Treaty text and explanatory memorandum

The treaty establishes mutual recognition of conformity assessment between the UK and the USA.

The explanatory memorandum has information on the mutual recognition agreement, including:

  • ministerial responsibility
  • policy considerations
  • implementation
Published 12 March 2019
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