Brexit Trade and Cooperation Arrangement – Implications for Construction

Summary

The EU/UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) was concluded on 24th December 2020. The agreement introduces significant changes to the operation and regulation of UK markets that will have an impact on construction markets in the short and long-term. The agreement of the TCA avoided the worst disruptions that would have accompanied a disorderly no-deal exit from the EU. As a result, the immediate impacts of Brexit on construction markets have been limited.

This paper has been prepared for general information relating to the TCA and as such it sets out an initial assessment of the likely medium and long-term effects of that deal on construction projects in the UK. It is not based on a detailed reading of the TCA (the “Agreement”), annexes and guidance notes that have been published following the conclusion of the Agreement. Its contents should not be relied upon as guidance as to exact steps that can be taken following the conclusion of the Agreement and so you should complete your own due diligence and seek professional advice before making any decisions or taking any actions relating to it.

This document addresses the following issues:

• Movement of goods imported into the UK
• Movement of labour into the UK
• Construction materials marks and standards
• Chemicals regulations
• Procurement
• Data adequacy.