This instrument makes amendments to previous no deal legislation in light of the extension to exit day agreed under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. Additionally, it seeks to extend transitional provisions for imports from the EEA to imports from Switzerland and to ensure other provisions operate effectively and as intended. The instrument also amends certain EU-derived legislation, to expressly implement certain provisions of the mutual recognition agreement between the EU and Switzerland, related to importers and authorised representatives, and to make a small correction to legislation implementing the EU safety regime for pressure equipment.
The amendments relating to EU exit are (just as the measures they amend were) contingency measures to ensure the UK had a functioning statute book that would ensure continuity and certainty irrespective of the outcome of negotiations. In order to develop a future relationship with the EU that delivers in UK national interests, it was important the UK took a responsible approach in preparing for all scenarios, including the outcome that they leave the EU without any deal.
