UKAS BREXIT Statement: 24 January 2020

The UK will have left the EU on 31 January 2020 after which the UK will be in a transition period until 31 December 2020. During the transition period nothing will change; there will be no impact on the awarding of UKAS accreditation certificates. The UK Government has confirmed that UKAS role as the national accreditation body will remain as it is now after we leave the EU. UKAS will retain its signatory status to the EA, IAF, and ILAC mutual recognition arrangements.

This means that the majority of UKAS’ accredited activities will continue to be unaffected . UKAS accreditation will continue to be recognised and accreditation certificates will continue to be valid following the UK’s departure from the European Union, regardless of whether or not the UK leaves with a deal in place.

At the end of the transition period where EU legislation specifically requires accreditation to be awarded by the national accreditation body of an EU Member State, UKAS accreditation may no longer be recognised depending on the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.

During the transition period, UKAS will continue to work with Government to promote the use and acceptance of UKAS accreditation as part of trade negotiations. Regular updates will appear on the UKAS website.

FAQ’s

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union on Friday 31st January 2020, a list of the most frequently asked questions in relation to UKAS and accreditation is now available. UKAS will continue to update and augment these questions as the situation develops over the next few months.

https://www.ukas.com/download/brochures/Brexit-FAQs-14Feb20-2.pdf