Fix problems moving goods from GB to Northern Ireland
- 1 step
UK Act of Parliament
2018
United Kingdom
European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018
At a glance
Enforced by
What's here
6 compliance obligations, 1 practical guide · 4 journeys · 9 statutory instruments
Who this Act binds
Plus 6 non-business duties on Crown ministers, regulators, local authorities or tribunals — shown collapsed under each section below.
Step-by-step journeys using this legislation
Walkthroughs that take you from a real business situation to compliance.
Relevant guidance
Practical guides for businesses affected by this Act, ordered by how closely they engage with it.
Supporting — topic alignment
1 guidesWhat this Act requires
Sections that create concrete duties on businesses or carry penalties. Procedural and definitional sections are folded into the “Browse other sections” expander at the bottom of each group. Click any section title to read the source text on legislation.gov.uk.
Schedules
Publication and rules of evidence
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Queen's Printer must publish retained EU law and treaties Crown / Minister / Government department
Browse 230 other Schedules — structural / supplementary
Further provision about exceptions to savings and incorporation
(1) There is no right in domestic law on or...
No general principle of EU law is part of domestic...
(1) There is no right of action in domestic law...
There is no right in domestic law on or after...
(1) References in section 5 and this Schedule to the...
Corresponding powers involving devolved authorities
(1) A devolved authority may by regulations make such provision...
(1) A provision is within the devolved competence of a...
References in paragraphs 8 to 10, in connection with the...
Supplementary power in connection with implementation period
No power to make provision outside devolved competence
Certain requirements for consent, joint exercise or consultation
Meaning of devolved competence: Part 1A
A provision is within the devolved competence of the Welsh...
A provision is within the devolved competence of a Northern...
Powers in connection with Part 3 of withdrawal agreement and EEA EFTA separation agreement
No power to make provision outside devolved competence
Certain requirements for consent, joint exercise or consultation
Meaning of devolved competence: Part 1B
A provision is within the devolved competence of the Welsh...
A provision is within the devolved competence of a Northern...
Power in connection with Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland
No power to make provision outside devolved competence
Certain requirements for consent, joint exercise or consultation
Meaning of devolved competence: Part 1C
A provision is within the devolved competence of the Welsh...
A provision is within the devolved competence of a Northern...
(1) A devolved authority may by regulations make such provision...
(1) No provision may be made by a devolved authority...
(1) No provision may be made by the Scottish Ministers...
(1) No regulations may be made under this Part by...
Paragraphs 5 to 7 apply for the purposes of this...
A provision is within the devolved competence of the Scottish...
A provision is within the devolved competence of the Welsh...
A provision is within the devolved competence of a Northern...
(1) No provision may be made by a devolved authority...
(1) No provision may be made by the Scottish Ministers...
No regulations may be made under this Part by a...
(1) The consent of a Minister of the Crown is...
(1) No regulations may be made under this Part by...
(1) No regulations may be made under this Part by...
(1) A provision is within the devolved competence of the...
(1) A provision is within the devolved competence of the...
Further amendments of devolution legislation and reporting requirement
In section 57 of the Scotland Act 1998 (EU law...
In section 32 (submission of Bills for Royal Assent), in...
Omit section 34 (ECJ references).
(1) Section 36 (stages of Bills) is amended as follows....
(1) Section 57 (EU law and Convention rights) is amended...
(1) Section 80D (Scottish taxpayers) is amended as follows.
In section 80DA (Scottish taxpayers: Welsh parliamentarians), in subsection (2)(a),...
(1) Section 82 (limits on salaries of members of the...
(1) Section 106 (power to adapt functions) is amended as...
In section 119 (Consolidated Fund etc.), omit subsection (4).
(1) Section 126 (interpretation) is amended as follows.
In section 80 of the Government of Wales Act 2006...
In section 127 (index of defined expressions), omit the entry...
(1) Schedule 4 (enactments etc. protected from modification) is amended...
In Part 2 of Schedule 5 (specific reservations), in section...
(1) Paragraph 1 of Schedule 6 (devolution issues) is amended...
(1) The table in paragraph 1(2) of Schedule 7 (procedure...
After paragraph 5 of Schedule 7 (procedure for subordinate legislation:...
In Schedule 8 (modifications of enactments), omit paragraph 15 and...
The Government of Wales Act 2006 is amended as follows....
In section 3 (ordinary general elections), in subsection (1A), omit...
In section 13(5) (power of the Welsh Ministers to make...
In section 24 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (EU...
(1) Section 13A (power of the Secretary of State to...
In section 16(3) (disqualification from being Assembly member) omit “(other...
(1) Section 21 (limit on salaries of Assembly members) is...
In section 58A (executive ministerial functions), in subsection (4)(d), for...
Omit section 58B (implementation of EU law: general).
(1) Section 59 (implementation of EU law: designation of Welsh...
In the heading before section 80 (EU law, human rights...
(1) Section 80 (EU law) is amended as follows.
In section 111 (proceedings on Bills)— (a) in subsection (6),...
Omit section 113 (ECJ references).
(1) After the end of each reporting period, a Minister...
In section 115 (Royal Assent), in subsection (3), omit paragraph...
(1) Section 116E (Welsh taxpayers) is amended as follows.
In section 116F (Welsh taxpayers: Scottish parliamentarians), in subsection (2)(a),...
After section 157 (orders, regulations and directions) insert— Explanatory statements...
In section 158(1) (interpretation)— (a) omit the definition of “EU...
In section 159 (index of defined expressions), omit the entry...
In Schedule 3 (transfer etc. of functions: further provisions), omit...
In Part 2 of Schedule 7A (specific reservations), in section...
In paragraph 5(1) of Schedule 7B (protected enactments), in the...
In Schedule 11 (transitional provisions), omit paragraph 35A and the...
In this Part— “appropriate authority” means— the Scottish Ministers, the...
The Northern Ireland Act 1998 is amended as follows.
(1) Section 7 (entrenched enactments) is amended as follows.
Omit section 12 (reconsideration where reference made to ECJ).
In section 13 (stages of Bills), omit subsection (5)(b).
In section 14 (submission of Bills by the Secretary of...
In the heading of section 24 (EU law, Convention rights...
(1) Section 27 (quotas for purposes of international etc. obligations)...
After section 96(4) (orders and regulations) insert—
After section 96 (orders and regulations) insert— Explanatory statements in...
In section 98(1) (interpretation)— (a) omit the definition of “EU...
The Scotland Act 1998 is amended as follows.
(1) Schedule 2 (excepted matters) is amended as follows.
In Schedule 3 (reserved matters), in paragraph 38, for the...
In paragraph 1(c) of Schedule 10 (devolution issues) omit the...
In section 2 (ordinary general elections), in subsection (2A), omit...
In section 12 (power of the Scottish Ministers to make...
(1) Section 12A (power of the Secretary of State to...
Powers in connection with fees and charges
(1) An appropriate authority may by regulations make provision for,...
If a Minister of the Crown— (a) is an appropriate...
This Part does not affect the powers under sections 8...
(1) A Minister of the Crown is an “appropriate authority”...
(1) A Minister of the Crown may only make regulations...
A Minister of the Crown may by regulations—
(1) Subject to sub-paragraphs (2) and (2A), no regulations may...
This Part does not affect the powers under sections 8...
(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies where any subordinate legislation contains provision...
In this Part an “appropriate authority” means a Minister of...
(1) Where the charging provision consists solely of 1972 Act...
(1) The Queen's Printer must make arrangements for the publication...
(1) A Minister of the Crown may create an exception...
(1) Where it is necessary, in legal proceedings, to decide...
(1) A Minister of the Crown may by regulations—
Instruments which are exempt EU instruments
(1) An EU decision is “an exempt EU instrument” so...
An EU regulation is “an exempt EU instrument” so far...
EU tertiary legislation is “an exempt EU instrument” so far...
The following are “ relevant Protocols ” for the purposes...
Regulations
(1) A statutory instrument containing regulations under section 8(1) which...
(1) A statutory instrument containing regulations under section 9 which...
A statutory instrument containing regulations under section 12(9) may not...
(1) A statutory instrument containing regulations of a Minister of...
A statutory instrument containing regulations under paragraph 4 of Schedule...
A statutory instrument containing regulations under section 20(4) is subject...
(1) A statutory instrument containing regulations under section 23(1) is...
(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies if a Minister of the Crown...
(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies if a Minister of the Crown...
Paragraph 4 applies to regulations under Part 2 of Schedule...
(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies to— (a) a statutory instrument to...
(1) This paragraph applies to regulations under Part 1 of...
(1) Any power to make regulations under this Act—
Any power to make regulations under this Act—
The fact that a power to make regulations is conferred...
(1) The fact that anything continues to be, or forms...
Any power to make regulations under this Act which modify...
Any power to make regulations under this Act which modify...
Any power to make regulations under this Act in relation...
Any power of a Minister of the Crown under this...
The modifications made by Part 1 of Schedule 8 and...
Section 28 of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act...
(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) a statutory instrument containing...
(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) a Scottish statutory instrument...
(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies if a Minister of the Crown...
(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) a statutory instrument containing...
(1) This paragraph applies where— (a) a Scottish statutory instrument...
(1) Each person by whom a relevant sub-delegated power is...
(1) Each person by whom a relevant sub-delegated power is...
(1) This paragraph applies where a statutory instrument containing regulations...
(1) This paragraph applies where regulations are to be made...
If an instrument, or a draft of an instrument, containing...
(1) A power to make regulations which, under this Schedule,...
(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies to a statutory instrument containing regulations...
(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies if the Welsh Ministers are to...
(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies to— (a) a statutory instrument to...
(1) This paragraph applies to— (a) regulations to which paragraph...
(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies to— (a) a statutory instrument to...
(1) This paragraph applies to— (a) regulations to which paragraph...
Powers in connection with Part 4 of the withdrawal agreement
(1) A statutory instrument containing regulations under section 8A which...
(1) This paragraph applies to regulations under Part 1A of...
Powers in connection with other separation issues in the withdrawal agreement etc.
(1) This paragraph applies to regulations under Part 1B of...
Powers in connection with the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol in the withdrawal agreement
(1) This paragraph applies to regulations under Part 1C of...
(1) A statutory instrument containing regulations under paragraph 1(2)(b) of...
A statutory instrument containing regulations under section 6(5A) may not...
Consequential, transitional, transitory and saving provision
(1) Any reference so far as it, immediately before IP...
(1) This paragraph applies to any power to make, confirm...
(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies to any power to make, confirm...
— (1) This paragraph applies to a power to make,...
— (1) This paragraph applies to a power to make,...
(1) Paragraphs 11A and 11B and this paragraph—
(1) A statutory instrument which— (a) is to be made...
(1) This paragraph applies where, on or after IP completion...
(1) This paragraph applies where, on or after IP completion...
(1) This paragraph applies where, on or after IP completion...
In section 56 of the Finance Act 1973 (charges for...
The Interpretation Act 1978 is amended as follows.
In section 21(1) (meaning of “subordinate legislation”) after “any Act”...
(1) Any reference which, immediately before IP completion day—
(1) Any reference so far as it—
After section 23 (application to other instruments) insert— Retained direct...
In section 24 (application to Northern Ireland), in subsection (4)—...
In Schedule 1 (words and expressions defined)—
The European Economic Area Act 1993 is amended as follows....
Omit section 1 (EEA agreement to be an EU Treaty)....
(1) Section 2 (consistent application of law to the whole...
(1) Section 3 (general implementation of the EEA agreement) is...
Omit section 4 (modification of section 3 of the European...
In section 6 (interpretation), in subsection (1), in the definition...
(1) Section 288ZA of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995...
(1) Any reference which, immediately before IP completion day—
(1) Any power to make, confirm or approve subordinate legislation...
(1) This paragraph has effect for the purposes of the...
The Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 is amended...
(1) Section 1 (application of Part 1 of the Act)...
In section 30 (other instruments laid before the Scottish Parliament),...
In section 37 (interpretation of Part 2 of the Act)—...
In Schedule 1 (definitions of words and expressions)—
In section 30 of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment...
(1) Anything done— (a) in connection with anything which continues...
(1) Anything done— (a) in connection with anything which continues...
The repeal of section 1A(1) to (4) by section 1A(5)...
Section 4(2)(b) does not apply in relation to any rights,...
(1) Subject as follows and subject to relevant separation agreement...
(1) Any subordinate legislation which— (a) is, or is to...
The prohibition on making regulations under section 6(5A), 8, 8A...
(1) The amendments made by section 12 and Part 1...
The amendments made by Part 1 of Schedule 3 do...
A consent decision of the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly...
(1) The definition of “relevant criminal offence” in section 20(1)...
(1) The amendment made by paragraph 17 does not affect...
(1) This paragraph applies to any power to make, confirm...
Any subordinate legislation which is, or is to be, made,...
Any power to make, confirm or approve subordinate legislation which,...
(1) Paragraphs 3 to 7 and this paragraph—
(1) In carrying out a review of a provision of...
Additional repeals
Review of EU legislation during implementation period
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ministers must arrange Parliamentary debates on vital EU legislation Crown / Minister / Government department
Bills affecting trade between Northern Ireland and other parts of the United Kingdom
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ministers must declare if new Bills impact trade with Northern Ireland Crown / Minister / Government department
Prohibition on extending implementation period
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Ministers are prohibited from extending the post-Brexit transition period Crown / Minister / Government department
Ministerial co-chairs of the Joint Committee
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- Minister of the Crown must personally co-chair the Withdrawal Joint Committee Crown / Minister / Government department
No use of written procedure in the Joint Committee
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
- UK co-chair must not use written procedures in the Joint Committee Crown / Minister / Government department
Browse 36 other sections — procedural / definitional / commencement
Repeal of the European Communities Act 1972
Saving for ECA for implementation period
Saving for EU-derived domestic legislation for implementation period
Saving for EU-derived domestic legislation
Incorporation of direct EU legislation
Saving for rights etc. under section 2(1) of the ECA
Exceptions to savings and incorporation
Savings and incorporation: supplementary
Interpretation of assimilated law
Incompatibility orders
Status of assimilated law
General implementation of remainder of withdrawal agreement
General implementation of EEA EFTA and Swiss agreements
Interpretation of relevant separation agreement law
Dealing with deficiencies arising from withdrawal
Supplementary power in connection with implementation period
Power in connection with certain other separation issues
Power in connection with Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol in withdrawal agreement
Implementing the withdrawal agreement
Protection for North-South co-operation and ... prevention of new border arrangements
Powers involving devolved authorities corresponding to sections 8 to 8C
Retaining EU restrictions in devolution legislation etc.
Parliamentary approval of the outcome of negotiations with the EU
Certain dispute procedures under withdrawal agreement
Financial provision
Publication and rules of evidence
Maintenance of environmental principles etc.
Family unity for those seeking asylum or other protection in Europe
Customs arrangement as part of the framework for the future relationship
Future interaction with the law and agencies of the EU
Interpretation
Index of defined expressions
Regulations
Consequential and transitional provision
Extent
Commencement and short title
Official guidance
Authoritative sources published by regulators or government explaining this legislation.
- UK Securities Financing Transactions Regulation (UK SFTR) | FCA (opens in a new tab) from FCA Detailed Guidance
- Securitisation | FCA (opens in a new tab) from FCA Detailed Guidance
- Knowledge Base | FCA (opens in a new tab) from FCA Detailed Guidance
- Market Abuse Regulation | FCA (opens in a new tab) from FCA Detailed Guidance
- Inside information: how to identify, control and disclose | FCA (opens in a new tab) from FCA Detailed Guidance
- How to report suspected market abuse as a firm or trading venue | FCA (opens in a new tab) from FCA Detailed Guidance
- Market abuse | FCA (opens in a new tab) from FCA Detailed Guidance
- Considerations for firms after the transition period | FCA (opens in a new tab) from FCA Detailed Guidance
- Onshoring and the Temporary Transitional Power | FCA (opens in a new tab) from FCA Detailed Guidance
- What is the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union? | EHRC (opens in a new tab) from EHRC Detailed Guidance
- ... and 51 more
Enforcement and responsible bodies
The regulators that administer or enforce this legislation.
Vehicle Certification Agency
Type approval authority for new vehicles, components, and systems. Certifies that vehicles meet safety and environmental standards. Issues UK type approvals replacing …
Connected legislation
9 statutory instruments
These instruments amend, apply, or refer to this Act. They may not all create direct business obligations.
Secondary legislation (9)
- Conservation of Habitats and Species (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 2019
- Data Protection, Privacy and Electronic Communications (Amendments ) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 2019
- Intellectual Property (Amendment ) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 2020
- REACH (Amendment ) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 2019
- Road Vehicles and Non-Road Mobile Machinery (Type-Approval) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 2019
- The Challenges to Validity of EU Instruments (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 2020
- The Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2023 2023
- The Ozone-Depleting Substances and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (Amendment ) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 2019
- Windsor Framework (Retail Movement Scheme) Regulations 2023 2023
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Regulators
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