The U.Okay. left the EU customs union after the 2016 Brexit referendum, formally exiting the bloc in January 2020 beneath then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Britain remained aligned with EU commerce guidelines throughout a transition interval earlier than absolutely leaving the customs union on Jan. 1, 2021, when the EU-U.Okay. Commerce and Cooperation Settlement took impact.
The transfer restored Britain’s capability to strike unbiased commerce offers however launched customs checks, rules-of-origin necessities and new limitations for exporters.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has up to now dominated out rejoining the customs union, framing it as a pink line whereas promising a broader “reset” with Brussels.
“We’re getting a more in-depth relationship with the EU on quite a few fronts, together with on commerce and the economic system,” Starmer advised MPs earlier this month, including: “We’ve got clear pink strains in relation to the one market and the customs union.”
