Trade Legislation
Laws governing international trade, customs procedures, trade agreements, and commercial relations.
The Marking of Retail Goods Regulations 2025
The Marking of Retail Goods Regulations 2025 empower the UK Secretary of State to mandate individual marking of certain retail goods sold in Great Britain destined for Northern Ireland.
This action addresses concerns about disruptions in supply caused by labelling requirements under Regulation (EU) 2023/1231.
The regulations specify the authority responsible for enforcement, outlining inspection powers and potential penalties for non-compliance.
An independent monitoring panel provides oversight, and regular reviews aim to ensure the regulations remain effective and proportionate.
The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective July 22nd, 2025, amend Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 concerning animal transport.
The amendments specifically address the handling of chickens (Gallus gallus) and turkeys, modifying the prohibition on lifting birds by their legs, whilst introducing new rules regarding lifting and carrying based on weight.
The regulations were developed after consultation with relevant stakeholders and apply across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The Pollution Prevention and Control (Fees) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025
The Pollution Prevention and Control (Fees) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025 increase hourly rates for specialist and non-specialist officers involved in environmentally regulating the offshore oil and gas industry.
These fee increases, effective immediately, apply to several existing regulations governing offshore petroleum activities, licensing, and environmental impact assessments.
The changes aim to update existing fees to better reflect the cost of providing regulatory services.
The Customs (Preferential Trade Arrangements and Tariff Quotas) (US) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
These regulations, effective June 30, 2025, amend existing UK customs rules to incorporate a new preferential trade agreement and tariff quota for US beef, stemming from the General Terms for the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Economic Prosperity Deal concluded on May 8, 2025.
The changes add a new quota to the Customs (Tariff Quotas) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 and include the new agreement details within the Customs Tariff (Preferential Trade Arrangements) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020.
The regulations apply to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 amend several existing UK customs regulations.
These amendments update various referenced documents related to import duties, authorized uses, preferential trade arrangements, and reflect changes made in the EU. Specifically, the regulations update version numbers for documents related to authorized uses, the UK Tariff, import duty suspensions, and preferential tariffs with Andean countries.
Importantly, the regulations also revoke provisions related to duties on Ukrainian and Moldovan goods, simplifying regulations in these specific areas.
The Enterprise Act 2002 (Amendment of Section 58 Considerations) Order 2025
The Enterprise Act 2002 (Amendment of Section 58 Considerations) Order 2025, effective July 24, 2025, amends the Enterprise Act 2002 to modernize its approach to media mergers.
It updates terminology, replacing 'newspapers' with 'news media' and including broadcasting, thus expanding and clarifying the public interest considerations involved in merger reviews.
These amendments also entail procedural changes in designated sections of the Act and the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013.
A savings provision protects the effects of pre-existing decisions.
The Reporting Cryptoasset Service Providers (Due Diligence and Reporting Requirements) Regulations 2025
These regulations implement the OECD Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework in the UK, mandating due diligence, record-keeping, and reporting obligations for UK cryptoasset service providers.
They detail procedures for self-certification, reporting to HMRC via an electronic system, and notification to users.
Penalties are outlined for various breaches, including failure to comply with due diligence, record-keeping, reporting, and notification requirements, along with provision for appeals.
An anti-avoidance clause is included.
The Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes (Amendment) Order 2025
The Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the 2023 and 2024 Orders to clarify the calculation of vehicle emissions targets for manufacturers.
It specifies that vehicles first registered in either the UK or EU are to be included in these calculations, using the EU Regulation (EU) 2019/631 as a basis for calculation for both a UK specific and EU specific target.
The manufacturer's final target is the higher of the two calculated in this way.
The Order ensures consistency and clarity in application, supporting the UK's climate change goals while considering the implications of Brexit and retaining UK control and clarity over emission reduction targets.
The Order takes effect on 2nd October 2025 and applies across the UK.