Trade Legislation
Laws governing international trade, customs procedures, trade agreements, and commercial relations.
This order designates Customs Site No. 7 in Liverpool as a free zone for a 10-year period, appointing John K Philips Group Limited as the responsible authority.
The order details specific conditions the responsible authority must meet, including maintaining detailed records, providing access for HMRC officers, ensuring safe working conditions, and taking measures to prevent unauthorized activities within the free zone.
The authority is subject to comprehensive reporting and inspection provisions.
Failure to meet any condition may result in revocation of the designation.
The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2025
These regulations amend existing legislation in Northern Ireland to incorporate the latest EU ecodesign requirements for energy-related products and energy labelling.
The changes, implemented under the Windsor Framework, update the lists of products and their associated regulations, ensuring compliance with EU law.
Specific products covered include tumble dryers, space heaters, and smartphones, with staggered implementation dates.
The Companies Act 2006 (Recognition of Third Country Qualifications and Practical Training) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the Companies Act 2006 to clarify the recognition of third-country audit qualifications and relax restrictions on practical training providers.
The amendments aim to improve clarity, streamline processes, promote international standards, and increase the flexibility of the regulatory framework by aligning with current best practices and the Professional Qualifications Act 2022.
Specific changes include substituting subsections within Section 1221 and Schedule 11 to enhance the criteria for qualification recognition and practical training provisions.
The Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations 2025
The Social Security (Contributions) (Amendment No. 5) Regulations 2025, effective April 28, 2025, amend the 2001 Social Security (Contributions) Regulations.
These amendments exclude payments made under the Horizon Shortfall Scheme Appeals from earnings calculations used to determine Class 1 National Insurance contributions.
The regulations were created under the authority of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 and the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992, with concurrence from the Department for Communities.
The Customs (Tariff and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025, effective April 27, 2025, amend several existing UK customs regulations.
These amendments update various documents related to the Tariff of the United Kingdom, authorized uses, and preferential trade arrangements with multiple countries.
Specific changes include updated versions of the “Authorised Use: Eligible Goods and Authorised Uses,” “Tariff of the United Kingdom,” and “Authorised Use: Eligible goods and rates” documents, and revisions to quota volumes and preferential tariff reference documents for several trade agreements.
The amendments aim to align UK customs procedures with international standards and reflect changes made by the EU.
The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025
The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025, effective September 30, 2025, amend Annex 3 of (EC) No 1223/2009 to restrict methyl salicylate in cosmetics.
The regulation sets varying maximum concentrations based on product type, ensuring safe levels according to Scientific Advisory Group advice. A transitional period until March 31, 2026, allows existing stock to be sold.
The Multinational Top-up Tax (Pillar Two Territories, Qualifying Domestic Top-up Taxes and Accredited Qualifying Domestic Top-up Taxes) Regulations 2025
The Multinational Top-up Tax Regulations 2025, effective April 21, 2025, specify territories and domestic taxes aligning with the OECD/G20 Pillar Two model rules.
These rules aim to ensure multinational corporations pay a minimum level of tax, preventing tax avoidance and promoting a fairer system.
The regulations list specific territories and taxes as ‘Pillar Two territories’ and ‘qualifying domestic top-up taxes’ effective from various dates in late 2023 and early 2024, also allowing HMRC to specify additional entities through notice publication.
The Drivers’ Hours and Tachographs (Amendment and Modification) Regulations 2025
These Regulations, effective April 21st, 2025, amend and modify EU regulations on drivers' hours and tachographs to reflect the UK's post-Brexit relationship with the EU, as per the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
Key changes include adjusting the scope of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 and amending its definition of "special regular passenger services." Furthermore, the regulations modify Regulation (EU) No 165/2014, extending the record-keeping period to 56 days and making consequential amendments to Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/403.