Mutual recognition of professional qualifications

What does the Trade Agreement say?

• There is no automatic mutual recognition of professional qualifications. However, a framework is laid out allowing professional bodies to move in this direction in future.

• There is some special protection for lawyers advising on UK or public international law.

• The agreement allows for bilateral recognition between regulators/authorised bodies between the UK and another Member State, so we could see a patchwork picture emerging in future, where in some countries qualifications are recognised and cross-border supplies of services are easier to deliver.

How does this compare to what was expected?

• The UK was pushing for more ambitious mutual recognition provisions, and many in the services sector were hoping for this.

• That the EU did not concede in this area was, however, an expected outcome.
  
  
• The agreement reached is broadly in line with other Free Trade Agreements the EU has reached.
  

What are the actions for business?

• Ensure any employees currently providing cross-border services within regulated professions register to protect their rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, which in some circumstances are ‘grandfathered’.

• Monitor the requirements in each Member State with respect to regulated professions and ensure appropriate steps are taken before providing cross-border services, which may include registering with dual professional bodies, changing residence or even re-qualifying. 

To discuss specific support with your Brexit preparations based on this latest development contact: Deloitte Brexit Insights.