How Important are Mutual Recognition Agreements for Trade Facilitation? - Lucian Cernat

The results can become unnecessarily costly favour of upgrading the existing of the EU business surveys confirm trade barriers for the millions of EU MRAs to cover 21st century the need for a renewed attention to companies engaged in international regulatory aspects impacting trade MRAs, in particular with regard to trade. [...] role in reducing these unnecessary the positive difference MRAs have costs, without impairing the ability both on the value of exports and on 1 The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission. [...] Given the strong dependence of EU exports on the sectors covered by MRAs and the high cumulative share of our partners in total EU trade (around 30% of total EU exports), it would be important to ensure that MRAs continue to play a prominent role in our future trade policy toolbox. [...] The survey also included a number of questions about the rationale of using an MRA and the source of the trade facilitation benefits conferred to such agreements. [...] The results of the EU business surveys also indicate the need for a renewed attention to MRAs, in particular with regard to the 21st century emerging regulatory issues (e.g.