1. Trade Hub
  2. Public procurement: a cross-border guide

Do the procurement rules apply to all public sector contracts?

No. The EU rules do not apply below certain value thresholds and to certain very sensitive sectors and types of types of contracts.

The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) guarantees apply in the sectors specified. It is necessary to look at the very precise sectoral rules filed by the EU and UK with the World Trade Organisation as varied by the TCA to see the precise sectors included and excluded.

If your business has an important government contract in the other jurisdiction, it is important that you check the position well in advance of renewal. There are some sectors where the EU rules might have applied but the new rules will not apply.

For more information read our full cross-border guide to public procurement which has more information for businesses trading between Ireland and Northern Ireland, FAQs and key takeaways.