Market Access Policy Simulator (MAPS)

Guide

The Market Access Policy Simulator (MAPS) tool gives businesses who are exporting or importing services from the Republic of Ireland information about the potential regulatory barriers they may experience following the UK’s exit from the EU.

The online tool covers 17 services sectors and provides examples of the types of regulations that businesses could face when trading services between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The tool highlights three potential trading scenarios:

  • Baseline scenario - this covers the current transition period where trade remains effectively governed by the EU’s Single Market rules.
  • Free Trade Agreement scenario - is based on the rules and regulations that could apply to services trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the event of the UK signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU similar to that which has previously been agreed between the EU and Canada.
  • Final scenario - is based on the World Trade Organization (WTO)  rules which would govern services trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the event the UK and EU do not agree a free trade agreement before the end of the transition period.

The tool provides you with ‘Ad Valorem Equivalents’ (AVEs), which indicate the cost of doing business as a result of complying with regulations. They are not tariffs levied on exported services. 

The tool takes account of the reciprocal rights and privileges enjoyed by UK and Irish citizens as a result of the Common Travel Area.

You can read more about the UK and Ireland Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Common Travel Area (PDF, 90K).

Complete the Market Access Policy Simulator (MAPS) tool

Please note:

  • This tool does not cover every restriction that businesses may face following the UK’s exit from the EU and the end of the transition period.
  • It does not cover and address the circumstances of each individual business and is not legal advice.
  • If you have any queries about the laws and regulations and how they apply to your business, you should seek appropriate independent advice.

Further information

For further information about the tool email  tradableservices@economy-ni.gov.uk.

To read about the tool methodology and background - see  EU Exit and Impacts on Northern Ireland’s Services Trade.
 

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