Overview

This bill enables the UK government to implement the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a major trade agreement. It makes various legal changes to UK law to ensure compliance with the CPTPP's rules, covering areas such as procurement, geographical indications, and performers' rights.

Description

The bill modifies several existing UK laws to align with the CPTPP. Key changes include:

• Conformity Assessment Bodies: Allows regulations to ensure fair treatment of conformity assessment bodies (organizations that assess whether products meet standards) from other CPTPP countries.
• Procurement: Amends the Procurement Act 2023 to incorporate the CPTPP's rules, affecting how government contracts are awarded, particularly those partly or fully funded by international organizations. It also updates existing procurement regulations across the UK.
• Designations of Origin and Geographical Indications (GIs): Amends regulations governing protected designations of origin (like “Champagne”) and geographical indications (like “Parmesan”), clarifying conflicts with trademarks, and providing a mechanism to cancel registrations made in error.
• Performers' Rights: Updates the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to extend performers' rights to performances connected to CPTPP countries.

Government Spending

The bill's direct impact on government spending isn't explicitly stated. However, changes to procurement rules might affect the cost of government contracts and the potential for increased competition. Indirectly, increased trade resulting from the CPTPP could positively affect the UK economy and potentially reduce government spending in some areas while increasing it in others.

Groups Affected

• Businesses: UK businesses involved in international trade will be significantly impacted, particularly those exporting to or importing from CPTPP countries. Increased opportunities and competition are likely.
• Government Procurement Departments: These departments will need to adapt their processes to comply with the CPTPP's procurement rules.
• Producers of Goods with Protected Designations of Origin/Geographical Indications: These producers will need to ensure their products comply with amended regulations. The changes regarding trademark conflicts could impact their ability to register certain names.
• Performers: Performers may benefit from expanded rights and protections under the updated Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
• Consumers: Consumers may benefit from increased choice and potentially lower prices of goods imported from CPTPP countries.

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