Political Declaration setting out the framework for the future relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom

 
 
18.
 
The Parties will retain their autonomy and the ability to regulate economic activity 
according to the levels of protection each deems appropriate in order to achieve legitimate 
public policy objectives such as public health, animal health and welfare, social services, 
public education, safety, the environment including climate change, public morals, social or 
consumer protection, privacy and data protection, and promotion and protection of cultural 
diversity. The economic partnership will recognise that sustainable development is an 
overarching objective of the Parties. The economic partnership will also provide for 
appropriate general exceptions, including in relation to security.
 
II.
 
G
OODS 
 
A. Objectives and principles
19.
 
The Parties envisage having an ambitious trading relationship on goods on the basis of a 
Free Trade Agreement, with a view to facilitating the ease of legitimate trade.
 
 
20.
 
These arrangements will take account of the fact that following the United Kingdom's 
withdrawal from the Union, the Parties will form separate markets and distinct legal 
orders. Moving goods across borders can pose risks to the integrity and proper functioning 
of these markets, which are managed through customs procedures and checks.
 
 
21.
 
However, with a view to facilitating the movement of goods across borders, the Parties 
envisage comprehensive arrangements that will create a free trade area, combining deep 
regulatory and customs cooperation, underpinned by provisions ensuring a level playing 
field for
open and fair competition, as set out in Section XIV of this Part.