British Chambers unite against ‘Made in Europe’ rules amid fears for UK industry
British Chambers of Commerce across Europe have launched a joint appeal to Brussels over proposed manufacturing rules that they fear could threaten British jobs and disrupt industries ranging from car production to aerospace.
Official response and confirmed impact
The intervention, backed by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), calls for British-made components to be recognised under the EU’s emerging ‘Made in Europe’ framework rather than face restrictions intended to strengthen European manufacturing.
Thirteen British Chambers representing thousands of businesses have signed the joint statement, warning that excluding UK suppliers could increase costs, create additional bureaucracy and undermine investment across Europe.
The dispute centres on the European Commission’s proposed Industrial Accelerator Act, which introduces requirements favouring European-made and low-carbon products in certain public procurement contracts and government support schemes.
Brussels says the legislation is intended to strengthen European manufacturing, accelerate the development of cleaner technologies and improve industrial competitiveness.
But the Chambers warn that restrictive rules could damage established supply chains connecting British manufacturers with their European customers, particularly in the automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical, chemical and energy industries.
The Chambers want the UK formally recognised as a trusted industrial partner, allowing British components to count towards relevant European manufacturing and procurement requirements.
