Under the Economic Integration Programme (EIP), the Regulatory Reform Pillar (RRp), led by the UK Government’s Office for Product Safety and Standards, supports ASEAN to build more predictable and transparent regulatory environments and stronger consumer product safety regimes. This helps businesses, especially MSMEs grow, innovate and trade with greater confidence.

The pillar works to streamline and modernise regulatory frameworks across ASEAN Member States, improving the efficiency of the business environment, reducing regulatory burdens, and increasing legal certainty. RRp focuses on removing outdated or excessive regulations, simplifying regulatory processes, and ensuring robust protections for workers and consumers. A strong emphasis is placed on digital solutions to modernise regulatory delivery and support sustainable growth aligned with green and circular economy objectives.

RRp supports the development of National Quality Infrastructure and promotes greater regional alignment in fast‑growing areas of standardisation, including digitalisation and sustainability, led by the British Standards Institution (BSI).

The pillar also strengthens IP protection and enforcement, with a focus on MSMEs and women‑led enterprises operating in the digital economy, led by the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO). Together, these activities contribute to higher regulatory compliance, better‑protected consumers, and a more predictable and attractive business environment across ASEAN.

Why it matters

Inconsistent standards and regulatory approaches continue to hinder business activity across ASEAN. RRp addresses these challenges by strengthening regulatory and intellectual property (IP) systems to support inclusive growth and innovation, with particular benefits for MSMEs and women entrepreneurs. By improving consumer product safety and regulatory compliance, the pillar helps consumers make safe, informed choices while enabling compliant businesses to compete on a fair and level playing field.