The European Communities (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) (Second General System) Regulations 1996

13.—(1) This Regulation applies in any case in which the practice of a profession in the United Kingdom is subject to the possession of an Attestation of Competence.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3) below, the designated authority for a profession may not, on the grounds of inadequate qualifications, refuse to authorise a migrant to practise the profession on the same conditions as those which apply to holders of the required UK Attestation of Competence—

(a) if the migrant holds at least the Attestation of Competence required in another relevant State for the practice of the same profession, or

(b) if the applicant provides proof of other qualifications obtained in other relevant States.

(3) The designated authority shall be entitled to satisfy itself that the Attestation of Competence or, as the case may be, other qualifications presented by the migrant are the equivalent of the UK Attestation of Competence in terms of the guarantees (in particular in the matter of health, safety, environmental protection and consumer protection) required of those practising the profession in the United Kingdom by laws, regulations or administrative provisions.

(4) In any case in which the designated authority cannot reasonably satisfy itself in the terms of paragraph (3) as to the equivalence of the Attestation of Competence presented by the migrant, the migrant shall be required to comply with such domestic requirements for authorisation as have been laid down for the practice of the profession.