A core element of the SEA was to create a single market within the European Community by 1992, when – it was hoped – the legislative reforms seen necessary would have been completed.
Akti keskne detail oli Euroopa Majandusühenduse sisese ühisturu loomine aastaks 1992 ehk ajaks, mil kõik vajalikuks peetud seadusandlikud reformid olid loodetavasti lõpetatud.