The Government’s Brexit negotiations appear to be continuing to the deadline, and while great uncertainty remains there are some knowns which can help businesses prepare. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has issued a series of bulletins to guide agri-food businesses through the UK’s departure from the EU, which is currently scheduled to take place on 31 October. Specific guidance for food and drink businesses is available on the Food and Drink GOV.UK landing page, including advice for importers and exporters of animal products, food labelling, tariffs, data protection and more.
There are also several events and webinars available:
> Brexit Business Readiness Events
The Government is arranging free Brexit Business Readiness Events across the UK where you can meet Government advisers and find out what actions to take.
The events will combine a keynote address, interactive support, advice stands and in-depth sessions led by subject matter experts. They will provide delegates with specific business-focused advice and help.
Register to attend an event at: https://registration.livegroup.co.uk/brexitbusinessreadinessevents/
> DIT Get ready for Brexit business-facing workshops
The Department for International Trade is also running a series of events to help exporters to get ready for Brexit – these will be particularly useful for businesses who are exporting to the EU.
DIT will talk about the impact to supply chains, changes to regulations and contracts, where to find tariff information, and what you might need to speak to customers and employees about. You will leave the event with a personalised action plan to prepare your business for Brexit.
See dates, locations and sign up – limited registration place available.
> HMRC Getting ready for Brexit webinars
HMRC is running a number of webinars for UK businesses involved in the movement of goods between the EU and the UK.
Find out what you need to know to keep importing and exporting by signing up for a webinar.
> Trading with the UK as an EU business after Brexit
If you’re an EU business not established in the UK, check what you’ll need to do differently to trade with the UK in a no-deal Brexit. The guidance can be found here.
> Identify livestock for export to the EU in a no-deal Brexit
The UK can continue exporting livestock to the EU in a no-deal Brexit however there is a requirement to follow some extra rules on ear tagging. Please find guidance on how to identify sheep, cattle, pigs and goats when exporting to the EU in a no-deal Brexit.
> Food exporters: Get ready for animal health regulations
Importers and exporters of animals and animal products – including meat, cheese and fish – will be subject to new requirements if the UK leaves the EU without a deal. George Eustice MP shares his thoughts here.
> How to move goods through RORO locations in a no-deal Brexit
A process flow for freight roll-on, roll-off (RORO) imports and exports between the UK and the EU for a no-deal Brexit (excluding Northern Ireland) is available here.
> Hauliers and commercial drivers will need new documents to transport goods into the EU after Brexit
GOV.UK guidance is available here summarising document requirements for the driver, vehicle, cargo and customs to transport goods into the EU after Brexit.
> EU Regulation: Smarter rules for safer food
The EU is introducing new rules to protect against animal disease and plant pests. The new Official Controls Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and Plant Health Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 will apply in EU member states from 14 December 2019. How and when the UK implements these regulations will depend on Brexit. UK exporters will need to comply with these regulations when they come into force in all Brexit scenarios. Further information on this can be found here.
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