With only a number of weeks left for a trade deal to be negotiated, Brexit talks have resumed between the UK and EU.
As the deadline approaches with the potential impacts on Ireland looming, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has recently published information on exporting to Britain after Brexit.
AgriLand has broken down the key points of the publication.
BCPs
Most consignments of animals, animal products and products of non-animal origin from non-EU countries must come through a Border Control Post (BCP), which was previously known as a Border Inspection Post (BIP).
BCPs must know about consignments in advance and, if not, there may be an added fee or a delay in the checks. It must also be ensured that the BCP being used is designated to check the shipment’s commodity.
As an added note, animals and animal products crossing the UK land-bridge will be subject to veterinary controls at the point of re-entry into the EU.
Products of animal origin
The UK has indicated that it does not intend to impose export certification requirements for animal products for at least the first six months after leaving the EU without a deal.
However, the Department of Agriculture has warned that “business operators should be aware that this arrangement could change at any time”.
The UK authorities have indicated that they will require pre-notification notice to the Food Standards Agency but, it is not clear as of yet what the pre-notification will involve.
Plants and plant products
Ahead of the UK officially leaving the EU, registered exporters may apply for phytosanitary certification of consignments of plant and plant produce to the UK.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine requires a minimum of 14 days notice prior to export to enable inspectors to arrange an inspection and allow for any laboratory testing that may be required to be completed.