Minister Coveney has urged Irish agri-food exporters to prepare for a “second wave” of new Brexit-related controls.
Speaking this morning, (Monday, March 1) Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney warned the UK will introduce further checks on food and other agricultural products in a month’s time.
What’s changing?
On April 1, the UK will introduce new documentary import controls on certain categories of EU goods.
The new UK import controls will impact all products of animal origin, including all meat, dairy, fish and composite products incorporating products of animal origin, as well as regulated plants and plant products.
These changes will also impact exporters moving goods across the UK ‘landbridge’ as all transit movements must also be pre-notified and be accompanied by a transit health certificate.
In line with the EU approach to imports from the UK, the UK will no longer provide for the import from the EU of fresh meat preparations such as mincemeat and sausages, unless frozen.
‘Challenges for exporters’
Minister Coveney said: “A second wave of Brexit-related change is coming on April 1.
The first wave primarily affected our importers but this next phase will provide challenges for exporters.
“I know businesses are still trying to come to terms with earlier Brexit changes and Covid impacts but it is vital that exporters fully understand these new UK import requirements and ensure everyone in their supply chain, including the importer and logistics providers are clear on their roles and responsibilities and can meet them.
“A range of Government supports, including training and grants, are available to assist.
“However, in light of the protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, none of these new controls apply to north/south trade.”
Further changes from July 1
It’s not the last wave of changes. Exporters should also note that a further range of UK changes will kick in on July 1.
From that date, the UK will remove the facility for exporters to delay the lodgement of UK customs import declarations and to pay the applicable customs and VAT charges.
The UK will also begin to carry out physical and identity controls on certain categories of plant and animal products which must enter through designated UK Border Control Posts.