It is important to note that even with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement in place, the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December brings substantial and lasting change, as the UK is no longer part of the EU Single Market and Customs Union. This will mean new procedures apply for businesses moving goods to, from or through the UK, excluding Northern Ireland
On 11 March, the UK Government revised the timelines on which it will introduce new controls on imports from the EU. Irish businesses exporting to the UK must now maximise the available time to prepare for the introduction of these controls on 1 October 2021, 1 January 2022 and 1 March 2022.
These new UK import controls will impact on exporters of all products of animal origin, including all meat, dairy, fish and composite products incorporating products of animal origin, certain animal by-products, high risk food not of animal origin as well as regulated plants and plant products.
In addition to the necessary customs formalities, Irish exporters exporting to or through the UK, excluding Northern Ireland need to comply with a number of new UK requirements. Your UK importer will have to pre-notify the UK authorities of the goods, you will have to get the appropriate Health Certificate(s) from the Irish authorities and you will have to move the goods together with these Health Certificate(s).
It’s crucial that exporters fully understand these new UK import requirements and ensure everyone in the supply chain, including your UK importer, is clear on their roles and responsibilities and can meet them.A range of Government supports are available, including training and grants, to help your business deal with these changes. However, you will also need to engage with your UK importer and with the UK authorities.