No images? Click here Dear subscriber, Happy Christmas and welcome to the latest FSAI Brexit Ezine. The UK is due to leave the European Union (EU) and we at the FSAI are here to help you prepare for Brexit by providing information on what Brexit will mean for your business. The 'Withdrawal Agreement' has been agreed by EU and UK negotiators and it sets out the arrangement for the UK's withdrawal from the EU. This agreement must be approved by both the UK Parliament and the European Parliament before it can enter into force. Once approved, a transition period will follow where the EU and UK will negotiate a new trade arrangement.
What does the transition period mean?
If the 'Withdrawal Agreement' is approved by 11pm (Irish time) on the 31 January 2020, a transition period will follow lasting until the 31 December 2020. The transition period can be extended once by a EU-UK Joint Committee, which is established under the 'Withdrawal Agreement'. This extension must be agreed before 1 July 2020. During the transition period, all EU legislation, rules and court decisions will continue to apply to the UK as if it were a Member State of the EU. The UK will continue to participate in the EU Customs Union and the Single Market. Any changes to EU legislation or rules will automatically apply to the UK. This means that there will be no immediate changes for food businesses trading with the UK, and the current requirements for buying food from or selling food to the UK will remain the same as they are now, until the transition period has ended. However, the departure of the UK from the EU poses many challenges and will result in some changes for Irish food businesses. The FSAI will keep you updated on these and how Brexit may affect your business.
So what will happen next?
There is a very busy period ahead for the EU and the UK to engage in making sure the future trade agreement provides for a relationship that works well for everyone. The Political Declaration sets out the framework for the future relationship between the EU and the UK. It outlines what both sides will be working towards during negotiations to conclude a new EU-UK agreement. In 2020, the FSAI will continue to keep you updated on any Brexit changes that will affect your food business. Visit www.fsai.ie/Brexit or email brexit@fsai.ie if you have any specific questions. Also look out for our FSAI Brexit Ezines. We wish you a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year. You can change your preferences or unsubscribe at any time using the links at the bottom of the email. |