Dear subscriber,

The FSAI continue to keep you updated on any Brexit changes that will affect your food business. The transition period gives us an opportunity to make sure that we are ready for these changes by taking steps now to prepare for 1 January 2021.

Getting ready for change

On the 9 July, the European Commission published a communication called “Getting ready for changes”.

This gives an overview of areas that will change at the end of the transition period and sets out measures that national authorities, businesses and citizens should take in order to be ready for these changes.

This Communication is about changes that will happen in any scenario. It focuses on issues not currently under negotiation in the future relationship, and avoids any prejudging of the outcome of those negotiations.

Its aim is to ensure that all stakeholders are ready and well prepared for the unavoidable disruptions caused by the UK's decision to leave the EU.

In parallel to assist stakeholders, the European Commission is reviewing and, where necessary, updating its stakeholder preparedness notices. Where applicable, the notices provide guidance on the operation of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.

What are the key messages?

Food businesses need to know the formalities and procedures for doing business with the UK as of 1 January 2021. This includes factoring in the increased administrative obligations and potentially longer timeframes involved.
Changes to the organisation of existing supply chains may be needed.
EU businesses importing goods from the UK will need to make sure that these products comply with all relevant EU legislation.
EU businesses placing goods on the UK market will need to make sure that they comply with all relevant UK rules as of 1 January 2021.
These changes will happen whether the EU and the UK agree on a new partnership by 31 Dec 2020 or not.

As of the 1 January 2021, Irish businesses that currently trade with the UK will become exporters and/or importers. The FSAI website has information on the requirements for importing and exporting food products.

Failing to take preparatory measures will increase the negative impact and cost to your operations at the end of the transition period. The FSAI will continue to work with you to make sure necessary measures are taken.

What about trade with Northern Ireland?

The Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland will apply as of the end of the transition period, alongside any agreement on a future partnership with the UK. EU rules relating to goods and the EU Custom Code will continue to apply to and in Northern Ireland. Therefore the changes outlined with respect to trade between the EU and the UK in the Commission's “Getting ready for changes” will not apply to Northern Ireland.

See Brexit and You: Northern Ireland on Gov.ie/Brexit for more information on the provisions of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Visit www.fsai.ie/Brexit or email brexit@fsai.ie if you have any specific questions.

Look out for future FSAI Brexit Ezines.

Take care and stay safe, The FSAI Brexit team

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