The UK is now operating outside the EU Single Market and Customs Union, and we are trading with the UK (excluding Northern Ireland) as we do with other non-EU countries.
The UK Government sets its own import policy, and has revised its timelines for the introduction of new controls on imports from the EU. The next phase of these controls comes into effect from 1st October 2021. Export certificates will be required to accompany these export consignments, and pre-notification to the UK authorities will be necessary.
The UK authorities have retained EU SPS legislation that was in place on leaving the EU, and have published a Border Operating Model (BOM) reflecting this legislation. However, we are expecting a further update to the BOM. Seamless trade with Great Britain is no longer possible, and impacts such as delays, additional costs and, potentially, adjustments to supply chains, are unavoidable.
The Department has invested significantly in developing our IT systems to process documentation post-Brexit and to putting resources in place to support this work. Health certification will be provided through the Department’s existing systems - systems that have been specifically developed for Brexit - and through the EU Trade Control And Expert System (TRACES).
Ongoing consultation and communications are taking place with the industry in order to enhance its readiness. Trials are ongoing and additional trials are planned. Bilateral engagement continues at technical level between their Department and the UK’s Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in order to clarify UK import requirements so that arrangements are in place to provide the necessary certification.
